The Pantry shares rose 3 percent on Tuesday as the Cary convenience store chain reported third-quarter earnings that beat Wall Street estimates.

The company reported net income of $14.8 million, or 65 cents per share, compared with $19 million, or 84 cents per share during the third quarter of 2011. The consensus among Wall Street analysts who cover the company was earnings per share of 57 cents.

The Pantry has more than 1,500 stores throughout the Southeast, primarily under the Kangaroo Express brand.

Comparable store merchandise sales at those stores increased 3.6 percent. Gasoline revenues continue to lag. Fuel gross profit was $67.1 million in the quarter, compared with $80.1 million a year ago.

The Pantry has sold 57 stores this fiscal year, and CEO Dennis Hatchell said on a conference call with analysts that the company would continue to divest itself of stores that don’t fit its criteria for future investment. The Pantry ended the quarter with 1,592 stores, and expects to have about 1,575 by the end of the year.

“While pleased with these results, we are focused on improving them over time by implementing our strategic initiatives, such as our store remodel, foodservice and lifestyle merchandising programs,” Hatchell said in a statement.

The Pantry’s stock closed up 38 cents at $14.97 on Tuesday. The shares are up 25 percent this year.

The Pantry released preliminary third quarter financial results Wednesday that were slightly above the company's own guidance for the quarter.

Comparable store merchandise sales were up 3.6 percent while total merchandise sales were $476 million. The Cary convenience store chain expects income from operations of between $40 million and $45 million.

The Pantry has more than 1,600 stores throughout the Southeast, primarily under the Kangaroo Express brand.

The company reported a wider net loss in the second quarter as the convenience store chain was hurt by higher gasoline prices.

Last week, The Pantry said that it is was seeking to refinance more than $700 million in debt.

The Pantry shares opened trading Wednesday at $15.29. The stock is up 28 percent this year. 

If you invested in a Kangaroo Cup this summer for unlimited 25-cent sodas and slushies, be sure to stop in on Wednesday.

You can refill your "Roo Cup" for FREE on the Fourth of July.

The Pantry announced Friday that its chief financial officer, Mark Bierley, is resigning effective May 25.

Bierley has accepted a position near his home in Michigan, the company said. The position wasn't disclosed.

Berry Epley, the company's corporate controller, will handle Bierley's responsibilities while The Pantry searches for a permanent replacement.

In February, the Cary-based convenience store chain named Dennis G. Hatchell as its new president and CEO. He began his job on March 5.

Hatchell replaced Terrance Marks, who resigned in October to become the CEO of the Hooters restaurant chain.

Hatchell was previously vice chairman of Alex Lee, a North Carolina-based holding company for Lowe's Food Stores, Merchants Distributors and Institution Food House.

The Pantry has more than 1,600 stores throughout the Southeast, primarily under the Kangaroo Express brand.

If you're looking to score some discounted Carolina Hurricanes tickets, Kangaroo Express convenience stores are offering up deals on weekend games.

Here's how it works:

Thanks to everyone who entered to win a Kangaroo Express coffee mug and free coffee coupon.

The winner is sdkordys. Please send me your address via email so I can get the mug and coupon mailed out to you as soon as possible.

And be on the look-out for my next giveaway coming up next week.

It wouldn't be Friday without a few freebies. So here we go:

Pay attention, coffee lovers!

In honor of National Coffee Day, which is today, I'm giving away a Kangaroo Express coffee mug, along with a coupon for your first cup of coffee.

Leave me a comment on this post by noon Friday and consider yourself entered to win. I'll pick one winner at random and ship you the mug and coupon.

If you were lucky enough to score one of those Kangaroo Express refillable drink cups this summer, the free refills are about to run dry.

One week from today, on Sept. 5, the all-you-can drink promotion ends.

But don't throw that cup away just yet.

From Sept. 6 through Oct. 1, you can fill those promo cups with slushies or soda or 50 cents.

It isn't free, but still a pretty sweet deal.

Every Tuesday is Kids' Night at Subway restaurants operated by Kangaroo Express, which means kids eat for a buck when you buy a foot-long sub for yourself.

The deal is good from 4 p.m. to close for kids 12 and under.

According to the Kangaroo Express Facebook page, some locations will also have family-friendly activities and coupons available.

There are four Subways operated by Kangaroo Express here in the Triangle:

4402 Ten Ten Road, Apex

3505 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary

1900 Highway 70 E., Garner

674 Chicken Foot Road, Hope Mills