Business & Tech
Former NFL Quarterback Takes Over 7-Eleven In Basking Ridge
Former Miami Dolphins free agent quarterback Mark Casale has taken over the 7-Eleven in Basking Ridge and given it a new and refreshed look.
BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Former Miami Dolphins free agent quarterback Mark Casale has taken over the 7-Eleven in Basking Ridge and given it a new and refreshed look.
Casale officially took ownership of the convenience store at 545 Martinsville Road in Basking Ridge on Nov. 7.
"We closed on 11-7 for our 7-11 location," Casale said. "It was coincidental but pretty cool."
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Casale is a Union native and ended up moving to Florida after he was drafted in the National Football League. Casale was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1984, but was waived before he played. He went onto play for three years on the Canadian Football League before being signed in 1987 by the Miami Dolphins as a free agent quarterback. Unfortunately he injured his knee and was waived.
Living in Florida, Casale then met his fiance who lived in New Jersey. He decided to move back to New Jersey to be near her. The couple plans to wed in December.
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While in New Jersey, Casale looked into franchise opportunities and came across 7-Eleven and the Basking Ridge location, which is a very busy spot as it is right off of Interstate-78.
"We cleaned it up and renovated the interior to give it a good feel," Casale said.
Casale hired some new staff, renovated the bathrooms, added new subway tile and modern brown wood wall features, new coffee pots and more.
The renovations are still continuing as Casale would like to add rocking chairs in the front to offer patrons a place to sit and enjoy their coffee and give it a "Cracker Barrel feel."
Casale enjoys being at the store to chat with customers and is looking forward to offering more to the community. He mentioned possibly offering celebrity appearances and autograph signings in the future.
"I look forward to having people come in and see what we have done," Casale said.
A grand reopening celebration is being planned for January 2020.
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