UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 22, 2004

THE PANTRY, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

Delaware	33-72574	56-1574463
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

1801 Douglas Drive, Sanford, North Carolina	27330-1410
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (919) 774-6700

N/A

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Item 5. Other Events and Required FD Disclosure.

On March 22, 2004, The Pantry, Inc. issued a press release announcing that it completed the redemption of all of its outstanding $200 million principal amount of 10 ¹/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007. The press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(c) Exhibits

Exhibit No.	Description
99.1	Press Release, dated March 22, 2004.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

	THE PANTRY, INC.
Date: March 22, 2004	/s/ Daniel J. Kelly
	Daniel J. Kelly
	Vice President – Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.	Description
99.1	Press Release, dated March 22, 2004.