CARY, N.C. -- At his first annual meeting as The Pantry's chairman and CEO, Terry Marks said his management team is "laserlike focused" on improving the food in its convenience stores. The Pantry, which operates more than 1,600 stores throughout the Southeast, has been planning to test new on-the-go food options. The options will be introduced chainwide this year, said The News & Observer.

Concerning foodservice, Marks recently told CSP Daily News, "Overall, it's fair to say that many of our stores could use a refresh; however, we believe a refresh is not enough. Our convenient locations present us the unique opportunity to meet the needs of our increasingly time-starved customers by developing more comprehensive, on-the-go meal solutions focused on specific occasions, such as breakfast, lunch and snacks."

ORLANDO, Fla. -- 7-Eleven Inc. has debuted one new franchisee and has five more locations planned in Central Florida this year as part of its effort to open or convert more than 40 local stores into its brand by 2012, reported The Orlando Business Journal. The company recently announced expansion plans for the Orlando area that include 44 new stores over the next three years: 13 stores in 2010, 15 stores in 2011 and 16 in 2012.

The company began franchising its previously company-owned stores in late 2007 in the Miami area and franchising other parts of Florida the following May.

NEW YORK -- A "new frugality" is now becoming entrenched consumer behavior that is reshaping consumption patterns in ways that will persist even as the economy rebounds, according to a new survey from Booz & Co. It confirms a picture of pervasive retrenchment in consumer spending that spans a broad range of product categories.

Another study found the shift to private-label products has accelerated and shows no signs of slowing down, and private labels are likely to continue to take share from brands. The move to lower price points is not universal, however. Shoppers are opting for lower-priced brands in apparel, household products and food. But they are less inclined to "trade down" when purchasing alcoholic beverages, tobacco and health and beauty products.