PANTRY INC
8-K/A, 1999-06-04
CONVENIENCE STORES
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                   FORM 8-K/A
                                (Amendment No. 2)

                CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                       THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

         Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 2, 1998

                                THE PANTRY, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

       Delaware                      33-72574             56-1574463
(State or other jurisdiction    (Commission File No.)     (I.R.S. Employer
   of incorporation)                                      Identification Number)



        1801 Douglas Drive, P.O. Box 1410, Sanford, North Carolina 27330
                    (Address of principal executive offices)


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


                                      N/A
         (Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

================================================================================
<PAGE>


Item 7(c) is being amended to replace Exhibits 2.1 and 2.3 to reflect an order
of the Securities and Exchange Commission granting confidential treatment of
selected portions of exhibits 2.1 and 2.3. Items 7(a) and 7(b) remain the same.

ITEM 7.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.

           (c) EXHIBITS.

               Exhibit No.    Description of Exhibit
               -----------    ----------------------

               2.1            Asset Purchase Agreement dated June 5, 1998
                              between Quick Stop and the Company (asterisks
                              located within the exhibit denote information
                              which has been deleted pursuant to an order of
                              the Securities and Exchange Commission granting
                              confidential treatment)

               2.2*           List of Exhibits and Schedules omitted from the
                              Asset Purchase Agreement referenced in Exhibit 2.1
                              hereof

               2.3            Asset Purchase Agreement dated July 6, 1998
                              between Stallings and the Company (asterisks
                              located within the exhibit denote information
                              which has been deleted pursuant to an order of
                              the Securities and Exchange Commission granting
                              confidential treatment)

               2.4*           List of Exhibits and Schedules omitted from the
                              Asset Purchase Agreement referenced in Exhibit 2.3
                              hereof

_________
* Previously filed.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>



                                   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.

     Date:     June 4, 1999

                                THE PANTRY, INC.


                                By:  /s/ William T. Flyg
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                     William T. Flyg
                                     Senior Vice President Finance and Secretary



                                      -3-
<PAGE>




                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.         Description of Exhibit
- -----------         ----------------------

2.1                 Asset Purchase Agreement dated June 5, 1998 between Quick
                    Stop and the Company (asterisks located within the exhibit
                    denote information which has been deleted pursuant to an
                    order of the Securities and Exchange Commission granting
                    confidential treatment)


2.2*                List of Exhibits and Schedules omitted from the Asset
                    Purchase Agreement referenced in Exhibit 2.1 hereof


2.3                 Asset Purchase Agreement dated July 6, 1998 between
                    Stallings and the Company (asterisks located within the
                    exhibit denote information which has been deleted pursuant
                    to an order of the Securities and Exchange Commission
                    granting confidential treatment)


2.4*                List of Exhibits and Schedules omitted from the Asset
                    Purchase Agreement referenced in Exhibit 2.3 hereof


__________
* Previously filed.




Exhibit 2.1

                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                                     between

                           QUICK STOP FOOD MART, INC.

                                       and

                                THE PANTRY, INC.


                            Dated as of June 5, 1998




*Selected portions have been deleted as confidential pursuant to Rule 24b-2.
Complete copies of the entire exhibit have been filed separately with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and marked "CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT."



<PAGE>

                                Table of Contents

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
                                                                                                               Page
                                                                                                               ----

ARTICLE I - DEFINITIONS...........................................................................................1
   1.1 Defined Terms..............................................................................................1
   1.2 Additional Definitions.....................................................................................7

ARTICLE II PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS AND ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES; PURCHASE PRICE..............................7
   2.1 Purchase and Sale of Assets................................................................................7
   2.2 Excluded Assets............................................................................................8
   2.3 Assumption of Liabilities..................................................................................9
   2.4 Excluded Liabilities.......................................................................................9
   2.5 Purchase Price.............................................................................................9
   2.6 **.........................................................................................................9
   2.7 **.........................................................................................................9
   2.8 **........................................................................................................10
   2.9 Employees.................................................................................................10

ARTICLE III  THE CLOSING.........................................................................................10
   3.1 Time and Place of Closing.................................................................................10
   3.2 Instruments of Transfer...................................................................................10
   3.3 Further Assurances........................................................................................11
   3.4 Transfer Taxes............................................................................................11

ARTICLE IV TERMINATION...........................................................................................11
   4.1 Termination...............................................................................................11
   4.2 Effect of Termination.....................................................................................11

ARTICLE V - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLER.........................................................12
   5.1 Organization and Good Standing............................................................................12
   5.2 Power and Authority.......................................................................................12
   5.3 No Violation..............................................................................................12
   5.4 No Actions................................................................................................12
   5.5 Approvals.................................................................................................13
   5.6 Compliance with Laws and Orders...........................................................................13
   5.7 Financial Statements......................................................................................13
   5.8 Absence of Certain Changes or Events......................................................................13
   5.9 Title to Transferred Assets...............................................................................14
   5.10 Inventory................................................................................................14
   5.11 Real Property............................................................................................14


<PAGE>


                                                                                                               Page
                                                                                                               ----

   5.12 Third Party Leases, Leases of Seller Ground Lease Property
        and Affiliate Ground Lease Property......................................................................15
   5.13 Insurance................................................................................................16
   5.14 Contracts................................................................................................16
   5.15 Employment Law Matters...................................................................................16
   5.16 Environmental Matters....................................................................................16
   5.17 Property of Others.......................................................................................17
   5.18 Equipment, Etc...........................................................................................17
   5.19 Condition of Tangible Assets.............................................................................17
   5.20 Sufficiency of Assets....................................................................................17
   5.21 Tax Matters..............................................................................................17
   5.22 Finders or Brokers.......................................................................................18
   5.23 Disclosure of Material Facts.............................................................................18
   5.24 Certain Interests; Affiliate Transactions................................................................18
   5.25 Employee Benefit Plans...................................................................................18

ARTICLE VI - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER.....................................................18
   6.1 Organization and Good Standing............................................................................19
   6.2 Power and Authority.......................................................................................19
   6.3 No Violation..............................................................................................19
   6.4 No Actions................................................................................................19
   6.5 Approvals.................................................................................................19
   6.6 Disclosure of Material Facts..............................................................................19
   6.7 Finders or Brokers........................................................................................20

ARTICLE VII - CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF THE SELLER PRIOR TO
THE CLOSING OR EARLIER TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT.............................................................20
   7.1 Conduct of Business.......................................................................................20
   7.2 Restricted Activities and Transactions....................................................................20
   7.3 Cooperation...............................................................................................21
   7.4 Employee Benefit Plans....................................................................................21
   7.5 No Negotiations...........................................................................................21
   7.6 Access to the Business....................................................................................21
   7.7 Disclosure Regarding the Seller...........................................................................22
   7.8 Confidentiality...........................................................................................22

ARTICLE VIII - CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER PRIOR TO
THE CLOSING OR EARLIER TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT.............................................................23
   8.1 Cooperation...............................................................................................23
   8.2 Disclosure Regarding the Purchaser........................................................................23
   8.3 Confidentiality...........................................................................................23
   8.4 Restricted Activities.....................................................................................23

                                       ii
<PAGE>


                                                                                                               Page
                                                                                                               ----

ARTICLE IX  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS
OF THE PURCHASER.................................................................................................23
   9.1 Representations and Warranties True.......................................................................23
   9.2 Performance...............................................................................................24
   9.3 No Adverse Changes........................................................................................24
   9.4 Approvals.................................................................................................24
   9.5 Estoppel Certificates.....................................................................................24
   9.6 Subordination, Non-Disturbance and Attornment Agreements..................................................25
   9.7 Deliveries................................................................................................25
   9.8 Proceedings...............................................................................................26
   9.9 Absence of Litigation.....................................................................................26
   9.10 [Intentionally Omitted]..................................................................................26
   9.11 Environmental Matters....................................................................................26

ARTICLE X - CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS
OF THE SELLER....................................................................................................26
   10.1 Representations and Warranties True......................................................................26
   10.2 Performance..............................................................................................26
   10.3 Approvals................................................................................................27
   10.4 Deliveries...............................................................................................27
   10.5 Proceedings..............................................................................................27
   10.6 Absence of Litigation....................................................................................28

ARTICLE XI - CERTAIN POST-CLOSING COVENANTS......................................................................28
   11.1 Confidentiality..........................................................................................28
   11.2 Noncompetition...........................................................................................28
   11.3 Responsibility for Environmental Matters.................................................................29
   11.4 Specific Performance; Injunctive Relief..................................................................30
   11.5 Change of Seller's Name..................................................................................30
   11.6 Jacksonville Store.....................................................................................  31

ARTICLE XII - SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; INDEMNIFICATION........................................31
   12.1 Survival of Representations and Warranties...............................................................31
   12.2 Indemnification..........................................................................................31
   12.3 Notice and Payment of Claims.............................................................................31
   12.4 Limitation on Indemnity..................................................................................32
   12.5 Mitigation of Damages....................................................................................33


                                      iii
<PAGE>


                                                                                                               Page
                                                                                                               ----

ARTICLE XIII - MISCELLANEOUS.....................................................................................33
   13.1 Fees and Expenses........................................................................................33
   13.2 Notices..................................................................................................33
   13.3 Amendment; Waiver........................................................................................34
   13.4 Assignment...............................................................................................35
   13.5 Governing Law............................................................................................35
   13.6 Severability.............................................................................................35
   13.7 No Third Party Beneficiaries.............................................................................35
   13.8 Public Announcements.....................................................................................35
   13.9 Singular and Plural Forms................................................................................35
   13.10 References..............................................................................................35
   13.11 Headings................................................................................................35
   13.12 Entire Agreement........................................................................................35
   13.13 Counterparts............................................................................................36
</TABLE>


                                       iv
<PAGE>


EXHIBITS

Exhibit A.........Form of Seller Leases and Affiliate Leases

Exhibit B.........Form of Third Party Lease Assignments

                                        v

<PAGE>


SCHEDULES

1.1      Stores
2.1(e)   Change Fund by Store
2.1(f)   Contracts
2.1(j)   Vehicles
2.7      Allocation of Purchase Price
2.8(c)   Myrtle Beach Seasonal Bonus Plan
3.2      Terms for Seller and Affiliate Leases
5.4      Actions
5.5      Approvals
5.6      Compliance with Laws Generally
5.7      Financial Statements
5.8      Certain Changes
5.9      Exceptions to Title
5.11(a)  Seller Fee Property
5.11(b)  Affiliate Fee Property
5.11(c)  Third Party Real Property
5.11(e)  Options or Rights of First Refusal Relating to Real Property
5.11(g)  Condemnation Proceedings
5.11(i)  Flood Hazard Area
5.11(j)  Tax Lots
5.12     Third Party Leases
5.14     Contract Assignments Requiring Approval
5.15     Employment Matters
5.16     Underground Storage Tanks
5.18(a)  Seller Equipment
5.18(b)  Third Party Equipment
5.20     Exceptions to Sufficiency of Assets
5.24     Affiliate Transactions
5.25     Employee Benefit Plans
9.4      Approval Exceptions
9.6      Mortgagees and Their Interests
11.3(a)  Identified Preclosing Releases


                                       vi

<PAGE>



                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

         Asset Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement"),  dated as of the 5th day of
June,  1998,  by and  among  QUICK  STOP  FOOD  MART,  INC.,  a  North  Carolina
corporation  ("Seller"),  and THE  PANTRY,  INC.,  a Delaware  corporation  (the
"Purchaser").

                                   WITNESSETH:

         WHEREAS,  the Seller operates  seventy-five (75) convenience  stores in
North  Carolina and South  Carolina  and owns  gasoline  equipment  and provides
gasoline products to three (3) subleased locations; and

         WHEREAS,  the Seller  desires to  transfer,  sell,  convey,  assign and
deliver (collectively,  "Transfer") to the Purchaser,  and the Purchaser desires
to acquire  and accept  from the Seller,  certain  assets of Seller  relating to
Seller's convenience store business,  upon the terms and conditions  hereinafter
set forth.

         NOW,  THEREFORE,  for  and in  consideration  of the  premises,  mutual
covenants and  agreements  contained  herein,  and intending to be legally bound
hereby, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                                   DEFINITIONS

         1.1 Defined  Terms.  The following  terms,  as used in this  Agreement,
shall have the following meanings:

                  "Action"  shall mean any action,  claim,  proceeding,  suit or
investigation, or any appeal therefrom.

                  "Accrued  Vacation Pay" shall mean all accrued vacation pay as
of the  Closing  Date of each of  Seller's  employees  as  provided  in Seller's
related Employee Benefit Plan.

                  "Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any Person
which,  directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries,  controls, is
controlled by, or is under common control with,  such Person.  Without  limiting
the foregoing  definition,  the term "Affiliate," as it relates to Seller, shall
include the following  persons:  Albert O. McCauley,  Kenneth McDonald,  Norwood
Poole, Johnny Wood, and McCauley and McDonald Investments, Inc.

                  "Affiliate Fee Property" shall mean the real property owned by
an Affiliate and more particularly described on Schedule 5.11(b) hereto.

                  "Affiliate  Leases"  shall  mean  leases for each of the Store
properties identified under the heading Affiliate Leases on Schedule 3.2.

                  "Agreement" shall mean this Asset Purchase Agreement and shall
include all of the Schedules and Exhibits attached hereto.


<PAGE>

                  "Approval" shall mean any approval, authorization,  clearance,
expiration of waiting period, consent, license, franchise, order or permit of or
by, or filing with, any Governmental Authority or other Person.

                  "Assumed  Liabilities" shall have the meaning ascribed to such
term in Section 2.3 hereof.

                  "Audit"  shall  mean a  physical  audit or count of all of the
Inventory to be conducted  jointly by Seller and  Purchaser at each Store on the
Closing Date and on the two (2) days prior thereto, commencing at 7:00 a.m..

                  "Business"  shall mean the  business of Seller's  seventy-five
(75) convenience stores and the three (3) locations which are the subject of the
Subleases and to which Seller provides  Petroleum  Inventory,  in North Carolina
and South Carolina, identified on Schedule 1.1.

                  "Business  Day" or  "business  day" shall mean any day that is
not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal or banking holiday in North Carolina.

                  "CERCLA" shall mean the Comprehensive  Environmental Response,
Compensation,  and  Liability  Act,  42 U.S.C.  ss.  9601 et seq.,  as  amended,
including  any rules and  regulations  promulgated  thereunder  or in connection
therewith.

                  "Change  Fund"  shall  mean the  normal  change  fund for each
Store, as set forth on Schedule 2.1(e).

                  "Closing"  shall  mean the  consummation  of the  transactions
contemplated by this Agreement,  effective as of 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 25,
1998.

                  "Closing Date" shall mean June 25, 1998 or as soon  thereafter
as the  conditions  to Closing  described in Articles IX and X hereof shall have
been fully satisfied or waived by the appropriate  party or parties hereto,  but
not later than July 31, 1998.

                  "Code"  shall  mean the  Internal  Revenue  Code of  1986,  as
amended,  and  shall  include  all  of the  rules  and  regulations  promulgated
thereunder.

                  "Condition"   shall   mean,   collectively,    the   business,
properties,  assets, operations,  results of operations and condition (financial
or otherwise).

                  "Contracts"  shall mean the  contracts  and  agreements of the
Seller relating to the Business and which will be assigned to and assumed by the
Purchaser, as identified on Schedule 2.1(f).

                  "Cost" shall mean Seller's laid-in cost of Petroleum
Inventory, **% of retail ********************, **% of retail **** and **% of
retail for all other Merchandise Inventory, all as determined from Seller's
books and records and the Audit, subject to confirmation upon completion of
Purchaser's review, as the parties may agree.

                  "Damages"  shall  mean  any  fine,   penalty,   claim,   loss,
deficiency,   Liability,   cost  or  expense  (including,   without  limitation,
reasonable   attorneys'   and   accountants'   fees,   costs  and


                                      -2-

*Selected portions have been deleted as confidential pursuant to Rule 24b-2.
Complete copies of the entire exhibit have been filed separately with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and marked "CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT."
<PAGE>


expenses)  or  environmental  assessment,  monitoring  or  remediation  expense,
diminution in property value, or damage of any kind or nature whatsoever.

                  "DHEC" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section
2.2(g).

                  "Employee  Benefit Plan" shall mean any employee benefit plan,
arrangement,  policy or commitment  (including any employee  benefit plan within
the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(3) of ERISA)  including,  without
limitation,  any  employment,  consulting  or deferred  compensation  agreement,
executive compensation,  bonus,  incentive,  pension,  profit-sharing,  savings,
retirement,  stock  option,  stock  purchase or  severance  pay plan,  any life,
health, disability, accident or insurance plan or any holiday, vacation or other
employee practice, policy or benefit.

                  "Equipment"  shall mean the Petroleum  Equipment and the Store
Equipment.

                  "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974, as amended.

                  "Excluded Assets" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term
in Section 2.2 hereof.

                  "Excluded Liabilities" shall have the meaning ascribed to such
term in Section 2.4 hereof.

                  "Financial Statements" shall have the meaning ascribed to such
term in Section 5.7 hereof.

                  "GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting  principles in
the United States consistently applied.

                  "Governmental  Authority"  shall  mean any  foreign,  Federal,
state,  local or other  governmental,  administrative  or regulatory  authority,
body, agency, court, tribunal or similar entity.

                  "Hired  Employees" shall mean all employees of Seller employed
by Purchaser after Closing.

                  "Home Office Computer System" shall mean the computer hardware
and related software located in the home office and used to operate the software
of Professional Data Solutions, Inc.

                  "Improvement"  shall mean any finding,  discovery,  invention,
addition, modification,  change, formulation or development of any kind, whether
or  not  patented  or  patentable  (and  all  proprietary  information  relating
thereto),  including,  without limitation,  any new or improved device, delivery
system, design, composition of matter, method of administration or manufacturing
or other process.

                  "Indemnified   Party"   shall  mean  any  party   entitled  to
indemnification  pursuant to Article XII hereof and shall  include  such party's
Affiliates, successors and assigns and the Representatives of each of them.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

                  "Indemnifying   Party"   shall  mean  any  party   liable  for
indemnification  pursuant to Article XII hereof and shall  include  such party's
successors and assigns.

                  "Inventory"  or  "Inventories"  shall  mean  collectively  the
Merchandise Inventory and the Petroleum Inventory.

                  "IRS" shall mean the Internal Revenue Service.

                  "Knowledge"  shall  mean (i) the actual  knowledge,  after due
inquiry  and  investigation,  of  any of  Seller's  executive  officers  (Albert
McCauley,  Kenneth McDonald,  Johnny Wood, Norwood Poole, and Jerry Musselwhite)
or directors and (ii) the  existence of facts,  events,  occurrences  or matters
with respect to which any of the persons referred to above should  reasonably be
expected to have knowledge in the ordinary conduct of his duties.

                  "Law" shall mean any  Federal,  state,  local or foreign  law,
statute,  rule, regulation,  ordinance,  standard,  requirement,  administrative
ruling, order or process (including,  without limitation, any zoning or land use
law or ordinance,  building code or environmental law, any securities, blue sky,
civil rights or occupational health and safety law or regulation, and any law or
regulation  relating to the  distribution or sale of food products,  beer, wine,
cigarettes, gasoline or other motor fuel) and any court or arbitrator's order or
process.

                  "Lease" and  "Leases"  shall mean the  Affiliate  Leases,  the
Seller Leases and the Third Party Leases.

                  "Liability"  shall  mean any debt,  liability,  commitment  or
obligation  of any  kind,  character  or  nature  whatsoever,  whether  known or
unknown,  secured  or  unsecured,   accrued,  fixed,  absolute,   contingent  or
otherwise, and whether due or to become due.

                  "Lien" shall mean any lien, statutory lien (including, without
limitation,  any lien,  restriction or right arising under the North Carolina or
South Carolina  Uniform  Commercial Code - Bulk  Transfers),  tax lien,  pledge,
mortgage,  security  interest,  charge,  encumbrance,  easement,  right  of way,
assessment (pending or confirmed),  covenant, claim, restriction, right, option,
conditional  sale or other title retention  agreement,  warrant or equity of any
kind or nature.

                  "Merchandise Inventory" shall mean all foodstuffs,  beverages,
tobacco products,  magazines, books, household products,  automotive products or
accessories,  and any other products of the Business of whatever nature held for
retail sale out of the Stores.

                  "OSHA"  shall mean the  Occupational  Safety and Health Act of
1970, as amended.

                  "NCDENR"  shall  have the  meaning  ascribed  to such  term in
Section 2.2(g) hereof.

                  "Permitted  Liens" shall mean (i) liens for Taxes that are not
yet delinquent or are being  contested in good faith by appropriate  proceedings
and for which  there  are  adequate  reserves  on the  books,  (ii)  workers  or
unemployment  compensation  liens  arising in the  ordinary  course of business;
(iii) mechanic's, materialman's, suppliers, vendor's or similar liens arising in



                                      -4-
<PAGE>

the ordinary course of business  securing amounts that are not delinquent,  (iv)
laws, ordinances and governmental regulations regulating the use of occupancy of
the Real Property or the character,  dimensions or locations of the improvements
thereon,  provided  that  none of the  same  are or  would  be  violated  by the
continued  use of any portion of the Real Property for the purposes for which it
has been customarily used by or in the Business;  and (v) exceptions  discovered
by an  inspection  or survey or other  imperfections  of title  that do not make
title  unmarketable;  provided,  however,  that no  Permitted  Lien  shall be so
substantial as to impair the value of or materially interfere with the continued
or contemplated  use of any material portion of the Real Property or Transferred
Assets for the purposes for which they have been used by or in the Business.

                  "Person" shall mean any individual, partnership,  corporation,
limited  liability   company,   association,   business  trust,  joint  venture,
governmental entity, business entity or other entity of any kind or nature.

                  "Petroleum  Equipment"  shall  mean  all  petroleum  marketing
equipment,  including,  but not  limited to,  pumps,  gasoline  dispensers,  gas
console,  gasoline canopy,  canopy  structure,  lights,  registered  underground
storage tanks and lines,  environmental monitoring or upgrade equipment, and any
related equipment or apparatus located at the Real Property.

                  "Petroleum  Inventory"  shall  mean all  gasoline,  diesel and
kerosene products of the Business measured in gallons.

                  "Petroleum  Products" shall have the meaning  ascribed to such
term in Section 5.16 hereof.

                  "Purchase  Price" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term
in Section 2.5 hereof.

                  "Purchaser"   shall  mean  The   Pantry,   Inc.,   a  Delaware
corporation.

                  "Purchaser Group" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term
in Section 7.6 hereof.

                  "Real  Property"  shall  mean,  collectively,  the  Seller Fee
Property, the Affiliate Fee Property, and the Third Party Real Property.

                  "Representative" shall mean any employee,  officer,  director,
stockholder,  partner, accountant,  attorney, investment banker, broker, finder,
investor, subcontractor,  consultant or other authorized agent or representative
of a Person.

                  "Seller"  shall  mean  Quick  Stop Food  Mart,  Inc.,  a North
Carolina corporation.

