SANFORD, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 11, 2004--The Pantry, Inc. (NASDAQ: PTRY), the leading independent convenience store operator in the southeastern U.S., today announced that it will release financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended September 30, 2004 before the market opens on November 18, 2004.

The Company will host a conference call later that morning at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The conference call will be broadcast live over the Internet and will be accessible at www.thepantry.com or www.companyboardroom.com. A replay will be available at these sites until November 25, 2004.

Headquartered in Sanford, North Carolina, The Pantry, Inc. is the leading convenience store operator in the southeastern United States and one of the largest independently operated convenience store chains in the country. As of September 30, 2004, the Company operated 1,361 stores in ten states under a number of banners including Kangaroo Express(SM), The Pantry(R), Golden Gallon(R), and Lil Champ Food Store(R). These stores offer a broad selection of merchandise, as well as gasoline and other ancillary services designed to appeal to the convenience needs of its customers. For more information, visit the "Investors" section of the Company's Web site at www.thepantry.com.

    CONTACT: The Pantry, Inc.
             Dan Kelly, 919-774-6700

    SOURCE: The Pantry, Inc.