Kangaroo Express Encourages Fans to 'ROOserve' a RooCup

CARY, N.C. -- Kangaroo Express is gearing up for its summer RooCup promotion by allowing customers to pre-register, or "ROOserve," their refillable cups now.

For the third summer, the Cary, N.C.-based convenience store chain, part of The Pantry Inc.'s portfolio, will allow customers to buy a collectible RooCup to refill with any fountain or frozen beverage for only 25 cents. The 2013 RooCup retails for $6.99, plus tax, and can be refilled from May 1 through Labor Day at any of the more than 1,570 Kangaroo Express locations throughout the Southeast.

Beginning today, Kangaroo Express customers can reserve their 2013 RooCup on the Kangaroo Express Facebook page, and unlock an additional week of RooCup refills and summer fun. Those who make a reservation will be e-mailed a certificate that will allow them to make an in-store purchase of a RooCup starting April 24 at noon, one week before the RooCup's release to the public on May 1, according to the company.

Last summer, almost 25,000 RooCup super fans reserved their RooCup.

"With millions of drink refills last year, the RooCup continues to be a thirst-quenching deal that is part of our guests' daily lives," said Joe Venezia, senior vice president of operations, Kangaroo Express. "The RooCup has grown from a cup our guests refill to enjoy their favorite drinks at a low price, to a cup connected with memories of summer, friends and road trips. This summer, Kangaroo Express is making it easier for fans to find the nearest refill station and to add their own personal flair by customizing their RooCup -- and their summer RooCup experience."

The RooCup promo is also spreading on social media. Fans can share their RooCup designs and summer RooCup experiences on Twitter and Instagram via #RooCup. Those that do will have the chance to be featured on www.RooCup.com and the Kangaroo Express Facebook page as a "#RooCup of the Week."

Kangaroo Express is also seeking Roo fans to share their summer RooCup experience as part of the RooCup Street Team. Ultimate RooCup fans can sign up for the Street Team when pre-registering to "ROOserve" their RooCup. Street Team members will have five chances to win 200 free RooCup refills throughout the summer. The member who builds the most RooCup excitement in his or her hometown will win a $500 Kangaroo Express gift card and earn the title of the "Ultimate RooCup Fanatic."

Customization options and additions to the summer RooCup, including decal kits and colored straws, will also be released May 1.

Also new this summer is a Kangaroo Express smartphone application (app), allowing guests to find the closest store to refill their RooCup along their travels. Guests that download the app, free at the iPhone, Android and BlackBerry app stores, will unlock more than $30 in savings with the "Passport to Savings," including free refills and coupons for a RooCup refill and snack for just $1.

Fans can also join the RooCup Club again this year by texting "ROOCUP" to "THEROO" ("843766") to receive text messaging deals, such as free refill days. Additional in-store deals on candy, snacks and more will keep the savings flowing all summer long, noted the company.