                  "Seller  Leases"  shall  mean  leases  for  each of the  Store
properties identified under the heading Seller Leases on Schedule 3.2.

                  "Seller  Fee  Property"  shall  mean  the real  property  more
particularly described on Schedule 5.11(a) hereto.

                  "Store  Equipment" shall mean all convenience  store fixtures,
machinery,  equipment,  including,  but not limited to, walk-in  coolers,  store
fixtures,  counters,  shelving,


                                      -5-
<PAGE>

refrigeration equipment,  cash registers,  safes, fountain dispensing equipment,
coffee  equipment,  ice  machines,  tables and any other  fixtures or  equipment
necessary  for  running  a  convenience  store  located  at any  of the  Stores,
regardless of whether such items are permanently  attached to the Real Property,
pole lights,  pole signs or other personal property attached,  appurtenant to or
located in or around the buildings or improvements located at the Real Property.

                  "Store  Supplies"  shall mean  cups,  napkins,  paper  towels,
toilet paper, janitorial supplies and similar non-Inventory items which are used
in the operation or maintenance of the Stores.

                  "Stores" shall mean the seventy-five  (75) convenience  stores
operated by the Seller and identified on Schedule 1.1, each being a "Store."

                  "Subleases"  shall  mean the three (3)  subleases  for  former
stores 42, 72 and 205 at which  Seller owns  Petroleum  Equipment  and  provides
Petroleum Inventory.

                  "Tanks"  shall  have  the  meaning  ascribed  to such  term in
Section 5.16 hereof.

                  "Tax" shall mean any foreign,  Federal, state or local income,
gross  receipts,  license,   severance,   occupation,   premium,   environmental
(including taxes under Code Section 59A), customs, duties, profits,  disability,
registration,  alternative or add-on minimum, estimated,  withholding,  payroll,
employment, unemployment insurance, social security (or similar), excise, sales,
use, value-added,  occupancy,  franchise, real property, personal property, gas,
petroleum  marketing  business and  occupation,  mercantile,  windfall  profits,
capital stock,  stamp,  transfer,  workmen's  compensation  or other tax, fee or
imposition of any kind whatsoever,  including any interest, penalties, addition,
assessments or deferred liability with respect thereto, whether disputed or not.

                  "Tax Return" shall mean any return, report, declaration, claim
for refund,  estimate,  election or information  statement or return relating to
any Tax,  including  any  schedules or  attachments  thereto and any  amendments
thereof.

                  "Third  Party  Leases"  shall  mean the  Subleases,  and those
leases described on Schedule 5.12.

                  "Third  Party  Lease   Assignments"  shall  have  the  meaning
ascribed to such term in Section 3.2 hereof.

                  "Third Party Real Property"  shall mean the real property more
particularly described on Schedule 5.11(c).

                  "Transaction   Documents"  shall  mean,   collectively,   this
Agreement,   the  Seller  Leases,  the  Affiliate  Leases  and  all  agreements,
instruments,  certificates  and other  documents  executed  and/or  delivered in
connection herewith or therewith.

                  "Transfer"   shall  mean  any  sale,   transfer,   conveyance,
assignment, delivery or other disposition.



                                      -6-
<PAGE>

                  "Transferred  Assets" shall have the meaning  ascribed to such
term in Section 2.1 hereof.

                  "Trust  Fund" shall have the meaning  ascribed to such term in
Section 2.1(h) hereof.

                  "Vehicles"  shall mean the motor  vehicles  listed on Schedule
2.1(k).

         1.2 Additional Definitions. In addition to the foregoing defined terms,
other  capitalized  terms  appearing in this Agreement shall have the respective
meanings  ascribed  to such terms  where  they first  appear in the text of this
Agreement.


                                   ARTICLE II

                         PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS AND
                    ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES; PURCHASE PRICE

         2.1 Purchase and Sale of Assets. Subject to the terms and conditions of
this Agreement,  at the Closing the Seller shall Transfer to the Purchaser,  and
the  Purchaser  shall  acquire and accept from the Seller,  all of the  Seller's
right,  title and  interest  in, to and  under all of the  furniture,  fixtures,
equipment,  Inventory  and other  assets,  used or located at the Stores (or the
locations  subject to the  Subleases)  and  relating to the  Business,  less and
except the Excluded Assets (after giving effect to the exclusion of the Excluded
Assets,  such assets,  together with all right,  title and interest as tenant or
lessee pursuant to the Leases, being hereinafter collectively referred to as the
"Transferred  Assets"),  free and clear of any and all Liens  (except  Permitted
Liens), such Transferred Assets to include, without limitation:

                  (a) all of Seller's rights and interests under the Third Party
         Leases;

                  (b) the Store Equipment;

                  (c) the Petroleum Equipment;

                  (d) the Inventory and the Store Supplies;

                  (e) the Change Fund as set forth on Schedule 2.1(e);

                  (f) all right and  interest  of the Seller in, to or under the
         Contracts identified on Schedule 2.1(f);

                  (g) all computer hardware and computer software  documentation
         (subject to applicable  license  agreements)  utilized in, or connected
         with, the Stores,  including source code and systems  documentation and
         telephone  switches related to point-of-sale  and petroleum  dispensing
         equipment, and the Home Office Computer System.

                  (h) all rights,  interests and claims under the North Carolina
         Commercial Leaking Petroleum  Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund and
         the South Carolina SUPERB Account and SUPERB  Financial  Responsibility
         Fund (individually or collectively,  as applicable,  the "Trust Fund"),
         or any other fund,  program, or insurance



                                      -7-
<PAGE>

         policy  relating  to payment or  reimbursement  of costs,  expenses  or
         damages related to releases from underground storage tanks;

                  (i) the  names  "Quick  Stop,"  "Quick  Stop Food  Mart,"  all
         variations thereof and the good will associated  therewith and with the
         Business;

                  (j) the motor vehicles identified on Schedule 2.1(j).

         2.2  Excluded  Assets.  Notwithstanding  anything in Section 2.1 to the
contrary,  the Seller shall  retain all of its right,  title and interest in, to
and under all, and shall not  Transfer to the  Purchaser  any, of the  following
assets, rights or properties (the "Excluded Assets"):

                  (a) all bank accounts,  cash and cash equivalents,  except the
Change Fund;

                  (b)  all  accounts  and  notes   receivable  of  the  Business
(including miscellaneous receivables and rebates due from oil companies) arising
from products sold or services rendered by the Seller prior to the Closing;

                  (c) all Federal,  state, local and foreign income tax deposits
(to the extent not refunded) paid by the Seller in connection with the income or
operations  of the Business with respect to any period ending on or prior to the
Closing;

                  (d) any assets not relating to the Business;

                  (e) all minute  books and stock  books of the Seller and other
corporate information not necessary for the operation of the Stores;

                  (f) any assets relating to any Employee Benefit Plan;

                  (g) all  underground  storage  tanks  that  are  not  properly
registered  with the  North  Carolina  Department  of  Environment  and  Natural
Resources   ("NCDENR")   or  the  South   Carolina   Department  of  Health  and
Environmental  Control  ("DHEC")  and all  above-ground  storage  tanks,  unless
Purchaser specifically elects in writing to acquire any of such tanks;

                  (h) all assets of the Seller located at its corporate  offices
except the Home Office Computer System;

                  (i) all Hazardous  Substances,  hazardous wastes, PCBs and PCB
containing materials, asbestos containing materials, and waste oil;

                  (i) all life insurance policies;

                  (k) motor vehicles, other than the Vehicles listed on Schedule
2.1(k);

                  (l) real property owned by Seller,  subject,  however,  to the
Seller Leases; and

                  (m) non-transferable licenses and permits.



                                      -8-
<PAGE>

         2.3 Assumption of  Liabilities.  Subject to the terms and conditions of
this  Agreement,  at the Closing the  Purchaser  shall  assume and agree to pay,
perform and discharge when due only the following Liabilities (collectively, the
"Assumed Liabilities"):

                  (a) all  Liabilities  incurred or accruing  from and after the
Closing under the Third Party Leases;

                  (b) all  Liabilities  incurred or accruing  from and after the
Closing under the Contracts; and

                  (c)  all   Liabilities   in  connection   with  the  remaining
unamortized  capital  costs  (not to exceed  $38,600)  pursuant  to the Car Wash
Facilities Operating  Agreement,  dated August 1, 1994 by and between Seller and
William Martin and Phyllis Martin, as amended on February 27, 1997.

         2.4 Excluded Liabilities.  Except for the Assumed Liabilities specified
in Section 2.3 hereof, the Purchaser shall neither assume nor have any liability
for any, and the Seller  shall  remain fully liable for, and shall pay,  perform
and discharge,  (a) all Liabilities of the Seller or the Business arising out of
any act or omission  occurring or state of facts  existing prior to the Closing,
(b) all Liabilities of Seller arising out of any act or omission occurring after
the Closing to the extent that such Liabilities  described in this clause (b) do
not  arise  out of and are not  related  to the  operation  of the  Business  by
Purchaser,  its successors or assigns,  and (c) all Liabilities  arising from or
pursuant to Permitted Liens incurred or accruing for the period prior to Closing
(collectively, the "Excluded Liabilities").

         2.5 Purchase Price. The aggregate purchase price (the "Purchase Price")
to be paid by the  Purchaser  to the Seller for the  Transferred  Assets and the
non-competition  agreement  described  in  Section  11.2  hereof  shall be Fifty
Million Dollars ($50,000,000) plus Inventory at Cost.

         2.6 Payment of Purchase Price.  At Closing,  the Purchaser shall pay to
Seller the  $50,000,000  portion of the  Purchase  Price and an amount  equal to
98.5% of Seller's book cost of current Inventory ("Inventory  Estimate") by wire
transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by Seller. Upon
completion  of the Audit and  determination  of Cost,  if the Cost  exceeds  the
Inventory Estimate, Purchaser shall promptly pay the difference to Seller and if
the Cost is less than the  Inventory  Estimate,  Seller  shall  promptly pay the
difference  to  Purchaser,  in  either  case by  wire  transfer  of  immediately
available funds to an account  designated in writing by Seller or Purchaser,  as
the case may be.

         2.7 Allocation of Purchase Price. The Purchase Price shall be allocated
as set forth on Schedule 2.7. The  allocation of the Purchase  Price is intended
to comply  with the  requirements  of Section  1060 of the Code.  Purchaser  and
Seller shall file Form 8594, Asset  Acquisition  Statement Under Section 1060 of
the Code,  with their  respective  income tax returns for the taxable  year that
includes the Closing Date,  in a manner  consistent  with the  allocation of the
Purchase  Price set forth  herein.  Purchaser and Seller agree to satisfy all of
the  reporting  requirements  of Section  1060 of the Code.  If, in a subsequent
taxable year, it is necessary to make any  allocation of an increase or decrease
in the Purchase  Price,  Purchaser and Seller agree to file a supplemental  Form
8594 as required.

                                      -9-

<PAGE>

         2.8 Prorations. All (a) real estate, property and ad valorem taxes, (b)
payments due or arising under the Third Party Leases or Contracts,  (c) payments
due under the Myrtle Beach Seasonal  Bonus Plan as described on Schedule  2.8(c)
("Myrtle Beach Seasonal Bonus Plan"), and (d) other customarily proratable items
relating to the Transferred  Assets payable on or after the Closing and relating
to a period of time both prior to and on or after the Closing  shall be prorated
as of the Closing between Purchaser and Seller. If the actual amount of any such
item is not known as of the Closing,  the aforesaid  proration shall be based on
the previous year's  assessment of such item, or in the case of the Myrtle Beach
Seasonal  Bonus Plan,  upon payment of such  bonuses,  and the parties  agree to
adjust said proration and pay any  underpayment or reimburse for any overpayment
within thirty (30) days after the actual amount becomes known.

         2.9 Employees.  If the Closing  occurs,  the Purchaser shall be free to
hire such persons,  whether or not  employees of the Seller or the Business,  on
such terms and conditions of employment as the Purchaser  shall determine in the
exercise of its sole  discretion,  and nothing in this Agreement shall establish
any enforceable rights, legal or equitable, in any Person other than the parties
hereto,  including,  without  limitation,  any  employee  of the  Seller  or the
Business or any beneficiary of such employee. Any claim, including any claim for
benefits,  asserted by or on behalf of any Person with respect to such  Person's
employment by the Purchaser  shall be governed  solely by applicable  employment
policies and employee benefit plans, if any, which the Purchaser may adopt after
the Closing,  as construed in accordance with applicable  Federal and state law.
The Seller has delivered to the  Purchaser a true and complete  list  (including
names,  titles,  job  descriptions,  compensation,  date of  hire,  and full vs.
part-time  status) of all  employees of the Business on the date of such notice.
At least seven (7) days prior to the Closing Date,  the  Purchaser  shall notify
Seller in writing which of such employees (if any) the Purchaser does not intend
to hire after the Closing.  The Seller shall be fully liable for the  employment
(or termination or severance  thereof) of any persons listed in such Purchaser's
notice.  In addition,  the Seller shall be liable for, and shall pay, all wages,
salaries,  payroll taxes and employee  benefits,  including without  limitation,
vacation,  due,  owing or accrued for all employees of the Business  through the
Closing.  In  particular,  Seller  shall  provide  and  continue  to provide all
continuation  coverage under its group health plans required by ERISA,  the Code
and  applicable  Law for (i) Seller's  employees who terminate  employment  with
Seller  before  the  Closing  Date and (ii)  Seller's  employees  who  terminate
employment  with  Seller  as of the  Closing  Date and whom  Purchaser  does not
immediately  employ. All claims incurred or liabilities  asserted under Seller's
Employee Benefit Plans shall be the responsibility of Seller and Purchaser shall
not have any liability with respect to such claims or liabilities.


                                   ARTICLE III

                                   THE CLOSING

         3.1 Time and Place of Closing.  The  Closing  shall take place at 10:00
a.m. on the Closing  Date at the offices of Smith,  Anderson,  Blount,  Dorsett,
Mitchell & Jernigan,  L.L.P.,  2500 First Union Capitol Center , Raleigh,  North
Carolina,  or at such other time or place as may be mutually  agreed upon by the
parties hereto.

         3.2 Instruments of Transfer.  At the Closing,  the Seller shall deliver
to the Purchaser  such bills of sale,  assignments,  limited powers of attorney,
motor vehicle titles, and other good and sufficient  instruments of Transfer, in
form and substance reasonably


                                      -10-

<PAGE>

satisfactory to the Purchaser and its counsel,  as shall be effective to vest in
the Purchaser all of the Seller's right, title and interest in, to and under the
Transferred Assets. In addition,  (a) the Seller and the Purchaser shall execute
and deliver the Seller Leases;  (b) the appropriate  Affiliate and the Purchaser
shall  execute  and  deliver the  Affiliate  Leases;  and (c) the Seller and the
Purchaser  shall execute and deliver  assignment and assumption  agreements (the
"Third Party Lease  Assignments") of the rights granted and obligations  imposed
in the Third Party Leases (including the Subleases)  identified in Schedule 5.12
as those to be assigned.  The Seller  Leases and the  Affiliate  Leases shall be
substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto upon the terms  (including  annual
rent) identified in Schedule 3.2 hereto. The Third Party Lease Assignments shall
be substantially in the form of Exhibit B.

         3.3  Further  Assurances.  In addition to the  actions,  documents  and
instruments specifically required to be taken or delivered by this Agreement, at
the Closing or from time to time thereafter,  and without further consideration,
the parties hereto shall take such other  actions,  and execute and deliver such
other  documents  and  instruments,   including,   without  limitation,   resale
certificates  for  Inventory,  as the  other  party or  parties  hereto or their
respective counsel may reasonably request in order to effectuate and perfect the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         3.4 Transfer  Taxes.  Except for all transfer  taxes and fees,  if any,
which shall be borne and paid solely by the Seller,  each party hereto shall pay
any and all taxes  incurred by such party in  connection  with the  transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.


                                   ARTICLE IV
                                   TERMINATION

         4.1 Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to
the Closing:

                  (a) by the  mutual  written  consent  of the  Seller  and  the
Purchaser;

                  (b) by  the  Seller  or the  Purchaser,  upon  written  notice
describing the breach in reasonable  detail, if there shall have been a material
breach by the other party or parties of any of the terms or  provisions  of this
Agreement or any of the  Transaction  Documents,  and such breach shall not have
been  cured  by July  31,  1998,  so  long as the  breaching  party  or  parties
diligently pursue a cure after having received notice of the breach;

                  (c) by the Seller or the  Purchaser  if any court of competent
jurisdiction or other Governmental  Authority shall have issued an order, decree
or  ruling  or taken  any  other  action  restraining,  enjoining  or  otherwise
prohibiting  the transaction  contemplated  by this  Agreement,  and such order,
decree, ruling or other action shall have become final and non-appealable; or

                  (d) by the Seller or the  Purchaser if Closing  shall not have
occurred  by July 31,  1998,  so long as the  delay in  Closing  shall  not have
resulted from the intentional act of the party seeking to terminate.

         4.2  Effect of  Termination.  In the event of the  termination  of this
Agreement pursuant to Section 4.1(a), (c) or (d) hereof,  such termination shall
be the sole  remedy, this


                                      -11-
<PAGE>

Agreement  shall  forthwith  become void (except for Sections  7.8, 8.3 and 11.1
(Confidentiality)  and 13.1 (Fees and Expenses)) and there shall be no liability
on the part of any of the parties hereto, any of their respective  Affiliates or
any of the  Representatives  of any of  them;  provided,  however,  that if such
termination  shall result from the breach by a party  hereto of its  obligations
under this  Agreement,  such party shall be fully liable for any and all Damages
sustained  or  incurred by the other party or parties as a result of such breach
and such  other  party or  parties  shall be  entitled  to pursue  any  remedies
available at law or in equity.


                                    ARTICLE V

                  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLER

         The Seller hereby represents and warrants to the Purchaser as follows:

         5.1  Organization  and Good Standing.  The Seller is a corporation duly
organized,  validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
North Carolina,  is qualified to do business in each state in which any Store is
located, and has all requisite power and authority,  corporate and otherwise, to
own, operate and lease its properties and assets and to conduct the Business.

         5.2  Power  and  Authority.  The  Seller  has all  requisite  power and
authority to enter into and deliver  this  Agreement  and the other  Transaction
Documents,  perform its  obligations  hereunder and consummate the  transactions
contemplated  hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other
Transaction  Documents,  the performance by it of its obligations  hereunder and
thereunder and the  consummation of the  transactions  contemplated  hereby have
been duly and validly  authorized by all corporate and other actions on its part
required  by  applicable  Law,  its  Articles of  Incorporation,  its by-laws or
otherwise.  This Agreement and the other  Transaction  Documents  constitute the
legal, valid and binding obligation of the Seller, enforceable against Seller in
accordance  with  their  terms,  except  as  the  same  may  be  limited  by (a)
bankruptcy,  insolvency,  reorganization,  moratorium  or  similar  laws  now or
hereafter in effect  relating to  creditors'  rights  generally  and (b) general
equitable principles.

         5.3 No  Violation.  Subject to  Approvals  required  by  Schedule  5.5,
neither the execution and delivery by the Seller of this Agreement and the other
Transaction  Documents,  the performance by it of its obligations  hereunder and
thereunder,  nor the  consummation of the transactions  contemplated  hereby and
thereby,   will  (a)   contravene   any   provision  of  Seller's   articles  of
incorporation;  (b) violate any material  agreement or  instrument  to which the
Seller  is a party or by  which it or any of its  assets  or  properties  may be
bound;  or (c) violate any material Law or any judgment,  decree or order of any
court or other  Governmental  Authority or any arbitration  award to which it is
subject or by which any of its assets or properties may be bound.

         5.4 No Actions.  To the  Knowledge of Seller and except as set forth on
Schedule  5.4,  there is no  Action  pending  or  threatened,  against  it,  any
Affiliate of the Seller or any of their respective assets,  properties or rights
(including, without limitation, any relating to any of the Transferred Assets or
the Real Property)  before any court or other  Governmental  Authority which (a)
questions or challenges the validity of this Agreement or the other  Transaction
Documents  or any  action  taken or  proposed  to be taken by the  Seller or any
Affiliate  pursuant hereto or in connection with the  transactions  contemplated
hereby or (b) could, if adversely determined,  have a material adverse effect on
any of the Transferred Assets, the Real


                                      -12-
<PAGE>

Property, the Condition of the Business or the transactions  contemplated hereby
and thereby.  To the Knowledge of Seller,  Schedule 5.4 hereto sets forth a true
and complete list and description of all Actions  pending or threatened  against
any  Affiliate  of the Seller or against the Seller with respect to the Business
by any court or other Governmental Authority.

         5.5 Approvals.  Except as set forth in this Agreement and Schedule 5.5,
neither any declaration,  filing or registration  with,  notice to, nor Approval
of, any Governmental  Authority or other Person is required to be made, obtained
or given by or with respect to any  Affiliate of the Seller or the Seller or the
Business in  connection  with the  execution,  delivery or  performance  of this
Agreement or the  consummation  of the  transactions  contemplated  hereby.  The
Seller has all Approvals of any Governmental  Authority  required for the lawful
operation of the Business and the use and ownership or leasing of its properties
and assets as it is currently  operated,  except where the loss,  expiration  or
failure to obtain any such Approval would not have a material  adverse effect on
the Condition of Seller or the Business.  All such Approvals are valid,  in full
force and effect  and in good  standing,  except to the extent  that any lack of
such force and effect does not, in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect
on the Condition of Seller or the Business. To the Knowledge of Seller, there is
no  proceeding  pending or  threatened  that  disputes  the validity of any such
Approval or that may result in the revocation,  cancellation  or suspension,  or
any adverse  modification of, any such Approval.  The Seller will make available
to the Purchaser true and complete copies of all such Approvals.

         5.6  Compliance  with Laws and Orders.  To the Seller's  Knowledge  and
except as described on Schedule 5.6, (a) the Seller has complied in all material
respects  with all Laws  applicable  to it and to the operation of the Business,
(b) the Seller has not been  charged  with or, to the  Knowledge  of the Seller,
threatened with any charge  concerning or under any  investigation  with respect
to, any violation of any provision of any Law applicable to or affecting Seller,
the Business or the Real Property,  and (c) the Seller is not in violation of or
in default under, and no event has occurred which, with the lapse of time or the
giving of notice or both, could result in the violation of or default under, the
terms of any judgment,  decree, order,  injunction or writ of any court or other
Governmental  Authority  applicable to Seller, any of its assets,  properties or
Stores, or the Business.

         5.7 Financial  Statements.  Seller has  delivered to Purchaser  audited
financial  statements for the twelve (12) months ended  December 31, 1995,  1996
and 1997 and unaudited  interim  financial  statements  for the three (3) months
ended  March 31,  1998,  copies of which are  attached  as  Schedule  5.7.  Said
financial  statements  fairly present the financial  condition of Seller for the
periods  indicated and the results of the operations of Seller for said periods,
in conformity with generally accepted  accounting  principles applied on a basis
consistent with prior periods.

