We love us some Slurpees.

And those Big Bites? They've kept us going many a late, deadline-driven night. 

So, when we heard that 7-Eleven franchise owners were in town today -- angry about "swipe fees" -- we had to get the scoop.

"Last year, I paid $11,000 in swipe fees alone," said Brett Creekmore, a 7-Eleven franchise owner from Chesapeake, Va.

(Business owners pay approximately $2 out of every $100 in swipe fees.)

"That's money I could use to hire another worker or offer better salaries. Last year, along with other 7-Eleven franchisees, we delivered millions of petitions, made thousands of phone calls, and sent numerous emails and letters asking for commonsense swipe fee reform. We thought they heard us."

These extra costs, the convenience store owners said, are putting approximately 5,000 7-Eleven stores in financial jeopardy.

Which is consequently raising the price of our favorite thirst quencher: the sugar-free Crystal Light Strawberry Banana Slurpee.

#BigGulp

Did You Know? ... 7-Eleven started out as an ice house in Dallas, Tx., back in 1927. Today, it is the world's largest chain of convenience stores -- named one of the Top 100 Military-Friendly Employers.