HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Good news: Houstonians will soon be able to satisfy their Slurpee cravings.7-Eleven will return to the Bayou City after the Irving-based company purchases 1,108 stores nationwide from rival Sunoco, reports the Houston Business Journal According to its website, Sunoco operates 17 stores in the greater Houston area. It's not yet clear if all of those stores are included in the sale to 7-Eleven."This acquisition supports our growth strategy in key geographic areas including Florida, mid-Atlantic states, northeast states, and central Texas," Joe DePinto, president and CEO of 7-Eleven Inc., said in a statement. "It also provides 7-Eleven entry into Houston, the 4th largest city in the United States, and a strong presence in Corpus Christi and across south Texas."The announcement comes after Sunoco announced its intention to leave the retail business to focus on its fuel business.