         5.8  Absence of  Certain  Changes or  Events.  Except as  described  on
Schedule  5.8  hereto,  since  December  31, 1997 the Seller has  conducted  the
Business in the ordinary course and consistent with past practice and:

                  (a) to the Seller's Knowledge,  there has not occurred (i) any
material adverse change in the Condition of the Business or any of the Stores or
(ii) any event, circumstance or combination thereof, whether arising prior to or
after  December 31, 1997,  which might  reasonably  be expected to result in any
material  adverse  change in the  Condition of the Business or any of the Stores
before, on or after the Closing Date; and

                                      -13-
<PAGE>

                  (b) the Seller has not (i) suffered any damage, destruction or
loss,  whether covered by insurance or not,  materially and adversely  affecting
the  Condition  of the  Business or any Store,  (ii)  entered  into any material
commitment  or  transaction  (including,  without  limitation,  any borrowing or
capital  expenditure)  affecting or relating to the Business not in the ordinary
course of business in accordance  with past practice,  (iii)  Transferred any of
the  assets  of the  Business  except in the  ordinary  course  of  business  in
accordance  with past practice,  (iv) granted or agreed to grant any increase in
the  compensation  of any employee of the Business  (including any such increase
pursuant to any bonus,  pension,  profit-sharing or other plan or commitment) or
any increase in the compensation payable or to become payable to any employee of
the  Business,  except for those  granted in the ordinary  course of business in
accordance with past practice, or (v) entered into or agreed (whether in writing
or  otherwise)  to enter into any  agreement  or other  arrangement  to take any
action  referred to in this  Section 5.8,  including,  without  limitation,  any
agreement or arrangement  granting any preferential right to purchase any of the
assets of the Business (including,  without limitation,  the Transferred Assets)
or requiring the consent of any party to the Transfer of any such assets.

         5.9 Title to  Transferred  Assets.  (a) Except as set forth on Schedule
5.9,  (i) the Seller has good legal title to all of the  Transferred  Assets and
the Seller Fee  Property,  free and clear of any  pledge,  mortgage  or security
interest of any kind  whatsoever;  (ii) each  Affiliate  identified  on Schedule
5.11(b) has good legal title to the Affiliate  Fee Property  identified as owned
by such Affiliate,  free and clear of any pledge,  mortgage or security interest
of any kind whatsoever;  and (iii) with respect to the Third Party Real Property
identified  on Schedule  5.11(e),  Seller has no Knowledge of any adverse  claim
against the title to such Third Party Real Property.

                  (b) Upon the delivery of the instruments of Transfer described
in Section 3.2 hereof to the Purchaser at the Closing,  the  Transferred  Assets
shall have been Transferred to the Purchaser, free and clear of any Liens of any
kind whatsoever, other than Permitted Liens.

         5.10 Inventory.  The Inventories are in good and merchantable condition
and  constitute a customary and normal supply and product mix,  consistent  with
Seller's  past  practice,   of  saleable  Merchandise  Inventory  and  Petroleum
Inventory  currently sold at normal prices in the ordinary course of business of
the  Business.  The Seller agrees that the parties shall conduct an Audit of all
Inventories on the two days immediately  prior to and on the day of the Closing.
The cost of the Audit shall be borne equally by Seller and Purchaser.

         5.11     Real Property.

                  (a) Schedule  5.11(a) hereto contains a true and complete list
and description of all of the Seller Fee Property.

                  (b) Schedule  5.11(b) hereto contains a true and complete list
and description of all of the Affiliate Fee Property.

                  (c) Schedule  5.11(c) hereto contains a true and complete list
and description of all of the Third Party Real Property.

                  (d) The Real Property includes all land, easements,  rights of
way,  buildings,  structures  and other  improvements  used by the Seller in the
conduct  of the  related  Stores  and  the  Business  as it is  currently  being
conducted.

                                      -14-
<PAGE>

                  (e)  Except  as set forth on  Schedule  5.11(e),  neither  the
Seller,  any  Affiliate of Seller nor, to the Seller's  Knowledge,  any owner of
Third Party Real Property  owns,  holds or is obligated  under or a party to any
option, right of first refusal or other contractual right to acquire or sell any
of the Real Property or any interest therein.

                  (f)  Except  as set forth on  Schedule  5.11(f),  to  Seller's
Knowledge,  no portion of the Real Property  encroaches in any material  respect
upon any  property  belonging to any other  Person,  and no portion of any other
Person's  property  encroaches  in any  material  respect  upon  any of the Real
Property.

                  (g) Except as set forth on Schedule  5.11(g),  to the Seller's
Knowledge,  with respect to the Real  Property,  there have not occurred (i) any
pending or threatened condemnation  proceedings,  (ii) any pending or threatened
Actions or (iii) any other matter  materially and adversely  affecting the value
thereof.

                  (h) To the Seller's Knowledge, all maps and surveys heretofore
delivered by the Seller to the  Purchaser  are true and complete  copies of such
documents.

                  (i) Except as set forth on Schedule 5.11(i),  no parcel of the
Real  Property  is  located  in a special  flood  hazard  area  designated  by a
Governmental Authority.

                  (j) Each of the  Seller,  the  Affiliates  of Seller  and,  to
Seller's Knowledge, the owners of Seller Ground Lease Property, Affiliate Ground
Lease  Property,  and Third Party Real Property,  has paid, and will continue to
pay  through  Closing,  all  taxes,  assessments,   charges,  fees,  levies  and
impositions  owing by each or any of them  with  respect  to the Real  Property.
Except as set forth on Schedule 5.11(j), each of the parcels of Real Property is
assessed for real estate tax purposes as a wholly  independent tax lot, separate
from any adjoining  land or  improvements  not owned by Seller,  an Affiliate of
Seller  or owner  of  Seller  Ground  Lease  Property,  Affiliate  Ground  Lease
Property,  and Third Party Real Property, as the case may be, and constituting a
part of such parcel.  Except as set forth on Schedule  5.11(j),  to the Seller's
Knowledge, there is no actual or pending imposition of any assessments or public
betterments, and no improvements have been constructed or planned which would be
paid for by means of assessments upon the Real Property.

         5.12     Third Party Leases .

                  (a) Schedule  5.12 hereto  contains a true and complete  list,
including annual rent, of each of the Third Party Leases. Except as specifically
identified on Schedule  5.12,  the Seller's  interest in each of the Third Party
Leases is free and clear of any pledge,  mortgage  or  security  interest of any
kind  whatsoever.  The Seller has delivered to the  Purchaser  true and complete
copies of all of the Third Party Leases and of all related  options,  if any, to
purchase the Third Party Real Property.

                  (b) Each Third Party Lease and each related option to purchase
is valid and binding on Seller or Seller's Affiliate, as the case may be, and to
Seller's Knowledge,  on the landlord,  and is in full force and effect,  subject
only to exceptions  based on  bankruptcy,  insolvency or similar Laws of general
application,  and there  are no  existing  material  defaults  by the  Seller or
Seller's Affiliate under, or, to the Knowledge of the Seller, by any other party
to, any Lease or any related  option to purchase the Third Party Real  Property,
or any condition,

                                      -15-
<PAGE>

event or act known to the  Seller  that,  with  notice or lapse of time or both,
would constitute a material default.  Without limiting the foregoing, the Seller
has not  received  any  notice  from any  Person  asserting  that the  Seller or
Seller's  Affiliate  is in default  under any Third  Party  Lease,  or under any
related option to purchase,  nor does the Seller have any Knowledge of a default
by it or Seller's  Affiliate  under any Third Party Lease,  or under any related
option to purchase.  The Seller or Seller's Affiliate  currently enjoys peaceful
and  undisturbed  possession of the Third Party Real Property  under each of the
Third Party Leases.

         5.13  Insurance.  The Seller  currently has in effect policies of fire,
liability,  worker's  compensation  and other forms of insurance  which  provide
coverage  for  the  Stores  and  the  Business  (collectively,   the  "Insurance
Policies").  All presently  effective  Insurance Policies are and will remain in
full force and effect  through the Closing Date.  There is no notice of or basis
for any modification,  suspension,  termination or cancellation of any Insurance
Policy or of any claim thereunder.

         5.14 Contracts.  Each of the Contracts specified on Schedule 2.1(f) is,
to the  Knowledge  of  Seller,  valid and in full  force and effect and has been
entered into in the  ordinary  course of business  and, to the  Knowledge of the
Seller,  none of them is in  default  in any  material  respect.  The Seller has
delivered to the Purchaser  true and complete  copies of each of the  Contracts.
Except  as set  forth on  Schedule  5.14  hereto,  each  Contract  that is being
assigned by the Seller to the Purchaser hereunder may be so assigned without the
Approval of any Person.

         5.15     Employment Law Matters.

                  (a) With respect to the  Business,  to Seller's  Knowledge (i)
the Seller is in compliance  with all  applicable  Laws  respecting  employment,
employment  practices,  terms and conditions of employment,  wages and hours and
the  employment  of aliens or  similar  immigration  matters  except  where such
non-compliance  would not have a material  adverse effect on the Business or the
transactions  contemplated by this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents;
and (ii) the Seller is not engaged in any unfair labor practice.

                  (b) To the  Seller's  Knowledge,  there  is no  strike,  labor
dispute,  slowdown or work stoppage  pending or, to the Knowledge of the Seller,
threatened, against or affecting the Business.

                  (c) To the Seller's Knowledge, except as set forth on Schedule
5.15 hereto,  none of the current  employees of the Business is represented by a
labor union,  and no petition has been filed or  proceedings  instituted  by any
employee or group of employees of the Business  with any labor  relations  board
seeking  recognition of a bargaining  representative  at any time.  There are no
controversies  or  disputes  (including  any  union  grievances  or  arbitration
proceedings) pending or, to the knowledge of the Seller, threatened, between the
Seller  and  any of the  employees  of the  Business  (or  any  union  or  other
representative  of such employees),  except for such  controversies and disputes
which do not and will not,  individually  or in the  aggregate,  have a material
adverse effect on the Condition of the Business.

         5.16  Environmental  Matters.  Schedule 5.16 hereto contains a true and
complete  list and  description  of every  underground  storage tank on the Real
Property  (each,  a "Tank")  for the  storage of  gasoline  and other  petroleum
products,  by-products and  constituents  ("Petroleum  Products").  Each Tank is
registered  with  NCDENR  or  DHEC  and  Seller  has  satisfied  all


                                      -16-
<PAGE>

applicable  requirements  for coverage under the Trust Fund for all of the Tanks
and each of them.  Except as set forth on Schedule  5.16,  the Tanks and related
equipment  and  apparatus  meet the  requirements  of 40 C.F.R.  ss. 280.21 that
underground storage tank systems must meet not later than December 22, 1998.

         5.17 Property of Others.  To the Seller's  Knowledge no shortage exists
in (a) any  inventory  or finished  goods owned by suppliers of the Business and
stored upon its premises or otherwise or (b) any other item of personal property
owned by another for which the  Business  is  accountable  to  another.  Without
limiting the foregoing, all items of personal property for which the Business is
accountable under any consignment contract, or otherwise are fully accounted for
with no shortages or missing or lost items, are in workable, usable and saleable
condition  and have  suffered no damage or  deterioration,  normal wear and tear
excepted. Should shortages exist at Closing, the Seller shall be responsible for
any required compensation or replenishment.

         5.18     Equipment, Etc.

                  (a) Subject to the valuation threshold noted thereon, Schedule
5.18(a)  hereto  contains a true and complete list of all  machinery,  Petroleum
Equipment,  Store Equipment,  furniture and other tangible personal property and
assets owned by the Seller and included in the definition of Transferred Assets.

                  (b) Subject to the valuation threshold noted thereon, Schedule
5.18(b)  contains a true and complete list of all Petroleum  Equipment and Store
Equipment owned by third parties and used in the Business.

         5.19  Condition  of Tangible  Assets.  To the Seller's  Knowledge,  the
facilities,   machinery,  Store  Equipment,   Petroleum  Equipment,   furniture,
fixtures,  buildings  and  other  tangible  assets  which  are  included  in the
Transferred  Assets  or are a part of the Real  Property  are in good  operating
condition and repair  (subject to Section 7.1 hereof),  except for ordinary wear
and tear and parts or  repairs of an  immaterial  nature in the  aggregate.  The
Seller has not received any notice of any violation of any Law in respect of the
Transferred  Assets that has not been cured. To the Seller's  Knowledge,  all of
the  equipment  necessary  for  the  sustained  uninterrupted  operation  of the
Business complies,  and during Seller's operation of the Business such equipment
has complied, in all material respects with all applicable Laws.

         5.20  Sufficiency of Assets.  Except for the Excluded Assets and as set
forth on Schedule 5.20, the Transferred  Assets  constitute all of the property,
assets and contractual  rights  presently used by the Seller with respect to the
Business  and such  Transferred  Assets  are  adequate  for the  conduct  of the
Business as presently  conducted.  The Business  has a normal  operating  supply
(consistent with past practices) of Inventories, Equipment and Store Supplies.

         5.21 Tax Matters. Purchaser shall not have any liability for payment or
otherwise with respect to any Taxes arising out of, attributable to or affecting
the Transferred Assets or the conduct of the Business through the Closing. There
does not exist and will not exist any  liability  for Taxes that may be asserted
by any taxing  authority  against the  Transferred  Assets or the conduct of the
Business  through the Closing for which  Purchaser  will have any  liability for
payment or  otherwise,  and no lien or other  encumbrance  for such Taxes has or
will attach to the Transferred Assets through the Closing.



                                      -17-
<PAGE>

         5.22 Finders or Brokers.  The Seller has not  employed  any  investment
banker,  broker,  finder or  intermediary  in connection  with the  transactions
contemplated  hereby who is entitled to any fee or commission in connection with
the  execution  or delivery of this  Agreement  or any of the other  Transaction
Documents  or  the  consummation  of the  transactions  contemplated  hereby  or
thereby.

         5.23 Disclosure of Material  Facts. To the Knowledge of the Seller,  no
provision  of this  Agreement  contains  or will  contain at Closing  any untrue
statement  of a material  fact with  respect to the Seller,  the  Business,  the
Stores or the  Transferred  Assets or omits or will omit at  Closing  to state a
material  fact with  respect  to the  Seller,  the  Business,  the Stores or the
Transferred  Assets necessary in order to make the statements  herein or therein
not misleading.

         5.24 Certain Interests;  Affiliate  Transactions.  Schedule 5.24 hereto
sets  forth a true and  complete  list of all  written  and  material  unwritten
agreements, commitments, obligations and understandings binding upon or relating
to the Business  which provide for or reflect the sale by Seller or the Business
to, or the purchase by Seller or the Business  from,  any Affiliate of Seller of
any  products,  goods,  supplies,  equipment or services  which will survive the
Closing.  Except as described in detail on Schedule 5.24 hereto, the Termination
of any such  agreement,  commitment or  understanding  would not have a material
adverse effect on the Condition of the Business.

         5.25     Employee Benefit Plans.

                  (a)   Schedule   5.25  lists  all   Employee   Benefit   Plans
participated in or maintained by Seller or with respect to which Seller has made
contributions or has or in the future could have any liability.  For purposes of
this Section 5.25,  Seller includes any other entity or business that is treated
as a single employer with Seller pursuant to Section 414(b),  (c), (m) or (o) of
the Code.  Seller has made available to Buyer true,  correct and complete copies
of all  such  written  Employee  Benefit  Plans  and  descriptions  of any  such
unwritten Employee Benefit Plans.

                  (b) The consummation of the transactions  contemplated by this
Agreement  will not (i)  entitle  any  current or former  employee  of Seller to
severance  pay,  unemployment  compensation  or any  similar  payment  for which
Purchaser  could be liable,  (ii)  accelerate  the time of payment or vesting or
increase  the amount of any  compensation  to or in  respect  of any  current or
former employee of Seller for which Purchaser could be liable or (iii) result in
or satisfy any condition to the payment of compensation to any current or former
employee  of  Seller  for  which  Purchaser  could  be  liable  that  would,  in
combination  with any other  payment,  result in an "excess  parachute  payment"
within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code.


                                   ARTICLE VI

                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER

         The Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Seller as follows:



                                      -18-
<PAGE>

         6.1 Organization and Good Standing. The Purchaser is a corporation duly
organized,  validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Delaware, and is authorized to transact business in the States of North Carolina
and South Carolina.

         6.2 Power and  Authority.  The Purchaser  has all  requisite  power and
authority to enter into and deliver  this  Agreement  and the other  Transaction
Documents,  perform its  obligations  hereunder and consummate the  transactions
contemplated  hereby and thereby.  The execution and delivery of this  Agreement
and  the  other  Transaction  Documents  by  it,  the  performance  by it of its
obligations  hereunder and the  consummation  of the  transactions  contemplated
hereby and  thereby  have been duly and  validly  authorized  by all  corporate,
stockholder  and other  actions on its part  required  by  applicable  Law,  its
certificate of incorporation or by-laws, or otherwise.

                  This Agreement and the other Transaction  Documents constitute
the legal, valid and binding  obligations of the Purchaser,  enforceable against
it in  accordance  with  their  terms,  except (i) as the same may be limited by
bankruptcy,  insolvency,  reorganization,  moratorium  or  similar  laws  now or
hereafter in effect  relating to  creditors'  rights  generally and (ii) general
equitable principles.

         6.3 No  Violation.  Neither the execution and delivery by the Purchaser
of this Agreement or the other Transaction  Documents,  the performance by it of
its  obligations   hereunder  and  thereunder,   nor  the  consummation  of  the
transactions  contemplated hereby and thereby, will (i) contravene any provision
of its  certificate  of  incorporation  or by-laws;  (ii)  violate any  material
agreement  or  instrument  to  which  it is a party or by which it or any of its
assets or  properties  may be  bound;  (iii)  violate  any  material  Law or any
judgment,  decree or order of any court or other  Governmental  Authority or any
arbitration  award to which it is subject or by which it or any of its assets or
properties  may  be  bound;  or  (iv)  have a  material  adverse  effect  on the
Purchaser's business or operations.

         6.4 No Actions.  There is no Action pending or, to the knowledge of the
Purchaser,  threatened,  against it or any of its assets,  properties  or rights
before  any  court  or other  Governmental  Authority  which  (i)  questions  or
challenges  the validity of this Agreement or any action taken or proposed to be
taken by it pursuant hereto or in connection with the transactions  contemplated
hereby or (ii) could, if adversely determined, have a material adverse effect on
the transactions contemplated hereby.

         6.5  Approvals.  To  the  knowledge  of  the  Purchaser,   neither  any
declaration,  filing or registration with, nor any Approval of, any Governmental
Authority  is  required  to be made or  obtained  by or  with  respect  to it in
connection with the execution,  delivery or performance of this Agreement or the
consummation of the transactions  contemplated  hereby,  except such Approval as
may be  required  under the  Hart-Scott-Rodino  Antitrust  Improvements  Act, as
amended.

         6.6 Disclosure of Material Facts. To the knowledge of the Purchaser, no
provision of this Agreement or any of the other Transaction  Documents  contains
or will contain at Closing any untrue  statement of a material fact with respect
to it or omits or will omit at Closing to state a material  fact with respect to
it necessary in order to make the statements herein or therein not misleading.



                                      -19-
<PAGE>

         6.7 Finders or Brokers.  The Purchaser has not employed any  investment
banker,  broker,  finder or  intermediary  in connection  with the  transactions
contemplated  hereby who is entitled to any fee or commission in connection with
the  execution  or  delivery  of  this  Agreement  or  the  consummation  of the
transactions contemplated hereby.


                                   ARTICLE VII

             CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF THE SELLER PRIOR TO THE CLOSING
                    OR EARLIER TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT

         The Seller hereby covenants that,  except as otherwise  consented to in
writing by the  Purchaser,  from and after the date hereof  until the Closing or
the earlier termination of this Agreement:

         7.1 Conduct of  Business.  The Seller  shall carry on the  Business and
operations of the Business only in the ordinary course and in the same manner as
heretofore  conducted,  including,  without  limitation:  (a)  performing in all
material respects all of its material obligations under the Contracts; (b) using
its  reasonable  efforts to maintain  and  preserve  (i) all of the  properties,
equipment,  and other assets of the Business in good repair,  working  order and
condition (except for ordinary wear and tear), (ii) the present workforce of the
Business (including,  without limitation,  those key employees who have been and
through the Closing Date will be responsible  for operating,  administering  and
managing the Business),  (iii) all of the Approvals relating to or affecting the
Business in good standing and (iv) its present  relationships with, and the good
will of, the agents,  suppliers,  and  customers of the Business and others with
which it has business relations which relate to or affect the Business;  and (c)
keeping  in full  force  and  effect  insurance  with  respect  to the  Business
comparable  in amount and scope of coverage to that  currently  maintained by it
with respect to the Business.  The Seller shall consult with the Purchaser  from
time to time, upon the reasonable request of the Purchaser,  with respect to the
conduct of the Business.

         7.2 Restricted  Activities and Transactions.  Without the prior written
consent of the Purchaser,  the Seller shall not engage in any one or more of the
following activities or transactions with respect to the Business:  (a) directly
or indirectly  create,  incur or assume any Lien, other than Permitted Liens, on
or with respect to any property or asset  (including  any document or instrument
in respect of goods) of the Business,  whether now owned or hereafter  acquired,
or any income or profits therefrom; (b) Transfer, or agree to Transfer, any part
of the  Business's  assets,  properties  or rights,  other than in the  ordinary
course of the business of the Business in  accordance  with past  practice;  (c)
enter  or  agree to  enter,  into any  agreement  or  arrangement  granting  any
preferential  rights to purchase any of the  Business's  assets,  properties  or
rights (including,  without limitation, the Transferred Assets) or requiring the
consent of any party to the Transfer of any such assets,  properties  or rights;
(d) make or permit to be made any amendment to or termination of any Contract or
any  Approval  relating to the  Business  other than in the  ordinary  course of
business  in  accordance  with  past  practice;  (e)  make  any  change  in  any
profit-sharing,  pension,  retirement,  long-term  disability,  hospitalization,
insurance or other Employee Benefit Plan, payment or arrangement,  except in the
ordinary  course  consistent with past practice or as required by Law; (f) enter
into any  collective  bargaining  agreement;  (g)  enter  into any  contract  or
agreement  except in the  ordinary  course of business in  accordance  with past
practice;  or (h)  except in the  ordinary  course of  business,


                                      -20-
<PAGE>

enter into any  compromise or settlement of any Action  affecting or relating to
the Business or any of its properties, assets or businesses.

