NEW YORK — Drug-store chain Duane Reade here said yesterday it is encouraged by a new test of fresh foods in some remodeled stores.
The company recently began offering fresh sandwiches and salads in a small reach-in island case in at least two stores, both at New York's Penn Station. The case contains about 20-30 varieties of sandwiches from local makers Bimmy's and Eli Zabar, along with pre-packaged salads from Ready-Pac and other convenience food items, including drinks and yogurt.
"We have added a very simple fresh-food case — daily fresh delivered sandwiches and salads — and those have sold out for the last three days consistently," said John Lederer, chairman and chief executive officer, in a conference call discussing year-end results. Lederer is the former president of Canadian chain Loblaw.
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