The Pantry

For the Los Angeles restaurant see Original Pantry Cafe

The Pantry, Inc. (NASDAQ: PTRY) is a convenience store chain based in Cary, North Carolina. The Pantry was founded in 1967 by Sam Wornom and Truby Proctor, Jr. The company has been publicly traded since June 1999 and owned by investors since 1987 when then investor Montrose Capital purchased controlling shares from founders Wormon and Proctor. Current chief officers include Edwin J Holman, Chairman and Terrance M Marks, President and CEO. Marks replaced long time former CEO Peter Sodini whom held office since 1996.

Kangaroo Express in South Hill, Virginia.

It is the leading independently-operated convenience store chain in the southeastern United States. The Pantry expanded rapidly during the late 1980s into the 2000s through various acquisitions. In 2008, it was announced that all Pantry stores would be rebranded under its primary operating banner, Kangaroo Express. As of November 1, 2010, the Company operated close to 1,700 stores in thirteen states.

The Kangaroo Express chain offers its own brand of coffee called Bean Street Coffee Company, its own private label on select merchandise known as Celeste, and various promotions. The promotions include "Freeze the Swamp" in Florida, "The Battle for Bean Street" in North Carolina's Triangle Area stores, and "Roo for the Road" value combos across the chain.

In 2009, new CEO Terrance M Marks announced all stores will expand its food service offerings to include fresh fruits, improved sandwiches, and better merchandise. Select stores offer fast food outlets such as Subway and Taco Bell.

In 2010 Program FRESH was announced to improve the Bean Street Coffee Service, revamp nearly all Kangaroo Express stores, and add more appealing on-the-go meals and snacks. FRESH is planned to hit all stores by end of 2012.

Acquisitions

• 1997 - Lil’ Champ, of Jacksonville, Florida, from Docks de France
• 1998 - Quick Stop, of Fayetteville, North Carolina
• 1999 - Etna, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, from Taylor Oil
• 1999 - Handy Way Stores, of Crescent City, Florida, from Miller Enterprises
• 2000 - Kangaroo, from Kangaroo Inc.
• 2000 - On-the-Way Foods, from McKnight Oil
• 2003 - Golden Gallon, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, from Ahold USA
• 2005 - D & D Oil Co., of Rome, Georgia, operating as Cowboys
• 2007 - Petro Express, of Charlotte, North Carolina

References

External links

• Official website