         7.3  Cooperation.  The Seller  shall use its best  efforts to cause the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement to be consummated.  Without limiting
the  generality  of  the  foregoing,  the  Seller  shall  (a)  use  commercially
reasonable  efforts to obtain all  Approvals  of, make all filings with and give
all notices to, all such  Governmental  Authorities  and other Persons as may be
necessary or reasonably  requested by the  Purchaser in order to consummate  the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including,  without limitation, all
of the Approvals  referred to on Schedules 5.5, 5.12(c) and 5.14 hereof) and (b)
give prompt notice to the Purchaser of (i) any notice of, or other communication
relating to, any default,  or any event which,  with the giving of notice or the
lapse of time or both, would become a default,  under, any material  Contract to
which the Seller is a party or by which it or its assets or properties are bound
and which  affects  or  relates  to the  Business  and (ii) any  notice or other
communication from any third party alleging that the consent of such third party
is or may be required in  connection  with the  execution  and  delivery of this
Agreement or the transactions  contemplated  hereby.  In addition,  Seller shall
take such action as is reasonably  requested by Purchaser to enable Purchaser to
obtain alcoholic  beverage licenses and Tank  registrations for the Stores as of
the Closing Date.

         7.4 Employee  Benefit Plans.  The Seller shall take any and all actions
necessary or desirable to cause all Employee  Benefit  Plans and any other plans
or  programs  relating  to employee  benefits  maintained  by the Seller for the
benefit of  employees  of the Business to be continued in full force and effect,
except  as  required  pursuant  to the  terms and  provisions  of such  plans or
programs in the ordinary course of business in accordance with past practice.

         7.5 No  Negotiations.  Until  July  31,  1998 or  earlier  termination,
neither the Seller, any of its Affiliates, nor any of the Representatives of any
of them, shall, directly or indirectly, in any way contact, initiate, enter into
or conduct  any  discussions  or  negotiations,  or enter  into any  agreements,
whether  written  or  oral,  with any  Person  with  respect  to the sale of the
Business or all or any significant  portion of the assets of Seller.  The Seller
shall,  immediately  upon  receipt  thereof  by  it or  any  of  its  respective
Affiliates or  Representatives,  notify the Purchaser of any offer by any Person
to make any such purchase or enter into any such agreement.

         7.6 Access to the  Business.  The Seller hereby  acknowledges  that the
Purchaser, its Affiliates, and their respective  Representatives  (collectively,
the  "Purchaser  Group") may continue their due diligence  investigation  of the
business,  operations and affairs of the Business through and until the Closing.
The Seller and its Affiliates and  Representatives  shall  cooperate  fully with
such investigation and, upon reasonable prior notice, shall afford the Purchaser
Group  reasonable  access,  during normal business hours and at other reasonable
times,  to the sales records (for 1995,  1996, 1997 and 1998  year-to-date)  and
current personnel records,  Stores and other facilities of the Business in order
that the Purchaser  Group may have the  opportunity to make such  investigations
thereof as it shall deem  necessary or  desirable.  The Seller shall furnish the
Purchaser  Group  with  any  applications  or  statements  to  be  made  to  any
Governmental Authority in connection with the transactions  contemplated by this
Agreement.  Further,  the Seller shall assist the Purchaser  Group in contacting
and  communicating  with  their  independent  accountants,  suppliers  and other
Persons  having  dealings  relating  to the  Business.  None of the  information
furnished  hereunder or obtained by the Purchaser Group during its due diligence
investigation  of the  Business  shall in any way  release  the Seller  from the
representations and warranties made by it in this Agreement.



                                      -21-
<PAGE>

                  Commencing on the day  following  the date of this  Agreement,
Purchaser and its  Representatives  shall be allowed to make  environmental  and
other  engineering  investigations,  including Phase I and Phase II analysis and
testing, as Purchaser shall, in its sole discretion, deem appropriate. Purchaser
shall bear any cost of such investigation,  analysis and testing. The Seller has
delivered to the Purchaser copies of all  environmental  reports,  copies of all
environmental  related  claims,  inquiries or requests for  information by third
parties, and copies of all correspondence with environmental regulatory agencies
regarding each Store.

                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Purchaser's right to enter upon
and  conduct  tests upon the Real  Property  is  expressly  made  subject to the
following terms and conditions. Any entry upon the Third Party Real Property, or
any other  property owned or leased by a party other than Seller or an Affiliate
of Seller,  is  conditioned  upon Seller's  ability to obtain  consents from the
owner and lessee.  Seller shall not be obligated to obtain any such consent, but
shall  exercise  reasonable  efforts to do so. Any samples  and testing  will be
undertaken  only  at  locations  and  in a  manner  that  will  not  damage  any
improvements,  equipment  or  utilities,  and  Purchaser  shall first verify the
location of all utilities,  equipment and  improvements to insure that no damage
will  occur.   Purchaser   shall   undertake   all  such  work  through   SPATCO
Environmental,  Inc.,  Charlotte,  North Carolina,  or through another  licensed
engineering  firm, in accordance with  applicable  legal  requirements  and in a
manner  that  minimizes  any  disruption  to the Real  Property  and  operations
thereon.  Purchaser  shall notify Seller of the date on which any entry upon the
Real Property shall occur hereunder.  Promptly upon completion of any entry upon
the Real Property  hereunder,  Purchaser  shall repair any damage caused by such
entry. Purchaser shall remove from the Real Property and properly dispose of, in
accordance with all applicable legal requirements, any waste materials generated
in connection  with sampling work.  Purchaser shall  indemnify,  defend and hold
harmless Seller and the Seller Indemnified  Parties from and against any and all
liabilities,  damages,  claims,  demands,  costs  and  expenses  of  every  kind
(including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of entry
upon the Real Property or any other property pursuant to this Section 7.6.

         7.7 Disclosure  Regarding the Seller. The Seller shall, upon reasonable
request,  provide the Purchaser Group with such  information  and  documentation
concerning the Seller as may be reasonably  necessary for the Purchaser Group to
verify  performance  of and  compliance  with the  representations,  warranties,
covenants and conditions of the Seller contained herein.

         7.8  Confidentiality.  The Seller shall, and shall cause its Affiliates
and the Representatives  to, keep confidential,  and not disclose to others, any
proprietary information used or usable by or relating to, and obtained from, the
Purchaser,  any of its Affiliates or any of the  Representatives of any of them,
to the extent that such information is not or does not become readily  available
to the public or is not  required to be  disclosed  by  applicable  Law or court
order.

                                      -22-
<PAGE>


                                  ARTICLE VIII

                   CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER PRIOR
             TO THE CLOSING OR EARLIER TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT

         The Purchaser hereby covenants that,  except as otherwise  consented to
in writing by the Seller,  from and after the date  hereof  until the Closing or
the earlier termination of this Agreement:

         8.1 Cooperation.  The Purchaser shall use its best efforts to cause the
transactions  contemplated  by this  Agreement to be  consummated  and,  without
limiting the  generality of the foregoing,  to obtain all Approvals  (except the
Approvals  referred to on Schedules  5.5,  5.12(c) and 5.14 hereto) of, make all
filings  with and give all notices  to, all such  Governmental  Authorities  and
other Persons as may be necessary or reasonably requested by the Seller in order
to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         8.2  Disclosure  Regarding the  Purchaser.  The Purchaser  shall,  upon
reasonable  request,  provide the Seller with such information and documentation
concerning the Purchaser as may be reasonably necessary for the Seller to verify
performance of and compliance with the  representations,  warranties,  covenants
and conditions of the Purchaser contained herein.

         8.3  Confidentiality.  The Purchaser shall, and shall cause each of its
Affiliates and the  Representatives of each of them to, keep  confidential,  and
not disclose to others,  any  information  used or usable by or relating to, and
obtained from, the Seller,  any of its Affiliates or any of the  Representatives
of any of them,  to the extent that such  Information  is not or does not become
readily available to the public or is not required to be disclosed by applicable
Law or court order.

         8.4  Restricted  Activities.  Without the prior written  consent of the
Seller, which consent will not be unreasonably  withheld, the Purchaser will not
take any action or permit any event to occur which  would  result in a breach of
any of the representations or warranties set forth in Article VI hereof.


                                   ARTICLE IX

            CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER

         Each and every  obligation of the Purchaser  under this Agreement to be
performed at or before the Closing shall be subject to the satisfaction,  at the
Closing, of each of the following conditions:

         9.1  Representations  and  Warranties  True.  The  representations  and
warranties  of the Seller  contained  in this  Agreement  or in any of the other
Transaction  Documents shall be true and correct in all material  respects as of
the Closing Date with the same effect as if made on and as of the Closing  Date;
provided, however, that the materiality limitation set forth in this Section 9.1
shall  apply  only  with  respect  to the  condition  precedent  to  Purchaser's
obligation to close and shall not limit or qualify Seller's  representations and
warranties or Seller's indemnification obligations.



                                      -23-
<PAGE>

         9.2  Performance.  The Seller shall have  performed and complied in all
material  respects with all  agreements,  covenants,  obligations and conditions
required  by this  Agreement  or any of the other  Transaction  Documents  to be
performed or complied with by it at or prior to the Closing.

         9.3 No Adverse Changes.

                  (a) None of the Stores or other assets or properties  material
to the operation or business of the Business shall have been damaged,  destroyed
or taken by  condemnation  to such an extent that  substantial  operation of the
Business cannot continue or under  circumstances where the loss thereof will not
be  substantially  reimbursed  through  the  proceeds of  insurance  (including,
without limitation, business interruption insurance) or condemnation awards.

                  (b) No material adverse change (excluding national or regional
economic  downturns)  shall have occurred in the Condition of the Business since
the date of this Agreement.

                  (c) Notwithstanding  any provision of Sections 5.8(b)(i),  9.3
or 9.4  hereof,  in the event  that (i) one or more of the  Stores  is  damaged,
destroyed or taken by condemnation  prior to Closing or (ii) Seller is unable to
obtain any Approval  required for  Purchaser  to take  possession  of a Store at
Closing,  in either case,  such that Purchaser  cannot operate such Store in the
ordinary  course of business on the Closing Date, or (iii) one or more Stores is
excluded from the Transferred Assets pursuant to Section 9.11 hereof,  Purchaser
shall nevertheless be obligated to close and the Purchase Price shall be reduced
by $667,000 for each such Store; provided, however, that Purchaser may terminate
this  Agreement in the event the total number of such  excluded  Stores  exceeds
five (5), and such  termination  shall be considered  to be in  accordance  with
Section  4.1(a)  hereof.  If,  during the six (6) month period after the Closing
Date,  Seller is able to deliver any such Store to Purchaser,  fully operational
and otherwise in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, Purchaser shall be
obligated to close on such Store for a purchase price of $667,000.

         9.4  Approvals.  Except  as set forth on  Schedule  9.4,  all  filings,
declarations  and  registrations   with  and  Approvals  from  all  Governmental
Authorities and other Persons  required by applicable Law or otherwise  required
to permit  consummation  of the  transactions  contemplated  hereby  (including,
without  limitation,  all of the Approvals referred to on Schedules 5.5, 5.12(c)
or 5.14 hereto)  shall have been made or obtained and shall be in full force and
effect,  except to the  extent  that  making  any such  filing,  declaration  or
registration or obtaining any such Approval shall have been waived in writing by
the Purchaser.

         9.5  Estoppel  Certificates.  The Seller  shall have  delivered  to the
Purchaser  executed  estoppel  certificates from the lessor named in each of the
Third  Party  Leases,  dated not more than twenty (20) days prior to the Closing
Date,  stating,  with respect to each such lease the following (or in such other
form as may be reasonably acceptable to Purchaser and its counsel):  (a) whether
there have been any amendments, modifications or supplements of any kind to such
lease; (b) that such lease is in full force and effect; (c) the commencement and
expiration  dates of such lease;  (d) that the Seller or the Affiliate is not in
violation of or in default under such lease and that the lessor  thereunder  has
no claims  against the Seller or the  Affiliate;  (e) the amount of and the date
through which all fixed rent and any  additional  rent have been paid under such
lease;  (f) that no fixed rent or additional rent has been prepaid for more than


                                      -24-
<PAGE>


one month in advance;  (g) that such lessor  consents to the  assignment of such
lease to the  Purchaser  (if such  consent  is  required)  and  consents  to the
assignment of an option to purchase (if such consent is required);  and (h) such
other matters as the Purchaser may reasonably request.

         9.6  Subordination,  Non-Disturbance  and  Attornment  Agreements.  The
Seller shall have delivered to the Purchaser Subordination,  Non-Disturbance and
Attornment  Agreements ("SNDAs") executed by each mortgagee holding a beneficial
interest in any of the Real  Property,  each as more  particularly  described on
Schedule  9.6,  and the  owner of such  Real  Property,  in form  and  substance
reasonably acceptable to Purchaser and its counsel.

         9.7 Deliveries. The Seller shall have delivered to the Purchaser, at or
prior to the Closing, the following:

                  (a) the  instruments  of  Transfer  referred to in Section 3.2
hereof;

                  (b) all of the  books and  records  (except  corporate  books)
relating to the  Business,  including,  without  limitation,  sales records (for
1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998  year-to-date),  current  personnel  records,  and all
underground storage tank and environmental records;

                  (c)  a  certificate   of  existence  or  good   standing,   as
applicable, for the Seller, dated not earlier than twenty (20) days prior to the
Closing Date, of each of (i) the Secretary of State of North Carolina;  (ii) the
North  Carolina  Department  of Revenue;  (iii) the  Secretary of State of South
Carolina; and (iv) the South Carolina Department of Revenue.

                  (d)  resolutions,  certified  as of the  Closing  Date  by the
Secretary  or  Assistant  Secretary  of the  Seller,  adopted  by the  Board  of
Directors and the shareholders of the Seller, respectively,  and authorizing the
execution and delivery by the Seller of this Agreement and the other Transaction
Documents, the performance by it of its obligations hereunder and thereunder and
the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby;

                  (e)  such  certificates  of the  President  of the  Seller  to
evidence  compliance  with the  conditions  set forth in Sections  9.1  (without
regard to the materiality limitation stated in Section 9.1) through 9.4, and 9.8
and 9.9  hereof,  and any other  certificates  to evidence  compliance  with the
conditions  set forth in this Article IX as may be  reasonably  requested by the
Purchaser or its counsel;

                  (f) the opinion of Robinson,  Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A., counsel
to the Seller and Seller's  Affiliates,  dated the Closing Date and addressed to
the Purchaser in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser and
its counsel;

                  (g) executed Seller Leases,  Affiliate  Leases and Third Party
Lease Assignments;

                  (h)  powers  of  attorney,  in form and  substance  reasonably
satisfactory to Purchaser and its counsel,  assigning all rights,  interests and
claims referred to in Section  2.1(h);  flood  certificates  with respect to the
Stores identified on Schedule 5.11(i); and

                  (i)  such  other   documents  or   certificates  as  shall  be
reasonably requested by the Purchaser or its counsel.

                                      -25-
<PAGE>

         9.8 Proceedings. All corporate and other proceedings in connection with
the  transaction  contemplated  by  this  Agreement  and the  other  Transaction
Documents  shall  be in  form  and  substance  reasonably  satisfactory  to  the
Purchaser  and its  counsel,  and the  Purchaser  shall have  received  all such
originals  or  certified  or other  copies of such  documents  as it shall  have
reasonably requested.

         9.9  Absence  of  Litigation.  There  shall  be no  Action  pending  or
threatened before any court or other  Governmental  Authority which seeks to (a)
invalidate or set aside, in whole or in part, this Agreement or any of the other
Transaction Documents, (b) restrain, prohibit, invalidate or set aside, in whole
or in part, the consummation of the transactions  contemplated hereby or thereby
or (c) obtain substantial Damages in connection therewith.

         9.10 [Intentionally Omitted].

         9.11  Environmental  Matters.  Purchaser  shall  promptly  complete its
environmental  analysis  described  in Section 7.6 hereof.  If  Purchaser is not
satisfied in its sole discretion with the environmental condition of one or more
Stores  or if Seller is  unable  to  obtain  access to a Store  site to  conduct
environmental  investigation,  Purchaser  shall give written  notice  thereof to
Seller  no  later  than  June  22,   1998,   detailing   the   reasons  for  its
dissatisfaction, which may include inability to obtain access. If the reason for
Purchaser's  dissatisfaction  relates  to  petroleum  releases,  at  Purchaser's
election:  (i) the Store or Stores shall be added to Schedule 11.3(a) and Seller
shall be responsible with respect thereto as provided in Section 11.3(a) hereof;
or (ii) the Store or Stores shall be excluded  from the  Transferred  Assets and
the Purchase Price shall be reduced as provided in Section 9.3(c) hereof. If the
reason  for  Purchaser's  dissatisfaction  relates  to any  other  environmental
condition or inability to obtain access,  Purchaser may either:  (i) exclude the
Store or Stores  from the  Transferred  Assets and the  Purchase  Price shall be
reduced as provided in Section  9.3(c)  hereof;  or (ii) give the Seller written
notice of its  dissatisfaction,  detailing the reasons therefor,  in which event
the Seller may either promptly effect a cure to Purchaser's satisfaction,  to be
determined  in its sole  discretion,  or  exclude  the  affected  store from the
Transferred  Assets and reduce the Purchase  Price as provided in Section 9.3(c)
hereof.


                                    ARTICLE X

                             CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO
                          THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE SELLER

         Each and every  obligation  of the Seller  under this  Agreement  to be
performed at or before the Closing shall be subject to the satisfaction,  at the
Closing, of each of the following conditions:

         10.1  Representations  and  Warranties  True. The  representations  and
warranties of the Purchaser  contained in this  Agreement or in any of the other
Transaction Documents shall be true and correct as of the date of this Agreement
and as of the  Closing  Date  with the same  effect  as if made on and as of the
Closing Date.

         10.2  Performance.  The Purchaser  shall have performed and complied in
all material respects with all agreements, covenants, obligations and conditions
required  by this  Agreement

                                      -26-
<PAGE>

or any of the other Transaction Documents to be performed or complied with by it
at or prior to the Closing.

         10.3 Approvals.  All filings,  declarations and registrations  with and
Approvals  from all  Governmental  Authorities  and other  Persons  required  by
applicable Law or otherwise  required or desirable for the  consummation  of the
transactions  contemplated hereby (except the Approvals referred to on Schedules
5.5, 5.12(c) and 5.14 hereto,  which the Seller shall be solely  responsible for
obtaining)  shall  have been  made or  obtained  and shall be in full  force and
effect,  except to the  extent  that  making  any such  filing,  declaration  or
registration or obtaining any such Approval shall have been waived in writing by
the Seller.

         10.4 Deliveries.  The Purchaser shall have delivered to the Seller,  at
or prior to the Closing, the following:

                  (a) an amount equal to the Purchase Price described in Section
2.6 hereof;

                  (b) an instrument of assignment and assumption relating to the
Contracts;

                  (c) a good standing certificate, dated not earlier than twenty
(20) days prior to the Closing Date,  of the Secretary of State of Delaware,  as
to the  good  standing  of the  Purchaser  in  Delaware,  and a  certificate  of
authorization,  dated not earlier than ten (10) days prior to the Closing  Date,
of the Secretary of State of North  Carolina and the Secretary of State of South
Carolina,  as to the  Purchaser's  authorization  to transact  business in North
Carolina and South Carolina, respectively;

                  (d)  resolutions,  certified  as of the  Closing  Date  by the
Secretary  or  Assistant  Secretary  of the  Purchaser,  adopted by the Board of
Directors of the  Purchaser  and  authorizing  the execution and delivery by the
Purchaser of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, the performance
by it of its obligations  hereunder and thereunder and the consummation by it of
the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby;

                  (e) such  certificates  of the President or Vice  President of
the Purchaser to evidence  compliance  with the conditions set forth in Sections
10.1,  10.2, and 10.3 hereof and any other  certificates to evidence  compliance
with the conditions  set forth in this Article X as may be reasonably  requested
by the Seller or their counsel;

                  (f) the opinion of Smith, Anderson,  Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell
&  Jernigan,  L.L.P.,  counsel  to the  Purchaser,  dated the  Closing  Date and
addressed to the Seller,  in form and substance  reasonably  satisfactory to the
Seller and its counsel;

                  (g) the executed  Seller  Leases,  Affiliate  Leases and Third
Party Lease Assignments;

                  (h) the executed SNDAs; and

                  (i)  such  other   documents  or   certificates  as  shall  be
reasonably requested by the Seller or their counsel.

         10.5  Proceedings.  All corporate and other  proceedings  in connection
with the transactions  contemplated by this Agreement and the other  Transaction
Documents shall be in


                                      -27-
<PAGE>

form and substance  reasonably  satisfactory to the Seller and its counsel,  and
the Seller shall have  received all such  originals or certified or other copies
of such documents as they shall have reasonably requested.

         10.6  Absence  of  Litigation.  There  shall be no  Action  pending  or
threatened before any court or other  Governmental  Authority which seeks to (a)
invalidate or set aside, in whole or in part, this Agreement or any of the other
Transaction Documents, (b) restrain, prohibit, invalidate or set aside, in whole
or in part, the consummation of the transactions  contemplated hereby or thereby
or (c) obtain substantial Damages in connection therewith.


                                   ARTICLE XI

                         CERTAIN POST-CLOSING COVENANTS

         11.1     Confidentiality.

                  (a) From and after the Closing, the Purchaser shall, and shall
cause its  Representatives to, hold in strict confidence and, except as required
by applicable  Law, not disclose to others (except its  Representatives)  or use
for any reason whatsoever  without the prior written consent of the Seller,  any
information  (unless  previously known to the Purchaser or any of its Affiliates
from  sources  other than the Seller or any of their  respective  Affiliates  or
ascertainable from public or published information or trade sources) received by
the Purchaser or any of its Affiliates from the Seller concerning the Seller and
not relating to the Transferred Assets or the Business.

                  (b) From and after the Closing,  the Seller  shall,  and shall
cause its  Representatives to, hold in strict confidence and, except as required
by applicable Law, not disclose to others (except their  Representatives) or use
for any reason  whatsoever  without the prior written  consent of the Purchaser,
(i) any  information  (unless  previously  known to the  Seller  or any of their
Affiliates  from sources  other than the  Purchaser or any of its  Affiliates or
ascertainable from public or published information or trade sources) received by
the Seller or any of their  respective  Affiliates  from the Purchaser or any of
its  Affiliates  concerning  the  Purchaser  or  its  Affiliates,  or  (ii)  any
information (unless  ascertainable from public or published information or trade
sources) concerning the Transferred Assets or the Business.

         11.2 Noncompetition. For a period of *************** from and after the
Closing, neither Seller nor any of its Affiliates (including, without
limitation, *******************************************************************
*************************************), will engage, directly or indirectly, in
the operation of, or own or have any interest of any kind, in any convenience
store or gasoline retail business in the Restricted Area, as defined below.
"Restricted Area" shall mean:

                  (a) any county  located in the State of North  Carolina or the
State of South  Carolina in which  Purchaser or any Affiliate owns or operates a
convenience store;

                  (b) the area within a ************  radius of any  convenience
store  operated  by  Purchaser  or any  Affiliate  in  North  Carolina  or South
Carolina;

                  (c) any county in which any of the Stores are located; and

                                      -28-

*Selected portions have been deleted as confidential pursuant to Rule 24b-2.
Complete copies of the entire exhibit have been filed separately with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and marked "CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT."

<PAGE>

                   (d) the area within a ******** radius of any of the Stores.

