What took so long?

Today's NYT has a story and an op-ed (by one of David Letterman's talented writers) about the new 7-11 that opened last week on Manhattan's E. 23rd and Park Ave. The article says that thousands of free sandwiches and slurpees were given away during its grand opening celebration. The question is why did it take so long for the national chain to penetrate the greatest city in the world? One can only hope they spread around Manhattan so that more people will avail themselves of the free slurpee next July 11th.