STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A 7‑Eleven convenience store is slated to rise on the long‑vacant corner of Forest Avenue and Sharon Avenue in West Brighton, with an anticipated opening in 2027. The store will occupy 386 Forest Avenue, a one-time Capital One branch and, before that, a dry cleaners. A company spokeswoman confirmed the project is moving forward.
The Irving, Texas‑based chain, known worldwide for Slurpees, Big Gulps, and grab‑and‑go staples, operates roughly 85,000 stores across more than 20 countries.
Local historian and West Brighton native Phil Straniere recalls earlier uses of the corner, including a doctor’s office run by Dr. Mazur, a pediatrician with HIP, before the property changed hands. Straniere noted that real estate broker Emil Gourian later bought the parcel, demolished the original structure, and built a new office.
A 1980 Advance report noted that the corner also figured in a state investigation into Emil Gourian, who was then operating Richmond Realty Services at the site. The Department of State found him guilty of improperly withholding portions of home‑buyer deposits, revoked his license, and ordered restitution. Three of the four affected couples were ultimately located after the Advance reported on the case.
Today, the vacant one‑story retail building sits on a 10,000-square-foot lot comprising a 3,165-square-foot structure and a 6,835-square-foot parking area. The site is zoned R3X with C1‑2 and HS overlays.
Founded in 1927 as the Southland Ice Company, 7-Eleven is headquartered in Irving, Texas. It operates as a subsidiary of Seven‑Eleven Japan under the Seven & I Holdings conglomerate. Most U.S. stores are franchised.