         Notwithstanding the foregoing, the restrictions imposed by this Section
11.2 shall not apply (i) to any Store as to which Seller or its assignee retakes
possession as a result of Purchaser's breach or default under the Lease for such
Store, or (ii) to ownership by individuals of up to 2% of the stock of a public
company engaged in the convenience store business.

         11.3     Responsibility for Environmental Matters.

                  (a) With regard to any assessment or  remediation  required by
Law or third party claims as to any Tanks,  tanks,  or Store sites  arising from
leaks,  releases,  spills or discharges of Petroleum Products which occurred and
were identified,  as set forth on Schedule 11.3(a), prior to Closing, the Seller
shall  be  responsible  for  such  assessment,   remediation  or  claim,   which
responsibility may be satisfied by qualification of such assessment, remediation
or claim for  coverage  (including,  without  limitation,  payment  or waiver of
applicable   deductibles)  under  the  Trust  Fund  or  by  performance  of  all
remediation  required by applicable law and performance of all other obligations
required herein at no cost to the Purchaser.  Through Closing,  the Seller shall
be responsible  for  registration of all Tanks,  paying or obtaining  waivers of
deductibles,  and for taking all other necessary action to qualify all Tanks for
coverage  by the Trust Fund.  Seller  shall have no  responsibility  for lack of
coverage  due to a  shortage  of funds in, or  insolvency  of,  the Trust  Fund.
Schedule 11.3(a) may be updated prior to Closing by Purchaser to list any leaks,
releases,  spills or discharges of Petroleum Products which are identified up to
the date of Closing. With respect to any matters identified on Schedule 11.3(a),
Seller shall have the right to undertake any  investigation,  negotiation  (with
governmental  authorities  or  third  parties),   remediation,  or  other  work.
Purchaser  shall grant  Seller  such  access to the Store Sites as Seller  shall
reasonably require to effect any such investigation, remediation, or other work,
provided that Seller will provide  Purchaser with  reasonable  advance notice of
such access  (except in an emergency)  and shall use all  reasonable  efforts to
avoid  interference with Purchaser's  operations and provide Purchaser with such
access and indemnity  agreement as Purchaser may  reasonably  request.  When any
such site has qualified  for Trust Fund  reimbursement,  Purchaser  shall assume
administrative oversight thereof.


                                      -29-

*Selected portions have been deleted as confidential pursuant to Rule 24b-2.
Complete copies of the entire exhibit have been filed separately with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and marked "CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT."
<PAGE>

                  (b) The Purchaser shall be solely  responsible for maintaining
registration  of registered  Tanks and Store sites  subsequent  to Closing.  The
Purchaser shall be solely responsible for any assessment or remediation required
by  Governmental  Authority,  by Law and any third  party  claims to the  extent
arising from leaks,  releases,  spills or discharges of Petroleum Products which
are not identified on Schedule  11.3(a) or occur subsequent to Closing at any of
the Store sites,  and Seller hereby  assigns its rights and claims against third
parties  relating to such  assessments  and  remediation  for which Purchaser is
responsible.

                  (c) Except as  specifically  provided in Section 5.16,  Seller
makes  no  representations   or  warranties   whatsoever  with  respect  to  the
environmental condition of the Real Property, or with respect to the presence or
disposal of any Hazardous  Substances  hazardous wastes,  PCB's,  PCB-containing
materials, asbestos-containing materials, or waste oil.

                  (d) The provisions of Section 11.3 shall neither supersede nor
obviate the  representations  and warranties of the Seller  contained in Section
5.16(g).

                  (e)  Notwithstanding  any other  provision of this  Agreement,
Seller's total  responsibility and Liability under this Agreement arising out of
or with respect to the  Identified  Conditions as of the date hereof  respecting
Store Number 77,  Store  Number 28, and Store  Number 43 shall be satisfied  and
discharged as set forth in this Paragraph (e).

                           (i) Seller shall, at or prior to Closing,  obtain and
deliver to Purchaser  three  letters of credit (the  "Letters of Credit") in the
amounts of $******* with respect to Store No. 77,  $****** with respect to Store
Number 28, and $****** to Store Number 43.

                           (ii) The Letters of Credit  shall be issued by Branch
Banking & Trust Company (or another bank  acceptable to Purchaser),  shall be in
form and substance reasonably  satisfactory to Purchaser and its counsel,  shall
name Purchaser as the beneficiary  thereof, and shall provide that Purchaser may
draw thereon by certifying in writing to the issuer  thereof that  Purchaser has
incurred costs in connection with the assessment or remediation  required by law
or any  third-party  claims with  respect to the  Identified  Condition  for the
respective Store.

                           (iii) The  Letters  of Credit  shall be issued  for a
term of one year, and Seller shall provide renewal Letters of Credit annually in
the  amount  of the  original  Letters  of Credit  less the  amount of any draws
theretofore paid with respect to the respective Letters of Credit.  Seller shall
continue to provide the Letters of Credit  until the earliest of (a) the drawing
by  Purchaser  of the full  amount of any  Letter of  Credit,  (b) the date upon
which, in Purchaser's  reasonable  opinion, no further assessment or remediation
shall be required by Law or a third-party  claim with respect to the  Identified
Condition with respect to the respective  Store,  or (c)  Purchaser's  agreement
that Seller shall no longer be required to furnish a Letter of Credit.

                  (f)  Purchaser and Seller shall  cooperate  with each other to
enable the other to obtain any rights or benefits to which  Purchaser  or Seller
may be entitled.

         11.4  Specific  Performance;  Injunctive  Relief.  Each of the  parties
hereto  acknowledges and understands that any breach or threatened  breach by it
of Section  11.1  hereof or (with  respect to the  Seller,  Albert O.  McCauley,
Kenneth  McDonald,  and Johnny Wood) Section 11.2 hereof will cause  irreparable
injury to the non-breaching party or parties and their respective Affiliates and
that money damages will not provide an adequate remedy therefor. Accordingly, in
the event of any such breach or threatened  breach,  the non-breaching  party or
parties shall have the right and remedy (in addition to any others  available at
law or in  equity)  to have the  provisions  of  Sections  11.1 and 11.2  hereof
specifically  enforced  by, and to seek  injunctive  relief and other  equitable
remedies in, any court having competent jurisdiction.

         11.5 Change of Seller's Name.  Within three (3) business days after the
Closing Date,  Seller shall amend its articles of  incorporation  to provide for
the change of its corporate  name to a name other than,  and one not similar to,
"Quick  Stop Food Mart,  Inc." and shall  effect  such name change in each other
jurisdiction  in which it is  authorized  to  transact  business.  Seller  shall
promptly  thereafter  deliver  to the  Purchaser  true and  complete  copies  of
Seller's articles of incorporation, as so amended, certified by the Secretary of
State of North  Carolina,  and  certificates  of the  Secretary of State of each
other  jurisdiction in which it is authorized to transact  business,  evidencing
the good standing of Seller in each such other  jurisdiction under its new name.
Notwithstanding the foregoing,  Seller may, for a reasonable period of time, use
its current supply of printed checks and stationery.


*Selected portions have been deleted as confidential pursuant to Rule 24b-2.
Complete copies of the entire exhibit have been filed separately with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and marked "CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT."


                                      -30-


<PAGE>

         11.6 Jacksonville Store. Seller shall be responsible for completing the
construction of, and upfitting and equipping,  the Store in Jacksonville,  North
Carolina,  consistent with Seller's  customary  standards,  the cost of which is
included in the Purchase Price.


                                   ARTICLE XII

                         SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND
                           WARRANTIES; INDEMNIFICATION

         12.1 Survival of Representations  and Warranties.  Notwithstanding  (a)
the making of this Agreement, (b) any examination or investigation made by or on
behalf  of  the  parties  hereto  and  (c)  the  Closing   hereunder,   (i)  the
representations and warranties of the parties hereto contained in this Agreement
shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Closing for a
period of eighteen  (18) months from and after the date  hereof,  except for the
representations  and  warranties   contained  in  Sections  5.16  (Environmental
Matters),  5.21 (Tax Matters) and 5.25  (Employee  Benefit  Plans),  which shall
survive until the  expiration of the applicable  statute of limitations  for the
underlying cause of action, and (ii) the covenants and agreements of the parties
hereto  contained  in this  Agreement  shall  survive  until fully  performed or
fulfilled (unless  non-compliance with such covenants or agreements is waived in
writing by the party or parties hereto entitled to such  performance).  No claim
for indemnification  pursuant to Section 12.2 hereof may be brought with respect
thereto after the applicable  expiration date; provided,  however, that if prior
to such date a party hereto has  notified  the other party or parties  hereto in
writing of a claim for  indemnification  under this  Article XII (whether or not
formal legal action shall have been commenced based upon such claim), such claim
shall continue to be subject to  indemnification in accordance with this Article
XII.

         12.2  Indemnification.  Subject to Sections 12.1, 12.4 and 12.5 hereof,
from and after the  Closing,  each of the  parties  hereto and their  respective
successors and assigns (each being an "Indemnifying  Party") shall indemnify and
hold harmless the other party or parties hereto,  their  respective  Affiliates,
successors and assigns,  and the  Representatives of each of them (each being an
"Indemnified  Party"),  from and against any and all Damages incurred thereby or
caused thereto  arising out of or relating to (a) any breach or violation of, or
failure to properly perform, any covenant or agreement made by such Indemnifying
Party in this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents, unless waived
in  writing  by  the   Indemnified   Party;   (b)  any  breach  of  any  of  the
representations  or warranties made by such Indemnifying Party in this Agreement
or any of the other  Transaction  Documents  and not  waived in  writing  by the
Indemnified  Party; (c) with respect to the Seller,  its failure to pay, perform
or satisfy  when due any of the  Excluded  Liabilities;  (d) with respect to the
Purchaser,  its failure to pay,  perform or satisfy  when due any of the Assumed
Liabilities or any Liability or Damages arising out of or in connection with its
ownership and operation of the Business after  Closing;  and (e) with respect to
the Seller,  Seller's failure to comply with applicable  provisions of the North
Carolina or South Carolina Uniform  Commercial Code - Bulk Transfers.  Except as
otherwise  expressly provided in Section 11.2 hereof, no Indemnified Party shall
have  any  recourse  of  any  kind  or  nature  whatsoever  against  any  of the
Representatives of any Indemnifying Party.

         12.3     Notice and Payment of Claims

                  (a) Promptly after receipt by any Indemnified  Party of notice
of the  commencement  of any  action,  the  assertion  by any third party of any
claim, or otherwise giving


                                      -31-
<PAGE>
rise to indemnification as provided in this Article  (collectively,  a "Claim"),
the  Indemnified  Party  receiving such notice (the "Claim Notice") shall notify
the  Indemnifying  Party in writing of the  assertion  of such Claim;  provided,
however,  that  failure  to give  such  notice  shall  not  affect  the right to
indemnification  hereunder  except  to  the  extent  of  actual  prejudice.  The
Indemnifying Party shall have the option, and shall notify the Indemnified Party
in writing  within ten (10)  business days after the date of the Claim Notice of
its election  either (i) to  participate  (at its own expense) in the defense of
such Claim (in which case the defense of such Claim shall be  controlled  by the
Indemnified  Party) or (ii) to take  charge of and  control  the defense of such
Claim.  The  Indemnifying  Party's  failure to  respond  shall not  relieve  the
Indemnifying Party of, or its  indemnification  obligations under, this Section.
Each  Indemnified  Party  shall have the right to employ  separate  counsel  and
participate  in the  defense of such  Claim,  but the fees and  expenses of such
counsel  shall  be at the  expense  of the  Indemnified  Party  unless:  (1) the
employment of such counsel shall have been specifically authorized in writing by
the  Indemnifying  Party or (2) the named parties in such Claim  (including  any
impleaded parties) include both the Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party
and  representation  of both  parties  would be  inappropriate  due to actual or
potential conflicts of interest between them, it being understood, however, that
the  Indemnified  Party shall not, in connection  with such Claim, be liable for
the fees and expenses of more than one separate  firm of attorneys  (in addition
to any local counsel) and that all such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as
they are incurred.

                  (b) If the  Indemnifying  Party  elects  (or is deemed to have
elected) not to assume the defense of a Claim in  accordance  with the preceding
Section,  then the  Indemnified  Party may settle such Claim without the written
consent of the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnifying Party agrees to indemnify
and hold the Indemnified  Party harmless from and against any such Claim settled
without its  written  consent.  As to any claim  settled  with the  Indemnifying
Party's written consent, the Indemnifying Party agrees to indemnify and hold the
Indemnified  Party  harmless  from and  against any such Claim by reason of such
settlement, according to the obligations of the Indemnifying Party hereunder.

                  (c) The  Indemnified  Party shall provide to the  Indemnifying
Party,  as  soon  as  practicable  after  the  date  of the  Claim  Notice,  all
information and  documentation  necessary to support and verify any Damages that
the  Indemnified  Party shall have determined have given or could give rise to a
Claim hereunder,  and the Indemnifying  Party shall be given access to all books
and  records in the  possession  or under the control of the  Indemnified  Party
which the Indemnifying Party reasonably determines to be related to such Action.

                  (d)  All  Claims  under  this  Articles  shall  be paid by the
Indemnifying  Party on demand in  immediately  available  funds in U.S.  dollars
after the liability for Damages  thereunder  have been finally  determined.  The
liability  for  Damages  under any such  Claim  shall be  deemed to be  "finally
determined"  for  purposes of this Article when the parties to an Action have so
determined  by mutual  agreement  or, if disputed,  when a final  non-appealable
order of a court having competent jurisdiction has been entered.

         12.4     Limitation on Indemnity.

                  (a) Maximum Liability. The maximum aggregate amount of Damages
for which (i) Seller or (ii) Purchaser  shall be liable pursuant to this Article
shall be $**********.

                                      -32-

*Selected portions have been deleted as confidential pursuant to Rule 24b-2.
Complete copies of the entire exhibit have been filed separately with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and marked "CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT."

<PAGE>

                  (b) Threshold. No Indemnified Party shall seek, or be entitled
to,  indemnification  from any  Indemnifying  Party for  Damages  arising  under
Section  12.2(b)  until the  aggregate  amount of such Damages  incurred by such
Indemnified  Party  (but for the  operation  of this  Section  12.4(b))  exceeds
$*******. If Damages incurred by any Indemnified Party in connection with Claims
made pursuant to Section 12.2(b) exceed $*******, the Indemnified Party shall be
entitled to payment  from the  Indemnifying  Party of an amount  equal to all of
such Damages.

                  (c)  Characterization  of Payment.  Any indemnity payment made
pursuant  to this  Article  shall be  treated  by  Purchaser  and  Seller  as an
adjustment to the Purchase Price.

         12.5  Mitigation  of  Damages.  If any event  shall  occur  which would
otherwise entitle a party hereto to indemnification  hereunder, no Damages shall
be deemed  to have been  sustained  by it to the  extent of (a) any tax  savings
realized by it with respect thereto or (b) any proceeds  received by it from any
insurance policy with respect thereto.


                                  ARTICLE XIII

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

         13.1 Fees and Expenses.  Except as otherwise expressly provided in this
Agreement,  each of the parties  hereto  shall bear and pay all fees,  costs and
expenses incurred by it in connection with the origin, preparation, negotiation,
execution and delivery of this Agreement,  the other  Transaction  Documents and
the   transactions   contemplated   hereby  or  thereby  (whether  or  not  such
transactions are consummated), including, without limitation, any fees, expenses
or commissions of its attorneys, accountants and other representatives.

         13.2 Notices.

                  (a) All notices,  requests,  demands and other  communications
required  or  permitted  under this  Agreement  shall be in  writing  (including
facsimile,  telegraphic,  telex  or  cable  communication)  and  mailed,  faxed,
telegraphed, telexed, cabled or delivered:

                  (i) If to the Seller, to:

                           Quick Stop Food Mart, Inc.
                           Post Office Box 2427
                           Fayetteville, North Carolina  28302
                           Facsimile No.:  910/483-2634

                           Attention:  Albert McCauley



                                      -33-

*Selected portions have been deleted as confidential pursuant to Rule 24b-2.
Complete copies of the entire exhibit have been filed separately with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and marked "CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT."
<PAGE>

                           with a copy to:

                           Peter C. Buck
                           Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A.
                           101 North Tryon Street
                           Suite 1900
                           Charlotte, North Carolina  28246
                           Facsimile No.:  (704) 378-4000


                  (ii)     If to Purchaser, to:

                           The Pantry, Inc.
                           1801 Douglas Drive
                           Sanford, North Carolina  27330
                           Facsimile No.:  919-774-3329

                           Attention:  Chief Financial Officer

                           with a copy to:

                           Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell &
                           Jernigan, L.L.P.
                           2500 First Union Capitol Center
                           P.O.  Box 2611
                           Raleigh, NC 27602-2611
                           Facsimile No.: 919-821-6800
                           Attention:  R.  Marks Arnold

                  (b) All notices and other communications required or permitted
under this Agreement which are addressed as provided in this Section 13.2 (i) if
delivered  personally against proper receipt or by confirmed facsimile or telex,
shall be  effective  upon  delivery  and (ii) if  delivered  (A) by certified or
registered mail with postage prepaid,  (B) by Federal Express or similar courier
service with courier fees paid by the sender or (c) by telegraph or cable, shall
be effective  two (2) business days  following the date when mailed,  couriered,
telegraphed  or cabled,  as the case may be. The parties hereto may from time to
time change their respective  addresses for the purpose of notices to that party
by a similar notice specifying a new address, but no such change shall be deemed
to have been  given  until it is  actually  received  by the party  sought to be
charged with its contents.

         13.3 Amendment;  Waiver Neither this Agreement, nor any of the terms or
provisions hereof, may be amended, modified,  supplemented or waived except by a
written  instrument  signed by all of the  parties  hereto (or, in the case of a
waiver,  by the party or parties granting such waiver).  No waiver of any of the
provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to be or shall  constitute a waiver
of any other provision  hereof  (whether or not similar),  nor shall such waiver
constitute  a  continuing  waiver.  No failure of a party  hereto to insist upon
strict  compliance  by  another  party  hereto  with any  obligation,  covenant,
agreement or condition contained in this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of,
or estoppel  with respect to, any  subsequent  or other  failure.  Whenever this
Agreement  requires or permits  consent by or on behalf of a party hereto,  such
consent shall be given in a manner consistent with the requirements for a waiver
of compliance as set forth in this Section 13.3.



                                      -34-
<PAGE>

         13.4  Assignment.  This  Agreement and all of the terms and  provisions
hereof shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties  hereto and
their respective  successors and permitted  assigns,  but neither this Agreement
nor any of the rights,  interests or obligations of the parties hereunder may be
assigned by any of the parties hereto  without the prior written  consent of the
other parties;  provided,  however, that the Purchaser may assign this Agreement
and its rights and  obligations  hereunder  to any of its  Affiliates  which has
assumed such  obligations  without the prior written consent of the Seller,  but
such assignment  shall not release  Purchaser from its obligations  hereunder or
under the Leases.  Any assignment  which  contravenes this Section 13.4 shall be
void ab initio.

         13.5 Governing  Law. This Agreement  shall be governed by and construed
in  accordance  with the internal laws of the State of North  Carolina,  without
giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof.

         13.6   Severability.   Each  term  and  provision  of  this   Agreement
constitutes a separate and distinct undertaking, covenant, term and/or provision
hereof. In the event that any term or provision hereof shall be determined to be
unenforceable,  invalid  or  illegal  in  any  respect,  such  unenforceability,
invalidity  or illegality  shall not affect any other term or provision  hereof,
but this  Agreement  shall be  construed  as if such  unenforceable,  invalid or
illegal term or provision had never been contained herein. Moreover, if any term
or provision  hereof shall for any reason be held to be excessively  broad as to
time, duration,  activity,  scope or subject, it shall be construed, by limiting
and  reducing  it,  so  as to be  enforceable  to  the  extent  permitted  under
applicable Law as it shall then exist.

         13.7 No Third Party Beneficiaries. Except as and to the extent provided
in Article XII hereof, nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor shall anything
herein be construed,  to confer any rights, legal or equitable, in any person or
entity  other  than the  parties  hereto  and their  respective  successors  and
permitted assigns.

         13.8 Public  Announcements.  Except as required  by  applicable  Law or
judicial  order,  none  of the  parties  hereto,  nor  any of  their  respective
Affiliates,  successors  or assigns,  shall issue any press  release or make any
public  announcement  or  disclosure  with  respect  to  this  Agreement  or the
transactions contemplated hereby without the prior consent of the other party or
parties hereto, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

         13.9  Singular and Plural  Forms.  The use herein of the singular  form
shall also denote the plural  form,  and the use of the plural form shall denote
the singular form, as in each case the context may require.

         13.10  References.  All  references  herein to  Articles,  Sections and
Exhibits shall be to Articles and Sections of and Exhibits to this Agreement.

         13.11  Headings.  The  headings  contained  in this  Agreement  are for
convenience  of reference only and shall not constitute a part hereof or define,
limit or otherwise affect the meaning of any of the terms or provisions hereof.

         13.12 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the schedules and
exhibits  hereto,  constitutes  the entire  agreement  between the parties  with
respect to the subject matter


                                      -35-

<PAGE>

hereof and supersedes  all prior  understandings,  agreements and  arrangements,
both oral and written,  between the parties  with respect to the subject  matter
hereof.

         13.13  Counterparts.  This  Agreement  may be  executed  in one or more
counterparts,  each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which, when
taken together, shall constitute one and the same instrument.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed and Albert O.  McCauley,  Kenneth  McDonald,  and Johnny Wood have
executed  this  Agreement  for  the  limited  purposes  of  acknowledging  their
obligations  pursuant to Sections  11.2 and 11.4 hereof,  as of the day and year
first above written.

                                                     QUICK STOP FOOD MART, INC.
Attest:

/s/ (illegible)                         /s/ John Wood
_________________________           By:_____________________________________
Secretary                                  Name:    John Wood
                                           Title:   Vice President
(Corporate Seal)



                                    THE PANTRY, INC.

                                        /s/ William T. Flyg
                                    By: _____________________________________
                                             Name:    William T. Flyg
                                             Title:   Vice President



                                    /s/ Albert O. McCauley
                                    ----------------------------------------
                                    Albert O. McCauley


                                    ----------------------------------------
                                    Kenneth McDonald


                                    /s/ Johnny Wood
                                    ----------------------------------------
                                   Johnny Wood



Exhibit 2.3

                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                                     between

                              STALLINGS OIL COMPANY

                                       and

                                THE PANTRY, INC.


                            Dated as of July 6, 1998



*Selected portions have been deleted as confidential pursuant to Rule
24b-2. Complete copies of the entire exhibit have been filed separately
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and marked "CONFIDENTIAL
TREATMENT."


