The Pantry Rolls Out Fresh Initiative

The Pantry Inc. recently unveiled its Fresh Initiative in Raleigh N.C., offering customers a new coffee program and new fresh food options in a fast, friendly and clean store environment.

Residents in the company's headquarters of Cary, N.C., will be the first to sample the chain's new Bean Street Coffee and a broader assortment of pastries, warm breakfast sandwiches and fresh fruit. The stores will offer a variety of fresh sandwiches and salads for on-the-go lunch and dinner occasions.

Store renovations in select locations will enhance the shopping experience, the company said. The chain will convert 46 Kangaroo Express locations in the Raleigh market with the goal of expanding the Fresh Initiative to 60 stores in Charlotte, N.C., by December.

"The Fresh Initiative reflects the transformation taking place at The Pantry," said The Pantry's President and CEO Terrance M. Marks. "The Triangle region is our own backyard and the ideal market to pilot this initiative. Our goal is to impress our customers with the quality and value Kangaroo Express delivers in coffee, fresh food and customer service."

The Pantry is replacing the glass pot system with new dispensers to preserve the freshness of its coffee. The spacious serving stations will have upgraded cups, lids and other coffee accessories.

The operator is enhancing associate training to ensure customers always receive a great tasting cup of coffee, the chain said in a statement. A hospitality-certified associate in each store will provide fast, friendly service, maintain the cleanliness of the coffee bar and help customers get in and out quickly.

"Coffee is typically the first foodservice product that customers try in a store," Marks noted. "Our new high-quality coffee is a key part of our Fresh Initiative designed to attract more people to our stores."

The Pantry Inc. operates 1,642 stores in 11 states under a number of banners, primarily Kangaroo Express.