Dallas-based 7-Eleven Inc.’s plans to expand in Central Florida already are underway with one new franchisee open in DeLand, Fla., and five more Florida stores in the works for 2010. The chain aims to open or convert 45 local stores by 2012, the Orlando Business Journal reported.

The first of the five are opening soon. The chain had two existing independent convenience store owners sign deals in January and February to convert their stores into 7-Eleven, as part of its business conversion program. The first is a Gas Way fuel and c-store, slated for conversion in time for an April opening, and the second is a Hess Express fuel and c-store, expected to be converted and open in June.

For new stores, the chain requires about $250,000-$280,000 per store for equipment and inventory, and the operator/franchisee is required to invest an average of about $30,000-$60,000 in fees along with putting additional money into construction or improvement, if needed, Dan Porter, vice president of real estate for 7-Eleven told the Orlando Business Journal.

Bobby Palta and Michael Battey of real estate brokerage firm CB Richard Ellis in Orlando are the exclusive agents for 7-Eleven development in Central Florida. The chain has about 157 existing stores in the Orlando metropolitan statistical area and a total of 228 when including Volusia and Brevard counties.