<PAGE>

                                Table of Contents

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
                                                                                                               Page
                                                                                                               ----

ARTICLE I - DEFINITIONS...........................................................................................1
   1.1 Defined Terms..............................................................................................1
   1.2 Additional Definitions.....................................................................................8

ARTICLE II PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS AND ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES; PURCHASE PRICE..............................8
   2.1 Purchase and Sale of Assets................................................................................8
   2.2 Excluded Assets............................................................................................9
   2.3 Assumption of Liabilities.................................................................................10
   2.4 Excluded Liabilities......................................................................................10
   2.5 Purchase Price............................................................................................10
   2.6 Payment of Purchase Price.................................................................................10
   2.7 Allocation of Purchase Price..............................................................................10
   2.8 Prorations................................................................................................11
   2.9 Employees.................................................................................................11

ARTICLE III  THE CLOSING.........................................................................................11
   3.1 Time and Place of Closing.................................................................................11
   3.2 Instruments of Transfer...................................................................................12
   3.3 Further Assurances........................................................................................12
   3.4 Transfer Taxes............................................................................................12

ARTICLE IV TERMINATION...........................................................................................12
   4.1 Termination...............................................................................................12
   4.2 Effect of Termination.....................................................................................13

ARTICLE V - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLER.........................................................13
   5.1 Organization and Good Standing............................................................................13
   5.2 Power and Authority.......................................................................................13
   5.3 No Violation..............................................................................................14
   5.4 No Actions................................................................................................14
   5.5 Approvals.................................................................................................14
   5.6 Compliance with Laws and Orders...........................................................................14
   5.7 Financial Statements......................................................................................15
   5.8 Absence of Certain Changes or Events......................................................................15
   5.9 Title to Transferred Assets...............................................................................15
   5.10 Inventory................................................................................................16
   5.11 Real Property............................................................................................16
   5.12 Third Party Leases.......................................................................................17
   5.13 Insurance................................................................................................17
   5.14 Contracts................................................................................................17

<PAGE>


   5.15 Employment Law Matters...................................................................................18
   5.16 Environmental Matters....................................................................................18
   5.17 Property of Others.......................................................................................20
   5.18 Equipment, Etc...........................................................................................20
   5.19 Condition of Tangible Assets.............................................................................20
   5.20 Sufficiency of Assets....................................................................................20
   5.21 Tax Matters..............................................................................................21
   5.22 Finders or Brokers.......................................................................................21
   5.23 Disclosure of Material Facts.............................................................................21
   5.24 Certain Interests; Affiliate Transactions................................................................21
   5.25 Employee Benefit Plans...................................................................................21
   5.26 The New Warehouse Equipment..............................................................................22
   5.27 Seller's Unamortized Liabilities.........................................................................22
   5.28 Highway Service Ventures, Inc. and Hardees Food Mart.....................................................22

ARTICLE VI - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER.....................................................22
   6.1 Organization and Good Standing............................................................................22
   6.2 Power and Authority.......................................................................................23
   6.3 No Violation..............................................................................................23
   6.4 No Actions................................................................................................23
   6.5 Approvals.................................................................................................23
   6.6 Disclosure of Material Facts..............................................................................23
   6.7 Finders or Brokers........................................................................................23
   6.8 Financial Statements......................................................................................24
   6.9 Compliance With Laws and Orders...........................................................................24
   6.10 Tax Matters..............................................................................................24

ARTICLE VII - CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF THE SELLER PRIOR TO THE CLOSING OR EARLIER TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT....24
   7.1 Conduct of Business.......................................................................................24
   7.2 Restricted Activities and Transactions....................................................................25
   7.3 Cooperation...............................................................................................25
   7.4 Employee Benefit Plans....................................................................................25
   7.5 No Negotiations...........................................................................................26
   7.6 Access to the Business....................................................................................26
   7.7 Disclosure Regarding the Seller...........................................................................27
   7.8 Confidentiality...........................................................................................27

ARTICLE VIII - CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER PRIOR TO THE CLOSING OR EARLIER TERMINATION OF THIS
   AGREEMENT.....................................................................................................27
   8.1 Cooperation...............................................................................................27
   8.2 Disclosure Regarding the Purchaser........................................................................27
   8.3 Confidentiality...........................................................................................27
   8.4 Restricted Activities.....................................................................................27

                                      -ii-
<PAGE>


ARTICLE IX  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER.............................................28
   9.1 Representations and Warranties True.......................................................................28
   9.2 Performance...............................................................................................28
   9.3 No Adverse Changes........................................................................................28
   9.4 Approvals.................................................................................................28
   9.5 Estoppel Certificates.....................................................................................29
   9.6 Subordination, Non-Disturbance and Attornment Agreements..................................................29
   9.7 Deliveries................................................................................................29
   9.8 Proceedings...............................................................................................30
   9.9 Absence of Litigation.....................................................................................30
   9.10 Insurance................................................................................................30
   9.11 Environmental Matters....................................................................................30
   9.12 Additional Diligence.....................................................................................31

ARTICLE X - CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE SELLER................................................31
   10.1 Representations and Warranties True......................................................................31
   10.2 Performance..............................................................................................31
   10.3  Approvals...............................................................................................31
   10.4 Deliveries...............................................................................................31
   10.5 Proceedings..............................................................................................32
   10.6  Absence of Litigation...................................................................................32

ARTICLE XI - CERTAIN POST-CLOSING COVENANTS......................................................................32
   11.1 Confidentiality..........................................................................................32
   11.2 Noncompetition...........................................................................................33
   11.3 Responsibility for Environmental Matters.................................................................33
   11.4 Specific Performance; Injunctive Relief..................................................................34
   11.5 Invoiceable Texaco Global Imaging........................................................................34
   11.6 Third Party Imaging......................................................................................34
   11.7 Requirement for Providing Employee Information...........................................................35
   11.8 Acceptance of 401(k) Plan Accounts.......................................................................35
   11.9 Payroll Deductions for 401(k) Plan Loan Payments.........................................................35
   11.10 Wake Forest Store.......................................................................................35
   11.11 Seller's Claims for Trust Fund Reimbursement............................................................35

ARTICLE XII - SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; INDEMNIFICATION........................................36
   12.1 Survival of Representations and Warranties...............................................................36
   12.2 Indemnification..........................................................................................36
   12.3 Notice and Payment of Claims.............................................................................36
   12.4 Limitation on Indemnity..................................................................................38
   12.5 Mitigation of Damages....................................................................................38
   12.6 Losses...................................................................................................38

                                     -iii-
<PAGE>

ARTICLE XIII - MISCELLANEOUS.....................................................................................38
   13.1 Fees and Expenses........................................................................................38
   13.2 Notices..................................................................................................38
   13.3 Amendment; Waiver........................................................................................39
   13.4 Assignment...............................................................................................40
   13.5 Governing Law............................................................................................40
   13.6 Severability.............................................................................................40
   13.7 No Third Party Beneficiaries.............................................................................40
   13.8 Public Announcements.....................................................................................40
   13.9 Singular and Plural Forms................................................................................40
   13.10 References..............................................................................................40
   13.11 Headings................................................................................................41
   13.12 Entire Agreement........................................................................................41
   13.13 Counterparts............................................................................................41
</TABLE>
                                      -iv-

<PAGE>

EXHIBITS

Exhibit A  Form of Seller Leases

Exhibit B  Form of Affiliate Subleases

Exhibit C  Form of Third Party Subleases

Exhibit D  Form of Consignment Lease

Exhibit E  Form of General Booth Lease Assignment

Exhibit F  Form of "Zip Mart" License Agreement

                                      -v-

<PAGE>


SCHEDULES

1.1      The Business Locations
2.1(f)   Contracts
2.3      Seller's Unamortized Liabilities
2.5      New Warehoused Equipment
2.7      Price Allocation
3.2      Terms for Seller Leases and Affiliate and Third Party Subleases and
         Consignment Leases
5.4      Actions
5.5      Approvals
5.6      Compliance with Laws Generally
5.7      Seller's Financial Statements
5.8      Certain Changes
5.9      Exceptions to Title
5.11(a)  Seller Real Property and Consignment Leased Stores
5.11(b)  Affiliate Real Property
5.11(c)  Third Party Real Property
5.11(e)  Options or Rights of First Refusal Relating to Real Property
5.11(g)  Condemnation Proceedings
5.11(i)  Flood Hazard Area
5.11(j)  Tax Lots
5.12(a)  Third Party Leases
5.12(c)  Third Party Lease Assignments and Subleases Requiring Approval
5.14     Contract Assignments Requiring Approval
5.15     Employment Matters
5.16(b)  Compliance with Environmental Laws
5.16(g)  Commercial Underground Storage Tanks
5.18     Seller Equipment and Third Party Equipment
5.21     Tax Audits
5.24     Affiliate Transactions
5.25(a)  Employee Benefit Plans
5.25(b)  Other Plans
6.8      Purchaser's Financial Statements
6.9      Purchaser's Compliance With Laws
6.10     Purchaser's Tax Matters
9.4      Approval Exceptions
9.5      Purchase Price Adjustments
9.6      Mortgagees and Their Interests
11.2     Exceptions to Non-Compete
11.3(a)  Identified Pre-Closing Releases

                                      -vi-

<PAGE>


                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

         Asset Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement"), dated as of the ____ day of
July, 1998, by and between STALLINGS OIL COMPANY,  a North Carolina  corporation
("Seller"), and THE PANTRY, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser").

                                   WITNESSETH:

         WHEREAS, the Seller operates forty-one (41) convenience stores in North
Carolina and Virginia; and

         WHEREAS,  the Seller  desires to  transfer,  sell,  convey,  assign and
deliver to the Purchaser,  and the Purchaser  desires to acquire and accept from
the Seller,  certain  assets of Seller  relating to Seller's  convenience  store
business, upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

         NOW,  THEREFORE,  for  and in  consideration  of the  premises,  mutual
covenants and  agreements  contained  herein,  and intending to be legally bound
hereby, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                                   DEFINITIONS

         1.1 Defined  Terms.  The following  terms,  as used in this  Agreement,
shall have the following meanings:

                  "Action"  shall mean any action,  claim,  proceeding,  suit or
investigation, or any appeal therefrom.

                  "Accrued  Vacation Pay" shall mean all accrued vacation pay as
of the  Closing  Date of each of  Seller's  employees  as  provided  in Seller's
related Employee Benefit Plan.

                  "Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any Person
which,  directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries,  controls, is
controlled by, or is under common control with,  such Person.  Without  limiting
the  foregoing  definition,  with respect to Seller the term  "Affiliate"  shall
include the following persons: A. Donald Stallings and June S. Shearin.

                  "Affiliate  Leases" shall mean Seller's leases with Affiliates
for the Affiliate Real Property.

                  "Affiliate  Real Property"  shall mean the real property owned
by Affiliates and currently leased to Seller and more particularly  described on
Schedule 5.11(b) hereto.

                  "Affiliate  Subleases" shall mean subleases for each parcel of
Affiliate Real Property.

                  "Agreement" shall mean this Asset Purchase Agreement and shall
include all of the Schedules and Exhibits attached hereto.


<PAGE>

                  "Approval" shall mean any approval, authorization,  clearance,
expiration of waiting period, consent, license, franchise, order or permit of or
by, or filing with, any Governmental Authority or other Person.

                  "Assumed  Liabilities" shall have the meaning ascribed to such
term in Section 2.3 hereof.

                  "Audit"  shall  mean a  physical  audit or count of all of the
Inventory  to be  conducted  jointly  by  Seller  and  Purchaser  at each  Store
commencing at 7:00 a.m. on the Closing Date.

                  "Business" shall mean the business of Seller's  forty-one (41)
convenience  stores in North  Carolina and  Virginia,  fourteen (14) fuel supply
Dealer  Accounts,  five  (5)  Consignment  Leased  Stores,  and  three  (3) fuel
Consignment Accounts, and the Wake Forest Store, all identified on Schedule 1.1,
but shall not include the Seller's other business activities.

                  "Business  Day" or  "business  day" shall mean any day that is
not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal or banking holiday in North Carolina.

                  "CERCLA" shall mean the Comprehensive  Environmental Response,
Compensation  and  Liability  Act,  42  U.S.C.  ss.  9601 et seq.,  as  amended,
including  any rules and  regulations  promulgated  thereunder  or in connection
therewith.

                  "Change Fund" shall mean the normal change fund for the
Business, including all funds normally maintained by Seller in each cash
register drawer used in the Business, not to exceed $** per Store.

                  "Closing" shall mean the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, effective as of 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 16,
1998.

                  "Closing Date" shall mean July 16, 1998 or as soon  thereafter
as the  conditions  to Closing  described in Articles IX and X hereof shall have
been fully satisfied or waived by the appropriate  party or parties hereto,  but
not later than July 31, 1998.

                  "Code"  shall  mean the  Internal  Revenue  Code of  1986,  as
amended,  and  shall  include  all  of the  rules  and  regulations  promulgated
thereunder.

                  "Condition"   shall   mean,   collectively,    the   business,
properties,  assets, operations,  results of operations and condition (financial
or otherwise).

                  "Consignment  Accounts" shall mean those three (3) Consignment
Locations so identified on Schedule 1.1.

                  "Consignment   Leased   Stores"  shall  mean  those  five  (5)
Consignment Locations so identified on Schedule 1.1.

                  "Consignment  Leases" shall mean the four (4) Seller's  Leases
and one (1) Affiliate Sublease at the Consignment Leased Stores.


                                      -2-

*Selected portions have been deleted as confidential pursuant to Rule
24b-2. Complete copies of the entire exhibit have been filed separately
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and marked "CONFIDENTIAL
TREATMENT."

<PAGE>


                  "Consignment  Locations"  shall mean those eight (8) locations
so identified on Schedule 1.1.

                  "Contracts"  shall mean the  contracts  and  agreements of the
Seller relating to the Business and which will be assigned to and assumed by the
Purchaser, as identified on Schedule 2.1(f).

                  "Cost of Inventory" shall mean Seller's laid in cost of
Petroleum Inventory as of the day prior to Closing, **% of retail for ***% of
retail ****% of retail for all other Merchandise Inventory, all as determined by
Seller's books and records and the Audit, subject to confirmation by Purchaser.

                  "Damages"  shall  mean  any  fine,   penalty,   claim,   loss,
deficiency,   Liability,   cost  or  expense  (including,   without  limitation,
reasonable   attorneys'   and   accountants'   fees,   costs  and  expenses)  or
environmental  assessment,  monitoring  or  remediation  expense,  diminution in
property value, or damage of any kind or nature whatsoever.

                  "Dealer  Accounts"  shall  mean the fuel  supply  accounts  so
identified on Schedule 1.1.

                  "Employee  Benefit Plan" shall mean any employee benefit plan,
arrangement, policy or commitment (including an employee benefit plan within the
meaning  ascribed  to such term in  Section  3(3) of ERISA)  including,  without
limitation,  any  employment,  consulting  or deferred  compensation  agreement,
executive compensation,  bonus,  incentive,  pension,  profit-sharing,  savings,
retirement,  stock  option,  stock  purchase or  severance  pay plan,  any life,
health, disability, accident or insurance plan or any holiday, vacation or other
employee practice, policy or benefit.

                  "Equipment"  shall mean the Petroleum  Equipment and the Store
Equipment.

                  "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974, as amended.

                  "Excluded Assets" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term
in Section 2.2 hereof.

                  "Excluded Liabilities" shall have the meaning ascribed to such
term in Section 2.4 hereof.

                  "Financial  Statements"  shall mean the  financial  statements
described in Section 5.7 hereof.

                  "GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting  principles in
the United States consistently applied.

                  "General  Booth  Location"  shall  mean the Store  located  on
General Booth Boulevard in Virginia Beach, Virginia, described on Schedule 1.1.



                                      -3-

*Selected portions have been deleted as confidential pursuant to Rule
24b-2. Complete copies of the entire exhibit have been filed separately
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and marked "CONFIDENTIAL
TREATMENT."

<PAGE>

                  "Governmental  Authority"  shall  mean any  foreign,  Federal,
state,  local or other  governmental,  administrative  or regulatory  authority,
body, agency, court, tribunal or similar entity.

                  "Hazardous  Substance" shall have the meaning ascribed to such
term in Section 5.16(a) hereof.

                  "Hired  Employees" shall mean all employees of Seller employed
by Purchaser after Closing.

                  "Improvement"  shall mean any finding,  discovery,  invention,
addition, modification,  change, formulation or development of any kind, whether
or  not  patented  or  patentable  (and  all  proprietary  information  relating
thereto),  including,  without limitation,  any new or improved device, delivery
system, design, composition of matter, method of administration or manufacturing
or other process.

                  "Indemnified   Party"   shall  mean  any  party   entitled  to
indemnification  pursuant to Article XII hereof and shall  include  such party's
Affiliates, successors and assigns and the Representatives of each of them.

                  "Indemnifying   Party"   shall  mean  any  party   liable  for
indemnification  pursuant to Article XII hereof and shall  include  such party's
successors and assigns.

                  "Inventory"  or  "Inventories"  shall  mean  collectively  the
Merchandise Inventory and the Petroleum Inventory.

                  "Invoiceable Global Imaging Cost" shall mean those store
upgrade costs which it is anticipated will be reimbursed by Seller's Suppliers
in the approximate amount of $***.

                  "IRS" shall mean the Internal Revenue Service.

                  "Knowledge"  shall  mean (i) the actual  knowledge,  after due
inquiry and investigation,  of any of Seller's officers or directors  (including
A. Donald Stallings, Robert L. Beaman and Boyd M. Tolman) and (ii) the existence
of facts,  events,  occurrences  or  matters  with  respect  to which any of the
persons referred to above should reasonably be expected to have knowledge in the
ordinary conduct of his duties.

                  "Law" shall mean any  Federal,  state,  local or foreign  law,
statute,  rule, regulation,  ordinance,  standard,  requirement,  administrative
ruling, order or process (including,  without limitation, any zoning or land use
law or ordinance,  building code or environmental law, any securities, blue sky,
civil rights or occupational health and safety law or regulation, and any law or
regulation  relating to the  distribution or sale of food products,  beer, wine,
cigarettes, gasoline or other motor fuel) and any court or arbitrator's order or
process.

                  "Lease" and "Leases" shall mean the Affiliate  Subleases,  the
Seller Leases and the Third Party Subleases.



                                      -4-

*Selected portions have been deleted as confidential pursuant to Rule
24b-2. Complete copies of the entire exhibit have been filed separately
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and marked "CONFIDENTIAL
TREATMENT."

<PAGE>

                  "Liability"  shall  mean any debt,  liability,  commitment  or
obligation  of any  kind,  character  or  nature  whatsoever,  whether  known or
unknown,  secured  or  unsecured,   accrued,  fixed,  absolute,   contingent  or
otherwise, and whether due or to become due.

                  "Lien" shall mean any lien, statutory lien (including, without
limitation,  any lien,  restriction or right arising under the North Carolina or
Virginia Uniform Commercial Code - Bulk Transfers),  tax lien, pledge, mortgage,
security  interest,  charge,  encumbrance,  easement,  right of way,  assessment
(pending or confirmed), covenant, claim, restriction, right, option, conditional
sale or other title retention agreement of any kind or nature.

                  "Merchandise Inventory" shall mean all foodstuffs,  beverages,
tobacco products,  magazines, books, household products,  automotive products or
accessories,  and any other products of the Business of whatever nature held for
retail sale out of the Stores, other than Petroleum Inventory.

                  "OSHA"  shall mean the  Occupational  Safety and Health Act of
1970, as amended.

                  "NCDENR"  shall  have the  meaning  ascribed  to such  term in
Section 2.2(g) hereof.

                  "New Warehoused  Equipment" shall mean the equipment listed on
Schedule 2.5.

                  "Permitted  Liens" shall mean (i) liens for Taxes that are not
yet delinquent or are being  contested in good faith by appropriate  proceedings
and for which  there  are  adequate  reserves  on the  books,  (ii)  workers  or
unemployment  compensation  liens  arising in the  ordinary  course of business;
(iii) mechanic's,  materialman's,  supplier's, vendor's or similar liens arising
in the ordinary  course of business  securing  amounts that are not  delinquent,
(iv)  laws,  ordinances  and  governmental  regulations  regulating  the  use or
occupancy of the Real Property or the character,  dimensions or locations of the
improvements  thereon;  and (v)  lease  conditions,  easements,  rights  of way,
restrictions,  and other  exceptions  discovered  by an  inspection or survey or
title  examination  or  other  imperfections  of title  that do not  make  title
unmarketable;  provided, however, that none of the same are or would be violated
by the  continued  use of any portion of the Real  Property for the purposes for
which it has been  customarily  used by or in the Business and that no Permitted
Lien shall be so substantial  as to impair the value of or materially  interfere
with the  continued  or  contemplated  use of any  material  portion of the Real
Property or Transferred Assets for the purposes for which they have been used by
or in the Business.

                  "Person" shall mean any individual, partnership,  corporation,
limited  liability   company,   association,   business  trust,  joint  venture,
governmental entity, business entity or other entity of any kind or nature.

                  "Petroleum  Equipment"  shall  mean  all  petroleum  marketing
equipment,  including,  but not  limited to,  pumps,  gasoline  dispensers,  gas
consoles,  gasoline canopies, canopy structures,  lights, registered underground
storage tanks and lines,  environmental monitoring or upgrade equipment, and any
related  equipment  or  apparatus  located  at the  Stores  and the  Consignment
Locations.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>

                  "Petroleum  Inventory"  shall  mean all  gasoline,  diesel and
kerosene products of the Business measured in gallons, except petroleum products
previously sold to the Dealer Accounts.

                  "Petroleum  Products" shall have the meaning  ascribed to such
term in Section 5.16(g) hereof.

                  "Purchase  Price" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term
in Section 2.5 hereof.

                  "Purchaser"   shall  mean  The   Pantry,   Inc.,   a  Delaware
corporation.

                  "Purchaser Group" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term
in Section 7.6 hereof.

                  "Real  Property"  shall  mean,  collectively,  the Seller Real
Property,  the  Affiliate  Real  Property  and the Third  Party  Real  Property,
including the five (5) Consignment Leased Stores designated on Schedule 1.1.

                  "Representative" shall mean any employee,  officer,  director,
stockholder,  partner, accountant,  attorney, investment banker, broker, finder,
investor, subcontractor,  consultant or other authorized agent or representative
of a Person.

                  "Seller"  shall mean  Stallings Oil Company,  a North Carolina
corporation.

                  "Seller  Leases"  shall mean  leases for each parcel of Seller
Real Property.

                  "Seller  Real  Property"  shall  mean the real  property  more
particularly described on Schedule 5.11(a) hereto.

                  "Seller's  Suppliers"  shall mean Star  Enterprise,  Amoco Oil
Company, and BP Oil Company.

                  "Seller's   Unamortized    Liabilities"   shall   mean   those
liabilities of Seller set forth on Schedule 2.3.

                  "Store  Equipment" shall mean all convenience  store fixtures,
machinery, furniture, equipment, including, but not limited to, walk-in coolers,
store fixtures,  counters,  shelving,  refrigeration equipment,  cash registers,
safes, fountain dispensing equipment, coffee equipment, ice machines, tables and
any other fixtures or equipment  necessary for running a convenience  store that
may be at each of the Stores,  regardless of whether such items are  permanently
attached  to the Real  Property,  pole  lights,  pole  signs  or other  personal
property  attached,  appurtenant  to or located in or around  the  buildings  or
improvements located at the Real Property, but excluding Petroleum Equipment.

