10 Best Convenience Store Chains In America

Convenience stores started out providing the basics like milk and eggs from local farms. Over time, they grew into larger storefronts as more consumers drove cars and didn't want to go to the grocery store to buy a few items.

If you need a gallon of milk or want a quick snack, you don't have to drive far. Chain stores have lots of food, especially ready-to-eat items like hot dogs and ice cream. Most of these stores also sell gasoline and many offer other services too like movie rentals, ATMs and FedEx shipping.

Click here for the 10 Best Convenience Store Chains in America (Slideshow)

Sweltering on a hot day? Pick up a Slurpee at 7-Eleven.

Want to play the lotto? Buy a ticket at your local Thorntons.

Craving frozen yogurt? Stop by RaceTrac.

Who knew all these little purchases could add up to such big business? Seven of the 10 stores on our list of the Best Convenience Store Chains in America also made Forbes Magazine's list of America's largest private companies. These billion-dollar convenience stores make their money by making our lives easier.

Read on for a little company history, some staggering revenue figures and insight into what foods and services keep America's convenience stores running, often 24 hours day, every day of the year.