Kangaroo Express, the leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern United States, operated by The Pantry, Inc. (Nasdaq: PTRY), today announced its ROO Cup, a collectible cup refillable with any fountain and frozen beverage for only 25 cents, received the 2014 Convenience Store News Foodservice Innovators Awards “Best Foodservice Limited-Time Offer/Promotion.”

Convenience Store News is the convenience industry’s leading publication, delivering insight, analysis, market research and business intelligence that helps convenience store retailers stay ahead of what’s next. Presented by Tyson Foods, the Convenience Store News Foodservice Innovators Awards recognize convenience retail leaders who are raising the bar on quality, service and innovation in the fast-growing foodservice product category for convenience stores. Winners were chosen by the outlet’s 18-member “How-To-Do World-Class Foodservice” How-To Crew, made up of experts from the retailer, supplier, research and consulting fields.

“From innovation in menu development to creative money-making promotions, this year’s Foodservice Innovators Award winners showed why they are helping to revolutionize consumers’ perception about convenience store foodservice offerings,” said Don Longo, editorial director, Convenience Store News. “In its fourth year, the ROO Cup continues to be a fan favorite of Kangaroo Express customers. It’s clear this retailer understands, listens and responds to its customer base.”

The 2014 ROO Cup retailed for $6.99 plus tax and could be refilled with any fountain or frozen beverage for 25 cents from May 1 through Sept. 30 at all 1,500-plus Kangaroo Express locations throughout the Southeast.

In April, Kangaroo Express gave ROO Cup fans the chance to pre-register and reserve, or rather "ROOserve," their refillable cups on Facebook or the Kangaroo Express mobile app. This enabled them to start using their cups one week before the general public.

“The ROO Cup continues to capture the hearts of thirsty guests each summer, inviting them in to enjoy 25-cent drink refills with friends and family,” said Gordon Schmidt, senior vice president of operations, Kangaroo Express. “It is an honor for the ROO Cup to be recognized by Convenience Store News as a leading foodservice promotion in the industry.”

Popular ROO Cup customization options returned this year, such as colored straws, giving guests options to personalize their ROO Cup along with additional opportunities to save. During “Straw Days,” fans with a specific color straw could redeem a free ROO Cup refill. Kangaroo Express also offered a free ROO Cup refill with the purchase of a grill item at grill-ready stores and snacks in a ROO Cup display for 75 cents.

ROO Cup enthusiasts were also encouraged to share their summer ROO Cup experiences through social media using the hashtag #ROOCup. Additionally, fans could participate in ROO Cup social media contests that will be held each month to give ROO Cup enthusiasts the opportunity to win prizes and be featured on ROOCup.com.