                  "Store  Supplies"  shall mean  cups,  napkins,  paper  towels,
toilet paper, janitorial supplies and similar non-Inventory items which are used
in the operation or maintenance of the Stores.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>

                  "Stores"  shall mean the  forty-one  (41)  convenience  stores
operated  by the Seller and  identified  on  Schedule  1.1,  and the Wake Forest
Store, each being a "Store."

                  "Tanks"  shall  have  the  meaning  ascribed  to such  term in
Section 5.16(g) hereof.

                  "Tax" shall mean any foreign,  Federal, state or local income,
gross  receipts,  license,   severance,   occupation,   premium,   environmental
(including taxes under Code Section 59A), customs, duties, profits,  disability,
registration,  alternative or add-on minimum, estimated,  withholding,  payroll,
employment, unemployment insurance, social security (or similar), excise, sales,
use, value-added,  occupancy,  franchise, real property, personal property, gas,
petroleum  marketing,  business and occupation,  mercantile,  windfall  profits,
capital stock,  stamp,  transfer,  workmen's  compensation  or other tax, fee or
imposition of any kind whatsoever,  including any interest, penalties, addition,
assessments or deferred liability with respect thereto, whether disputed or not.

                  "Tax Return" shall mean any return, report, declaration, claim
for refund,  estimate,  election or information  statement or return relating to
any Tax,  including  any  schedules or  attachments  thereto and any  amendments
thereof.

                  "Third Party Leases" shall mean Seller's  leases and/or ground
leases,  as the case may be, for each  parcel of Third Party Real  Property,  as
more particularly described on Schedule 5.12(a).

                  "Third Party Real Property"  shall mean the real property more
particularly described on Schedule 5.11(c) hereto.

                  "Third Party Subleases" shall mean the subleases to be entered
into between Purchaser and Seller with respect to the Third Party Real Property.

                  "Transaction   Documents"  shall  mean,   collectively,   this
Agreement,   the  Seller  Leases,  the  Affiliate  Subleases,  the  Third  Party
Subleases, the General Booth Location lease assignment,  the Consignment Leases,
and all  agreements,  instruments,  certificates  and other  documents  executed
and/or delivered in connection herewith or therewith.

                  "Transfer"   shall  mean  any  sale,   transfer,   conveyance,
assignment, delivery or other disposition.

                  "Transferred  Assets" shall have the meaning  ascribed to such
term in Section 2.1 hereof.

                  "Trust  Fund" shall have the meaning  ascribed to such term in
Section 2.1(h) hereof.


                  "VDEQ" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section
2.2(g) hereof.

                  "Wake Forest Store" shall mean the Store to be  constructed by
Seller in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
                  1.2  Additional  Definitions.  In  addition  to the  foregoing
defined terms,  other  capitalized  terms appearing in this Agreement shall have
the  respective  meanings  ascribed to such terms where they first appear in the
text of this Agreement.


                                   ARTICLE II

                         PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS AND
                    ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES; PURCHASE PRICE

         2.1 Purchase and Sale of Assets. Subject to the terms and conditions of
this Agreement,  at the Closing the Seller shall Transfer to the Purchaser,  and
the  Purchaser  shall  acquire and accept from the Seller,  all of the  Seller's
right,  title and  interest  in, to and  under all of the  furniture,  fixtures,
Equipment, Inventory, Store Supplies and other personal property assets, used or
located at the Stores and relating to the Business, less and except the Excluded
Assets  (after  giving  effect to the  exclusion  of the Excluded  Assets,  such
assets, together with Purchaser's right, title and interest in the Leases, being
hereinafter  collectively  referred to as the  "Transferred  Assets"),  free and
clear  of any and  all  Liens,  such  Transferred  Assets  to  include,  without
limitation:

                  (a) all of Seller's rights and interests under its Third Party
         Lease for the General Booth Location;

                  (b) the Store Equipment;

                  (c) the Petroleum Equipment;

                  (d) the Inventory and Store Supplies;

                  (e) the Change Fund;

                  (f) all right and  interest  of the Seller in, to or under the
         Contracts identified on Schedule 2.1(f);

                  (g) all computer hardware and computer software  documentation
         (subject  to  applicable  license  agreements)  utilized in the Stores,
         including, to the extent owned or assignable by Seller, source code and
         systems  documentation and telephone  switches related to point-of-sale
         and petroleum dispensing equipment;

                  (h) all rights,  interests  and claims  (other than claims for
         amounts owed to or already expended by Seller) under the North Carolina
         Commercial Leaking Petroleum  Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund and
         the Virginia Petroleum Storage Tank Fund (individually or collectively,
         as  applicable,  the "Trust  Fund"),  or any other  fund,  program,  or
         insurance  policy  relating  to  payment  or  reimbursement  of  costs,
         expenses or damages related to releases from underground storage tanks;

                  (i) the exclusive rights and license, in the form of Exhibit F
         attached hereto, to use the name "Zip Mart," all variations thereof and
         the good will associated therewith and with the Business;

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
                  (j) all  rights to  reimbursement  of the  Invoiceable  Global
         Imaging Costs;

                  (k) all  deposits  under the leases to  operators  of the five
         Consignment Leased Stores; and

                  (l) the New Warehoused Equipment listed on Schedule 2.5.

         2.2  Excluded  Assets.  Notwithstanding  anything in Section 2.1 to the
contrary,  the Seller shall  retain all of its right,  title and interest in, to
and under all, and shall not  Transfer to the  Purchaser  any, of the  following
assets, rights or properties (the "Excluded Assets"):

                  (a) all cash and cash equivalents, except the Change Fund;

                  (b)  all  accounts  and  notes   receivable  of  the  Business
(including  miscellaneous  receivables)  arising from  products sold or services
rendered by the Seller prior to the Closing Date;

                  (c) all Federal,  state, local and foreign income tax deposits
(to the extent not refunded) paid by the Seller in connection with the income or
operations  of the Business with respect to any period ending on or prior to the
Closing Date;

                  (d) any assets not relating to the Business;

                  (e) all minute books and stock books of the Seller;

                  (f) any assets relating to any Employee Benefit Plan;

                  (g) all  underground  storage  tanks  that  are  not  properly
registered  with the  North  Carolina  Department  of  Environment  and  Natural
Resources  ("NCDENR")  or  the  Virginia  Department  of  Environmental  Quality
("VDEQ") and all above-ground  storage tanks,  including those more particularly
described  by type and location on Schedule  5.16(g)  hereto,  unless  Purchaser
specifically elects in writing to acquire any of such tanks;

                  (h) all assets of the Seller located at its corporate  offices
including,  without limitation, its corporate headquarters at 300 South Wesleyan
Boulevard in Rocky Mount,  North  Carolina,  its terminal and office facility on
Ridge Street in Rocky Mount, North Carolina,  and any other office,  terminal or
storage facility;

                  (i) all Hazardous  Substances,  hazardous wastes, PCBs and PCB
containing materials, asbestos containing materials, and waste oil;

                  (j) the Real Property;

                  (k) Seller's fuel supply  contracts  with Seller's  Suppliers;
and

                  (l) the  condemnation  awards  and  damages  to be  paid  with
respect to the proceedings identified on Schedule 5.11(g).

                                      -9-

<PAGE>

         2.3 Assumption of  Liabilities.  Subject to the terms and conditions of
this  Agreement,  at the Closing the  Purchaser  shall  assume and agree to pay,
perform and discharge when due only the following Liabilities (collectively, the
"Assumed Liabilities"):

                  (a) all Liabilities incurred after the Closing under the Third
Party Lease for the General Booth Location.

                  (b) all  Liabilities  incurred  after  the  Closing  under the
Contracts; and

                  (c) Subject to Section 5.27, Seller's Unamortized  Liabilities
to Seller's Suppliers in the amounts set forth in Schedule 2.3.

         2.4 Excluded Liabilities.  Except for the Assumed Liabilities specified
in Section 2.3 hereof, the Purchaser shall neither assume nor have any liability
for any, and the Seller  shall  remain fully liable for, and shall pay,  perform
and discharge when due, all  Liabilities  of the Seller or the Business  arising
out of any act or omission occurring or state of facts existing prior to and, to
the extent not related to the Business,  at or after the Closing  (collectively,
the  "Excluded  Liabilities").  This  Section  2.4 does not  affect  Purchaser's
obligations under this Agreement or the Transaction Documents, when executed.

         2.5 Purchase Price. The aggregate purchase price (the "Purchase Price")
to be paid by the Purchaser to the Seller for the Transferred Assets, and the
non-competition agreement described in Section 11.2 hereof shall be (i)
TWENTY-THREE MILLION NINE HUNDRED THIRTY-NINE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED EIGHTY-SEVEN
DOLLARS ($23,939,287), plus (ii) Cost of Inventory, plus (iii) the cost of Store
Equipment and Petroleum Equipment at the Wake Forest Store, upon completion
thereof, plus (iv) $*** on account of invoiceable Global Imaging Costs ("Image
Upgrade Payment"), plus (v) the cost of New Warehoused Equipment listed on
Schedule 2.5, in the amount of $210,668.60, plus (vi) the amount by which the
Change Fund exceeds, in the aggregate, $** per Store.

         2.6 Payment of Purchase Price. At Closing, the Purchaser shall pay to
Seller TWENTY-THREE MILLION NINE HUNDRED THIRTY-NINE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED
EIGHTY-SEVEN DOLLARS ($23,939,287) and the Image Upgrade Payment by wire
transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by Seller. Upon
completion of the Audit of Inventories referred to in Section 5.10, the parties
shall determine the value of such inventories, and Purchaser shall pay to
Seller, the Cost of Inventory, by wire transfer of immediately available funds
to an account designated by Seller. Upon completion and delivery of occupancy to
Purchaser of the Wake Forest Store, Purchaser shall pay to Seller, by wire
transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by Seller, an
amount equal to the cost of the Store Equipment and Petroleum Equipment at the
Wake Forest Store. Upon delivery of the New Warehoused Equipment, Purchaser
shall pay Seller the cost thereof by wire transfer.

         2.7 Allocation of Purchase Price. The Purchase Price shall be allocated
as set forth on Schedule 2.7. The allocation of the Purchase Price is intended
to comply with the requirements of Section 1060 of the Code. Purchaser and
Seller shall file Form 8594, Asset Acquisition Statement Under Section 1060 of
the Code, with their respective income tax returns for the taxable year that
includes the Closing Date, in a manner consistent with the allocation of the
Purchase Price set forth herein. Purchaser and Seller agree to satisfy all of
the reporting requirements of Section 1060 of the Code. If either Purchaser or
Seller, in a subsequent


                                      -10-

*Selected portions have been deleted as confidential pursuant to Rule
24b-2. Complete copies of the entire exhibit have been filed separately
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and marked "CONFIDENTIAL
TREATMENT."

<PAGE>
taxable year, make any allocation of an increase or decrease in the Purchase
Price for any asset, Purchaser or Seller, as applicable, agree to file a
supplemental Form 8594 as required.

         2.8 Prorations. All (a) real estate, property and ad valorem taxes, (b)
payments due or arising under the Contracts and (c) other customarily proratable
items relating to the Transferred Assets payable on or after the Closing Date
and relating to a period of time both prior to and on or after the Closing Date
shall be prorated as of the Closing Date between Purchaser and Seller. If the
actual amount of any such item is not known as of the Closing Date, the
aforesaid proration shall be based on the previous year's (or such shorter
period's) assessment of such item and the parties agree to adjust said proration
and pay any underpayment or reimburse for any overpayment within thirty (30)
days after the actual amount becomes known.

         2.9 Employees.  If the closing  occurs,  the Purchaser shall be free to
hire such persons,  whether or not  employees of the Seller or the Business,  on
such terms and conditions of employment as the Purchaser  shall determine in the
exercise of its sole  discretion,  and nothing in this Agreement shall establish
any enforceable rights, legal or equitable, in any Person other than the parties
hereto,  including,  without  limitation,  any  employee  of the  Seller  or the
Business or any beneficiary of such employee. Any claim, including any claim for
benefits,  asserted by or on behalf of any Person with respect to such  Person's
employment by the Purchaser  shall be governed  solely by applicable  employment
policies and employee benefit plans, if any, which the Purchaser may adopt after
the Closing,  as construed in accordance with applicable  Federal and state law.
The Seller has delivered to the  Purchaser a true and complete  list  (including
names,  titles,  job  descriptions,  compensation,  date of  hire,  and full vs.
part-time  status)  of all  employees  of the  Business  on the  effective  date
specified in such notice. At least seven (7) days prior to the Closing Date, the
Purchaser  shall notify Seller in writing  which of such  employees (if any) the
Purchaser  does not intend to hire after the Closing.  The Seller shall be fully
liable for the employment (or  termination or severance  thereof) of any persons
listed in such Purchaser's notice. In addition,  the Seller shall be liable for,
and shall  pay,  all  wages,  salaries,  payroll  taxes and  employee  benefits,
including without limitation,  vacation, due, owing or accrued for all employees
of the Business  through the Closing.  In  particular,  Seller shall provide and
continue to provide  all  continuation  coverage  under its group  health  plans
required by ERISA,  the Code and applicable  Law for (i) Seller's  employees who
terminate  employment  with  Seller  before the Closing  Date and (ii)  Seller's
employees who terminate  employment  with Seller as of the Closing Date and whom
Purchaser  does not  immediately  employ.  All claims  incurred  or  liabilities
asserted under Seller's  Employee Benefit Plans shall be the  responsibility  of
Seller and Purchaser shall not have any liability with respect to such claims or
liabilities.


                                   ARTICLE III

                                   THE CLOSING

         3.1 Time and Place of Closing.  The  Closing  shall take place at 10:00
a.m. on the Closing  Date at the offices of Smith,  Anderson,  Blount,  Dorsett,
Mitchell & Jernigan,  L.L.P.,  2500 First Union Capitol Center , Raleigh,  North
Carolina,  or at such other time or place as may be mutually  agreed upon by the
parties hereto.



                                      -11-

<PAGE>

         3.2 Instruments of Transfer.  At the Closing,  the Seller shall deliver
to the Purchaser such bills of sale, assignments, limited powers of attorney and
other  good and  sufficient  instruments  of  Transfer,  in form  and  substance
reasonably  satisfactory to the Purchaser and its counsel, as shall be effective
to vest in the  Purchaser all of the Seller's  right,  title and interest in, to
and under the Transferred Assets. In addition,  (a) the Seller and the Purchaser
shall  execute  and  deliver  the Seller  Leases  with  respect  to Seller  Real
Property;  (b) the  Seller  and the  Purchaser  shall  execute  and  deliver  an
Affiliate  Sublease with respect to each parcel of the Affiliate  Real Property;
(c) the Seller and the Purchaser  shall  execute and deliver an  assignment  and
assumption  agreement  of the  rights  granted  and  obligations  imposed in the
General Booth  Location  lease;  (d) the Seller and Purchaser  shall execute and
deliver a Third Party  Sublease  with respect to each parcel of Third Party Real
Property other than the General Booth Location; and (e) the Seller and Purchaser
shall  execute and deliver  Consignment  Leases.  The Seller  Leases,  Affiliate
Subleases,   Third  Party  Subleases  and  the   Consignment   Leases  shall  be
substantially  in the forms of Exhibits A, B, C, and D respectively  hereto upon
the terms (including annual rent) identified in Schedule 3.2 hereto. The General
Booth Location lease assignment shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit E.

         3.3  Further  Assurances.  In addition to the  actions,  documents  and
instruments specifically required to be taken or delivered by this Agreement, at
the Closing or from time to time thereafter,  and without further consideration,
the parties hereto shall take such other  actions,  and execute and deliver such
other documents and  instruments,  as the other party or parties hereto or their
respective counsel may reasonably request in order to effectuate and perfect the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         3.4  Transfer  Taxes.  Except  for all  sales  and  transfer  taxes and
transfer fees, if any, which shall be borne and paid solely by the Seller,  each
party  hereto shall pay any and all taxes  incurred by such party in  connection
with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.


                                   ARTICLE IV
                                   TERMINATION

         4.1 Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to
the Closing:

                  (a) by the  mutual  written  consent  of the  Seller  and  the
Purchaser;

                  (b) by the Seller or the Purchaser,  upon written  notice,  if
there shall have been a material  breach by the other party or parties of any of
the terms or provisions of this Agreement or any of the  Transaction  Documents,
and such breach shall not have been cured  within five (5)  business  days after
such breaching party or parties shall have received notice of the  non-breaching
party's  or  parties'  intent  to  terminate  this  Agreement  pursuant  to this
subsection (b);

                  (c) by the Seller or the  Purchaser  if any court of competent
jurisdiction or other Governmental  Authority shall have issued an order, decree
or  ruling  or taken  any  other  action  restraining,  enjoining  or  otherwise
prohibiting  the transaction  contemplated  by this  Agreement,  and such order,
decree, ruling or other action shall have become final and non-appealable;

                                      -12-
<PAGE>

                  (d) by the Seller or  Purchaser if Seller's  Suppliers,  other
than B.P.  Oil  Company,  refuse  to  consent  to the  termination  of  Seller's
agreements  with them and the  assumption  by Purchaser of Seller's  Unamortized
Liabilities,  or, in the case of Amoco Oil Company or B. P. Oil Company, refuses
to waive its right of first refusal; ; or

                  (e) by the Seller or  Purchaser if Seller is unable to deliver
Approvals or estoppel certificates,  as provided in Section 9.5 hereof, for five
(5) or more Stores and Consignment Leased Stores, combined.

         4.2  Effect of  Termination.  In the event of the  termination  of this
Agreement pursuant to Section 4.1(a), (c), or (d) hereof, such termination shall
be the sole  remedy,  this  Agreement  shall  forthwith  become void (except for
Sections 7.8 and 8.3  (Confidentiality),  7.6 (Purchaser's  investigation),  and
13.1 (Fees and  Expenses)) and there shall be no liability on the part of any of
the  parties  hereto,  any  of  their  respective   Affiliates  or  any  of  the
Representatives  of any of them;  provided,  however,  that if such  termination
shall  result from the breach by a party  hereto of its  obligations  under this
Agreement, such party shall be fully liable for any and all Damages sustained or
incurred by the other party or parties as a result of such breach and such other
party or parties shall be entitled to pursue any remedies available at law or in
equity.

                  In the event of the  termination  of this  Agreement by Seller
pursuant to Section 4.1(e), Seller shall pay to Purchaser $200,000 as a break-up
fee. In the event of the termination of this Agreement by Purchaser  pursuant to
Section 4.1(e), Purchaser shall pay to Seller $100,000 as a break-up fee.


                                    ARTICLE V

                  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLER

         The Seller hereby represents and warrants to the Purchaser as follows:

         5.1  Organization  and Good Standing.  The Seller is a corporation duly
organized,  validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
North Carolina,  is qualified to do business in each state in which any Store is
located, and has all requisite power and authority,  corporate and otherwise, to
own, operate and lease its properties and assets and to conduct the Business.

         5.2  Power  and  Authority.  The  Seller  has all  requisite  power and
authority to enter into and deliver  this  Agreement  and the other  Transaction
Documents,  perform its  obligations  hereunder and consummate the  transactions
contemplated  hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other
Transaction  Documents,  the performance by it of its obligations  hereunder and
thereunder and the  consummation of the  transactions  contemplated  hereby have
been duly and validly  authorized by all corporate and other actions on its part
required  by  applicable  Law,  its  Articles of  Incorporation,  its by-laws or
otherwise.  This Agreement and the other  Transaction  Documents  constitute the
legal, valid and binding obligation of the Seller, enforceable against Seller in
accordance  with  their  terms,  except  as  the  same  may  be  limited  by (a)
bankruptcy,  insolvency,  reorganization,  moratorium  or  similar  laws  now or
hereafter in effect  relating to  creditors'  rights  generally  and (b) general
equitable principles.

                                      -13-
<PAGE>

         5.3 No Violation.  Upon  obtaining the Approvals  contemplated  by this
Agreement,  neither the execution  and delivery by the Seller of this  Agreement
and the other  Transaction  Documents,  the performance by it of its obligations
hereunder and thereunder,  nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby and thereby,  will (a) contravene  any provision of Seller's  articles of
incorporation;  (b) violate any material  agreement or  instrument  to which the
Seller  is a party or by  which it or any of its  assets  or  properties  may be
bound;  or (c) violate any material Law or any judgment,  decree or order of any
court or other  Governmental  Authority or any arbitration  award to which it is
subject or by which any of its assets or properties may be bound.

         5.4 No Actions. To the Knowledge of Seller,  there is no Action pending
or  threatened,  against it, any  Affiliate or any of their  respective  assets,
properties or rights (including,  without limitation, any relating to any of the
Transferred  Assets or the Real Property) before any court or other Governmental
Authority  which (a) questions or challenges  the validity of this  Agreement or
the other  Transaction  Documents or any action taken or proposed to be taken by
the  Seller  or  any  Affiliate  pursuant  hereto  or  in  connection  with  the
transactions  contemplated hereby or (b) could, if adversely determined,  have a
material adverse effect on any of the Transferred Assets, the Real Property, the
Condition of the Business or the transactions  contemplated  hereby and thereby.
To the  Knowledge of Seller,  Schedule 5.4 hereto sets forth a true and complete
list and description of all Actions pending or threatened, against any Affiliate
or  against  the  Seller  with  respect  to the  Business  by any court or other
Governmental Authority.

         5.5 Approvals.  Except as set forth in this Agreement and Schedule 5.5,
neither any declaration,  filing or registration  with,  notice to, nor Approval
of, any Governmental  Authority or other Person is required to be made, obtained
or given by or with  respect to any  Affiliate  or the Seller or the Business in
connection with the execution,  delivery or performance of this Agreement or the
consummation  of the  transactions  contemplated  hereby.  The  Seller  has  all
Approvals of any Governmental Authority required for the lawful operation of the
Business and the use and ownership or leasing of its properties and assets as it
is currently  operated,  except where the loss,  expiration or failure to obtain
any such Approval  would not have a material  adverse effect on the Condition of
Seller or the Business.  All such Approvals are valid,  in full force and effect
and in good  standing,  except  to the  extent  that any lack of such  force and
effect  does  not,  in the  aggregate,  have a  material  adverse  effect on the
Condition of Seller or the  Business.  To the  Knowledge of Seller,  there is no
proceeding pending or threatened that disputes the validity of any such Approval
or that may result in the revocation, cancellation or suspension, or any adverse
modification  of,  any such  Approval.  The  Seller  will,  upon  request,  make
available to the Purchaser true and complete copies of all such Approvals.

