Convenience Stores

Houston - Concerned Pantry Shareholders (CPS), a group led by JCP Investment Management LLC and Lone Star Value Management LLC, together a significant shareholder of The Pantry Inc. has sent an open letter to the shareholders of The Pantry. The letter highlights what CPS terms the prolonged underperformance at The Pantry and the critical need for significant change in the company's board of directors.

Austin, Texas — CBRE has announced three more Austin-area locations for local fast casual restaurant VERTS, bringing its store count to 10. In 2014, VERTS plans to open 13 new locations, including expansions into Dallas and Houston.

The newest locations are in North Austin. Locations in Round Rock and Cedar Park will open in the next two months.

Seattle – Starbucks is expanding its Evolution Fresh cold-pressed juice to more than 360 corporate stores in the Chicago and greater Midwest areas. This brings the total number of Starbucks locations and grocery stores offering Evolution Fresh products to more than 9,000 across the U.S.

Chicago — Two new Whole Foods Market grocery stores will be coming to Shops on Main and Hinsdale Lake Commons, according to Regency Centers, the owner of both centers.

Mexico City – Wal-Mart de Mexico reportedly plans to increase business investment 7% during fiscal 2014 as it shifts focus from opening new stores to remodeling existing stores. According to Reuters, Wal-Mart de Mexico will spend about $1.1 billion in fiscal 2014, while increasing total floor space by about 5%.

Kroger has promoted Dennis Gibson to president of the QFC division. He succeeds Joe Fey, who was named president of Kroger's Mid-Atlantic division in January.

Gibson has been serving as VP merchandising in Kroger's Columbus division.

Oscar Mayer is launching the P3 Portable Protein Pack, which the company designed for active consumers who are looking for a snack to help get them through the day.

The company says the new protein packs are positioned to become a major item in the protein-snacking category, which has enjoyed growth thanks to consumer desires for protein-filled snacks like Greek yogurt and protein bars. The on-the-go packs are made of three brands: Oscar Mayer Selects Meats, Kraft Natural Cheeses and Planters Nuts.