SANFORD, N.C. -- Moody's Investors Service has downgraded The Pantry's credit rating, saying the c-store and fuel retailer could falter given the economic downturn and volatility in gasoline profits. The corporate credit rating for The Pantry is now B2, which is five levels below investment-grade debt.

DALLAS -- 7-Eleven, as reported last week by GlobeSt.com, is accelerating its plan to grow its number of c-stores in North Texas by targeting existing independent stores and rebranding them. Its goal is to add 20 Dallas-Fort Worth area stores by yearend, and another 35 stores next year, said 7-Eleven's James Massey. During the next 18 months, the company expects half of its new stores to come from conversions.

WALL, N.J. -- The price of oil recorded its biggest weekly drop ever, and a gallon of gas finally pulled back from its record high. So AP asked, is it time to declare the energy bubble popped? Experts will not go that far just yet. "It's too early to say we've seen the worst of it," said Tom Kloza of the Oil Price Information Service. "We would be Pollyannish if we believe one week represents a trend."