Mar 30, 2005 9:56 AM, from staff and wire reports

With the opening of a Combined Distribution Center (CDC) in Seattle WA, 7-Eleven Inc has begun daily delivery of fresh-prepared foods to the Pacific Northwest region. By partnering with multiple food companies, the convenience retailer will be able to offer fresh-made-daily and delivered-fresh-daily pastries, gourmet sandwiches, wraps, entrees, as well as other perishable and ready-to-eat foods. The new CDC is in Auburn, a suburb of Seattle.

Throughout the greater Puget Sound and Portland OR areas, 348 stores will introduce a variety of Big Eats Deli prepared foods. Besides these proprietary fresh foods, the CDC allows 7-Eleven to add to its selection of other perishable items like dairy, fresh, 100-percent juices, entrees, and produce.

To meet the challenge, 7-Eleven has upgraded its infrastructure, from new store displays to a proprietary network of a bakery, commissary, and distribution center with a 22-truck fleet. A store can place an order and have the items prepared fresh and placed on store shelves, all in less than 24 hours.