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The empty shelves and abandoned equipment of a closed 7-Eleven store in Oildale symbolize the broader economic shifts impacting the Bakersfield neighborhood.Bakersfield Today
The 7-Eleven on the corner of North Chester Avenue and East Roberts Lane in Bakersfield’s Oildale neighborhood has closed, continuing a trend of major chain businesses shutting down in the area. Other recent closures include Wendy’s, Del Taco, Rite Aid, and Chase Bank, while local shops like the 40-year-old Oildale Glass remain open. The Hispanic population in Oildale has grown in recent years, and some residents see the 7-Eleven closure as an opportunity for new businesses to move in and revitalize the community.
Why it matters
The closure of multiple chain businesses in Oildale reflects broader economic and demographic shifts happening in the Bakersfield neighborhood. As larger corporations pull out, it opens the door for new locally-owned enterprises to potentially fill those vacant spaces and cater to the changing population.
The details
The 7-Eleven on North Chester Avenue and East Roberts Lane has shuttered, leaving behind empty cooler shelves, loose wiring, and a lone slushie machine. This follows the recent closures of other major chains in Oildale, including Wendy’s, Del Taco, Rite Aid, and Chase Bank. While some long-standing local businesses like Oildale Glass remain, the neighborhood has seen an influx of Hispanic residents in recent years, leading some to believe the 7-Eleven closure could allow for new types of businesses to move in and better serve the changing community.
The 7-Eleven closed in April 2026.
The players
Jodi Martin
The owner of Oildale Glass, a 40-year-old local shop that has weathered the changes in the neighborhood.
Scot Logan
A 24-year resident of Oildale who believes the 7-Eleven closure could be an opportunity to bring in new, community-focused businesses.
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What they’re saying
“A lot of businesses shutting down, most of them due to probably age.”
— Jodi Martin, Owner, Oildale Glass
“We can change that 7-Eleven to who knows? Like a little stop hub for like, Tesla vehicles to charge up. We could have it to be a center for DoorDashers or something. I feel like it’ll be for the best.”
— Scot Logan, Oildale Resident
The takeaway
The closure of the 7-Eleven in Oildale is the latest sign of changing economic and demographic tides in the Bakersfield neighborhood. As larger chain businesses depart, it opens up opportunities for new, locally-focused enterprises to potentially fill those vacant spaces and better serve the community’s evolving needs and population.