         5.6  Compliance  with Laws and Orders.  To the Seller's  Knowledge  and
except as described  in detail on Schedule  5.6,  5.16(b) and  11.3(a),  (a) the
Seller has complied in all material  respects with all Laws applicable to it and
to the operation of the  Business,  (b) the Seller has not been charged with or,
to the Knowledge of the Seller,  threatened with any charge  concerning or under
any  investigation  with respect to, any  violation of any  provision of any Law
applicable to or affecting  Seller,  the Business or the Real Property,  and (c)
the Seller is not in violation of or in default under, and no event has occurred
which,  with the lapse of time or the giving of notice or both,  could result in
the violation of or default  under,  the terms of any judgment,  decree,  order,
injunction or writ of any court or other  Governmental  Authority  applicable to
Seller, any of its assets, properties or Stores, or the Business.

                                      -14-
<PAGE>

         5.7 Financial  Statements.  Seller has  delivered to Purchaser  audited
financial statements for the twelve (12) months ended October 31, 1995, 1996 and
1997 and unaudited  interim  financial  statements for the five (5) months ended
March 31, 1998,  copies of which are attached as Schedule  5.7.  Said  financial
statements are true and correct in all material  respects and fairly present the
financial  condition of Seller for the periods  indicated and the results of the
operations of Seller for said periods,  in conformity  with  generally  accepted
accounting principles applied on a basis consistent with prior periods.

         5.8 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as described in detail
on Schedule  5.8 hereto,  since  October 31, 1997 the Seller has  conducted  the
Business in the ordinary course and consistent with past practice and:

                  (a) to the Seller's Knowledge,  there has not occurred (i) any
material adverse change in the Condition of the Business or any of the Stores or
(ii) any event, circumstance or combination thereof, whether arising prior to or
after  October 31,  1997,  which might  reasonably  be expected to result in any
material  adverse  change in the  Condition of the Business or any of the Stores
before, on or after the Closing Date; and

                  (b) the Seller has not (i) suffered any damage, destruction or
loss,  whether covered by insurance or not,  materially and adversely  affecting
the  Condition  of the  Business or any Store,  (ii)  entered  into any material
commitment  or  transaction  (including,  without  limitation,  any borrowing or
capital  expenditure)  affecting or relating to the Business not in the ordinary
course of business in accordance  with past practice,  (iii)  Transferred any of
the  assets  of the  Business  except in the  ordinary  course  of  business  in
accordance  with past practice,  (iv) granted or agreed to grant any increase in
the  compensation  of any employee of the Business  (including any such increase
pursuant to any bonus,  pension,  profit-sharing or other plan or commitment) or
any increase in the compensation payable or to become payable to any employee of
the  Business,  except for those  granted in the ordinary  course of business in
accordance with past practice, or (v) entered into or agreed (whether in writing
or  otherwise)  to enter into any  agreement  or other  arrangement  to take any
action  referred to in this  Section 5.8,  including,  without  limitation,  any
agreement or arrangement  granting any preferential right to purchase any of the
assets of the Business (including,  without limitation,  the Transferred Assets)
or requiring the consent of any party to the Transfer of any such assets.

         5.9      Title to Transferred Assets.

                  (a) Except as set forth on  Schedule  5.9,  (i) the Seller has
good legal title to all of the Transferred  Assets and the Seller Real Property,
free  and  clear  of any  pledge,  mortgage  or  security  interest  of any kind
whatsoever;  (ii) each Affiliate  identified on Schedule  5.11(b) has good legal
title to the Affiliate Real Property identified as owned by such Affiliate, free
and clear of any pledge,  mortgage or security  interest of any kind whatsoever;
and (iii) with respect to the Third Party Real  Property  identified on Schedule
5.11(c),  Seller has no Knowledge of any adverse claim against the title to such
Third Party Real Property.

                  (b)  Except as  identified  on  Schedule  5.18 as Third  Party
Equipment,  all material properties and assets (real, personal,  mixed, tangible
or  intangible)  used in the  operation  of the  Business  are  included  in the
Transferred Assets.

                                      -15-
<PAGE>
                  (c) Upon the delivery of the instruments of Transfer described
in Section 3.2 hereof to the Purchaser at the Closing,  the  Transferred  Assets
shall have been Transferred to the Purchaser, free and clear of any Liens of any
kind whatsoever, other than Permitted Liens.

         5.10 Inventory.  The Inventories are in good and merchantable condition
and  constitute a customary and normal supply and product mix,  consistent  with
Seller's  past  practice,   of  saleable  Merchandise  Inventory  and  Petroleum
Inventory  currently sold at normal prices in the ordinary course of business of
the  Business.  The Seller agrees that the parties shall conduct an Audit of all
Inventories  on the day of the  Closing.  The cost of the  Audit  shall be borne
equally by Seller and Purchaser.

         5.11     Real Property.

                  (a) Schedule  5.11(a) hereto contains a true and complete list
and  description  of all of the Seller Real Property  including  four (4) of the
Consignment Leased Stores.

                  (b) Schedule  5.11(b) hereto contains a true and complete list
and  description  of  all of the  Affiliate  Real  Property  including  one  (1)
Consignment Leased Store.

                  (c) Schedule  5.11(c) hereto contains a true and complete list
and description of all of the Third Party Real Property.

                  (d) The Real Property includes all land, easements,  rights of
way,  buildings,  structures  and other  improvements  used by the Seller in the
conduct  of the  related  Stores  and  the  Consignment  Leased  Stores  and the
Business,  as it is currently being conducted.  To the Seller's  Knowledge,  all
components of all buildings,  structures and other improvements  included within
the Real  Property are  currently in good working  order and repair and adequate
for the Seller to operate the  Business at those  locations,  ordinary  wear and
tear excepted.

                  (e)  Except  as set forth on  Schedule  5.11(e),  neither  the
Seller, any Affiliate nor, to the Seller's  Knowledge,  any owner of Third Party
Real Property owns, holds or is obligated under or a party to any option,  right
of first refusal or other  contractual  right to acquire or sell any of the Real
Property or any interest therein.

                  (f) To  Seller's  Knowledge,  no portion of the Real  Property
encroaches  in any material  respect  upon any  property  belonging to any other
Person, and no portion of any other Person's property encroaches in any material
respect upon any of the Real Property.

                  (g) Except as set forth on Schedule  5.11(g),  to the Seller's
Knowledge,  with respect to the Real  Property,  there have not occurred (i) any
pending or threatened condemnation  proceedings,  (ii) any pending or threatened
Actions or (iii) any other matter  materially and adversely  affecting the value
thereof.

                  (h) To the Seller's Knowledge, all maps and surveys heretofore
delivered by the Seller to the  Purchaser  are true and complete  copies of such
documents.

                  (i) Except as set forth on Schedule 5.11(i),  no parcel of the
Real  Property  is  located  in a special  flood  hazard  area  designated  by a
Governmental Authority.

                                      -16-
<PAGE>

                  (j)  Each of the  Seller,  the  Affiliates  and,  to  Seller's
Knowledge,  the owners of Third Party Real Property, has paid, and will continue
to pay  through  Closing,  all taxes,  assessments,  charges,  fees,  levies and
impositions  owing by each or any of them and not yet past due with  respect  to
the Real Property.  Except as set forth on Schedule 5.11(j), each of the parcels
of  Real  Property  is  assessed  for  real  estate  tax  purposes  as a  wholly
independent tax lot,  separate from any adjoining land or improvements not owned
by Seller,  an Affiliate or owner of Third Party Real Property,  as the case may
be, and  constituting  a part of such  parcel.  Except as set forth on  Schedule
5.11(j), to the Seller's Knowledge,  there is no actual or pending imposition of
any  assessments  or  public   betterments,   and,  no  improvements  have  been
constructed or planned which would be paid for by means of assessments  upon the
Real Property.

         5.12     Third Party Leases.

                  (a) Schedule  5.12(a) hereto contains a true and complete list
and  description,  including  annual  rent,  of each of the Third Party  Leases.
Except as specifically  identified on Schedule 5.12(a), the Seller's interest in
each of the Third  Party  Leases is free and clear of any  pledge,  mortgage  or
security  interest  of any kind  whatsoever.  The  Seller has  delivered  to the
Purchaser  true and complete  copies of all of the Third Party Leases and of all
related options, if any, to purchase the Third Party Real Property.

                  (b) Each Third Party Lease and each such option to purchase is
valid and binding and is in full force and effect,  subject  only to  exceptions
based on  bankruptcy,  insolvency  or similar Laws of general  application,  and
there are no existing material defaults by the Seller or an Affiliate under, or,
to the Knowledge of the Seller,  by any other party to, any Third Party Lease or
any option to purchase the Third Party Real Property, or any condition, event or
act  known to the  Seller  that,  with  notice  or lapse of time or both,  would
constitute a material  default.  Without limiting the foregoing,  the Seller has
not  received  any  notice  from any  Person  asserting  that the  Seller  or an
Affiliate  is in  default  under any Third  Party  Lease or under any  option to
purchase any of the Real  Property,  nor does the Seller have any Knowledge of a
default by it or an Affiliate under any Third Party Lease or under any option to
purchase any of the Real Property.  The Seller or an Affiliate  currently enjoys
peaceful and undisturbed  possession of the Third Party Real Property under each
of the Third Party Leases.

                  (c) Except as described in detail on Schedule  5.12(c) hereto,
all of the Seller's or an  Affiliate's  rights under the Third Party Leases,  as
the case may be, may be  assigned  or  subleased  to the  Purchaser  without the
Approval of any Person.

         5.13  Insurance.  The Seller  currently has in effect policies of fire,
liability,  worker's  compensation  and other forms of insurance  which  provide
adequate coverage for the Stores and the Business (collectively,  the "Insurance
Policies").  All presently  effective  Insurance Policies are and will remain in
full force and effect  through the Closing Date.  There is no notice of or basis
for any modification,  suspension,  termination or cancellation of any Insurance
Policy or of any claim thereunder.

         5.14 Contracts.  Each of the Contracts  specified on Schedule 2.1(f) is
valid and in full  force and effect and has been  entered  into in the  ordinary
course of business  and,  to the  Knowledge  of the  Seller,  none of them is in
default in any material respect.  The Seller has delivered to the Purchaser true
and complete  copies of each of the  Contracts.  Except as set


                                      -17-
<PAGE>

forth on Schedule  5.14  hereto,  each  Contract  that is being  assigned by the
Seller to the Purchaser hereunder may be so assigned without the Approval of any
Person.

         5.15     Employment Law Matters.

                  (a) With respect to the  Business,  to Seller's  Knowledge (i)
the Seller is in compliance  with all  applicable  Laws  respecting  employment,
employment  practices,  terms and conditions of employment,  wages and hours and
the  employment  of aliens or  similar  immigration  matters  except  where such
non-compliance  would not have a material  adverse effect on the Business or the
transactions  contemplated by this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents;
and (ii) the Seller is not engaged in any unfair labor practice.

                  (b) To the  Seller's  Knowledge,  there  is no  strike,  labor
dispute,  slowdown or work stoppage  pending or, to the Knowledge of the Seller,
threatened, against or affecting the Business.

                  (c) To the Seller's Knowledge, except as set forth on Schedule
5.15 hereto,  none of the current  employees of the Business is represented by a
labor union,  and no petition has been filed or  proceedings  instituted  by any
employee or group of employees of the Business  with any labor  relations  board
seeking  recognition of a bargaining  representative  at any time.  There are no
controversies  or  disputes  (including  any  union  grievances  or  arbitration
proceedings) pending or, to the Knowledge of the Seller, threatened, between the
Seller  and  any of the  employees  of the  Business  (or  any  union  or  other
representative of such employees),  except for controversies and disputes in the
ordinary  course of business which do not and will not,  individually  or in the
aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Condition of the Business.

         5.16     Environmental Matters.

                  (a) For  purposes of this  Section  5.16,  the property of the
Seller shall mean the Real Property, whether owned or leased by the Seller or an
Affiliate.   Additionally,   for  purposes  of  this  Section  5.16,  "Hazardous
Substance" means any of the following: (i) a "hazardous substance" as defined in
42  U.S.C.  Section  9601(14),  as  amended  from time to time,  and all  rules,
regulations  and orders  promulgated  thereunder as in effect from time to time,
(ii) a "hazardous  waste", as defined in 42 U.S.C.  Section 6903(5),  as amended
from time to time, and all rules,  regulations and orders promulgated thereunder
as in effect  from time to time,  (iii) if not  included  in (i) or (ii)  above,
"hazardous  waste  constituents"  as  defined  in  40  C.F.R.   Section  260.10,
specifically  including Appendix VII and VIII of Subpart D of 40 C.F.R.  Section
261,  as  amended  from time to time,  and all  rules,  regulations  and  orders
promulgated  thereunder as in effect from time to time, (iv) "source,"  "special
nuclear" or  "by-product"  material,  as defined in 42 U.S.C.  Sections 2014, et
seq.,  as  amended  from time to time,  and all  rules,  regulations  and orders
promulgated  thereunder as in effect from time to time, and (v) any other waste,
substance or material, the treatment,  storage or disposal of which is regulated
under  or  by  applicable  Laws,  but  the  definition   "Hazardous   Substance"
specifically excludes petroleum products, by-products and constituents.

                  (b) Except as set forth in Schedule  5.16(b),  to the Seller's
Knowledge,  the Seller,  the Affiliates and the Real Property are in compliance,
and since the Seller's or an Affiliate's  acquisition of an interest in the Real
Property have been in compliance, in all material respects and, to the Knowledge
of the Seller, prior to such acquisition were in compliance, with


                                      -18-
<PAGE>
all applicable Laws relating to Hazardous Substances in respect of the Business.
Without  limiting the foregoing,  except as set forth in Schedule 5.16(b) hereto
(i) the  operations of the Business do not violate,  and since  commencement  of
operations of each Store have not violated,  any Law relating to the production,
storage, processing,  utilization, labeling, transportation,  disposal, emission
or other  disposition  of Hazardous  Substances,  and (ii) the Seller or, to the
Knowledge of the Seller,  any current or former  owner,  occupant or operator of
any property at any time owned, leased or operated by the Seller, insofar as the
same  relates to any of the  Stores,  the  Business,  the Real  Property  or any
portion thereof,  has not ever utilized any such property or any portion thereof
in  violation  of any  Law  relating  to the  production,  storage,  processing,
utilization, labeling,  transportation,  disposal, emission or other disposition
of Hazardous Substances.  With respect to the Business,  Schedule 5.16(b) hereto
contains a true list and description of the status of any removal,  remediation,
closure or other action under applicable Laws relating to Hazardous  Substances,
leaking  underground  storage tanks or leaking above ground storage tanks on any
of the Real Property,  including, with respect to any such removal, remediation,
closure or other type of such operation,  the date of commencement;  the date of
completion  or  closure  or  anticipated  date of  completion  or  closure;  the
estimated  cost of any  such  operation;  whether  insurance  coverage  for such
operation  exists or has been denied or  excluded;  and  whether  any  insurance
deductible has been met.

                  (c) With respect to the Business and Real Property, the Seller
does not  utilize,  store,  dispose of,  treat,  generate,  process,  transport,
release or own any Hazardous Substance in violation of any environmental Law.

                  (d) With  respect to the Business  and Real  Property,  to the
Knowledge  of the  Seller,  the Seller  has, in a timely  manner,  obtained  all
Approvals  and filed all  reports  required to be filed under or pursuant to any
applicable environmental law related to any Hazardous Substance.

                  (e) With respect to the Business and Real Property,  except as
set forth on Schedule  5.16(b),  the Seller has not  received  any notice of any
writ,  injunction,  decree,  order  or  judgment  outstanding  or of any  Action
instituted  or  threatened  under or pursuant  to, or of any  violation  of, any
environmental Law relating to any Hazardous Substances  applicable to any of the
Real Property,  including,  without limitation, any notice from any Governmental
Authority  or other  Person  advising  the Seller  that it is or is  potentially
responsible  for response  costs under CERCLA or any other Law with respect to a
release or threatened release of any Hazardous Substances.

                  (f) Except as set forth on Schedule 5.16(b) and except notices
relating to  Petroleum  Products,  the Seller has not received any notice of any
violation of any environmental,  zoning,  worker safety or land use Law relating
to the operation of the Business,  including,  without limitation, under CERCLA,
the Resource  Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. Section 6901,
et seq.) (together with the regulations promulgated thereunder, "RCRA"), the Oil
Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C.  2701, et seq.)  (together with the regulations
promulgated   thereunder,   "OPA"),   the   Emergency   Planning  and  Community
Right-to-Know Act, as amended (42 U.S.C.  Section 11001, et seq.) (together with
the regulations  promulgated  thereunder,  "Title III"), the Clean Water Act, as
amended  (33  U.S.C.  Section  3121,  et seq.)  (together  with the  regulations
promulgated thereunder, "CWA"), the Clean Air Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. Section
7401, et seq.) (together with the regulations promulgated  thereunder,  "TSCA"),
and any state or local similar laws and  regulations  and any  so-called  local,
state or federal "superfund" or "superlien" law.

                                      -19-
<PAGE>
                  (g) Schedule  5.16(g) hereto contains a true and complete list
and description of every underground  storage tank presently located on the Real
Property  and at the three (3)  Consignment  Accounts  (each,  a "Tank") for the
storage of gasoline and other petroleum  products,  by-products and constituents
("Petroleum  Products").  Except as set forth on Schedule 5.16(g),  each Tank is
registered  with  NCDENR  or VDEQ,  and  Seller  has  satisfied  all  applicable
requirements for coverage under the Trust Fund for each of the Tanks.  Except as
set forth on Schedule  5.16(g),  the Tanks and related  equipment  and apparatus
meet the  requirements  of 40 C.F.R.  ss. 280.21 that  underground  storage tank
systems must meet not later than December 22, 1998.

         5.17 Property of Others.  To the Seller's  Knowledge no shortage exists
in (a) any  inventory  or finished  goods owned by suppliers of the Business and
stored upon its premises or otherwise or (b) any other item of personal property
owned by another for which the  Business  is  accountable  to  another.  Without
limiting the foregoing, all items of personal property for which the Business is
accountable under any consignment contract, or otherwise are fully accounted for
with no shortages or missing or lost items, are in workable, usable and saleable
condition  and have  suffered no damage or  deterioration,  normal wear and tear
excepted. Should shortages exist at Closing, the Seller shall be responsible for
any required compensation or replenishment.

         5.18 Equipment,  Etc. Schedule 5.18 hereto contains a true and complete
list of (i) all machinery,  Petroleum Equipment, Store Equipment,  furniture and
fixtures  owned by the Seller and  included  in the  definition  of  Transferred
Assets and, (ii) separately  identified as Third Party Equipment,  all Petroleum
Equipment and Store  Equipment  owned by third parties and used in the Business.
Such Third Party  Equipment  is  available  for use in the Business by Purchaser
only on Purchaser's assumption of the contract related thereto, if any.

         5.19  Condition  of Tangible  Assets.  To the Seller's  Knowledge,  the
facilities,   machinery,  Store  Equipment,   Petroleum  Equipment,   furniture,
fixtures,  buildings  and  other  tangible  assets  which  are  included  in the
Transferred  Assets  or are a part of the Real  Property  are in good  operating
condition  and repair  (subject to Section 7.1 hereof) and are  adequate for the
uses to which  they have been put by the  Seller in the  ordinary  course of the
business of the Business, except for ordinary wear and tear and parts or repairs
of an immaterial nature in the aggregate. The Seller has not received any notice
of any  violation of any Law in respect of the  Transferred  Assets that has not
been cured. To the Seller's  Knowledge,  all of the Equipment  necessary for the
sustained  uninterrupted  operation  of the  Business  at  the  Stores  and  the
Consignment  Locations  complies in all material  respects  with all  applicable
Laws.  Seller makes no  representations  or warranties  with respect to the year
2000  capabilities  or compliance of any computer  software  included  among the
Transferred Assets.

         5.20  Sufficiency  of Assets.  Except for the  Excluded  Assets,  or as
identified on Schedule 5.18 as Third Party  Equipment,  the  Transferred  Assets
constitute all of the property,  assets and contractual rights presently used by
the Seller with respect to the Business and such Transferred Assets are adequate
for the conduct of the Business as presently conducted. The Business has, and on
the Closing  Date will have, a normal  operating  supply  (consistent  with past
practices) of Inventories, Equipment and Store Supplies.

                                      -20-
<PAGE>
         5.21     Tax Matters.

                  (a) Seller has filed or, in case of Tax  Returns  not yet due,
will timely file all Tax Returns  that are required to be filed on or before the
Closing Date. All such Tax Returns are and will be true, correct and complete in
all material  respects.  Seller has paid or shall pay or make adequate provision
for all taxes due with  respect  to such Tax  Returns.  Except as  disclosed  on
Schedule  5.21,  there is no pending or, to the Seller's  Knowledge,  threatened
action,  audit,  proceeding or investigation for the assessment or collection of
any Taxes.

                  (b)  Purchaser  shall not have any  liability  for  payment or
otherwise with respect to any Taxes arising out of, attributable to or affecting
the Transferred  Assets or the conduct of the Business through the Closing Date.
There  does not exist and will not exist  any  liability  for Taxes  that may be
asserted by any taxing authority  against the Transferred  Assets or the conduct
of the  Business  through the  Closing  Date for which  Purchaser  will have any
liability for payment or otherwise,  and no lien or other  encumbrance  for such
Taxes has or will attach to the  Transferred  Assets  through the Closing  Date,
except the lien of ad valorem taxes not yet due and payable.

         5.22 Finders or Brokers.  The Seller has not  employed  any  investment
banker,  broker,  finder or  intermediary  in connection  with the  transactions
contemplated  hereby who is entitled to any fee or commission in connection with
the  execution  or delivery of this  Agreement  or any of the other  Transaction
Documents  or  the  consummation  of the  transactions  contemplated  hereby  or
thereby.

         5.23 Disclosure of Material  Facts. To the Knowledge of the Seller,  no
provision of this  Agreement,  any of the other  Transaction  Documents,  or any
document  delivered  to  the  Purchaser  in  connection  with  the  transactions
contemplated  hereby or thereby  contains or will  contain at Closing any untrue
statement  of a material  fact with  respect to the Seller,  the  Business,  the
Stores or the  Transferred  Assets or omits or will omit at  Closing  to state a
material  fact with  respect  to the  Seller,  the  Business,  the Stores or the
Transferred  Assets necessary in order to make the statements  herein or therein
not misleading.

         5.24 Certain Interests;  Affiliate  Transactions.  Schedule 5.24 hereto
sets forth a true and complete list and detailed  description of all written and
material  unwritten  agreements,  commitments,  obligations  and  understandings
binding upon or relating to the Business  which  provide for or reflect the sale
by Seller or the Business  to, or the  purchase by Seller or the Business  from,
any Affiliate thereof of any products,  goods,  supplies,  equipment or services
which will survive the Closing.  Except as described in detail on Schedule  5.24
hereto, the Termination of any such agreement, commitment or understanding would
not have a material adverse effect on the Condition of the Business.

         5.25     Employee Benefit Plans.

                  (a)  Schedule   5.25(a)  lists  all  Employee  Benefit  Plans,
covering  employees of the Business,  participated in or maintained by Seller or
with  respect  to which  Seller has made  contributions  or has or in the future
could have any liability. For purposes of this Section 5.25, Seller includes any
other  entity or  business  that is treated  as a single  employer  with  Seller
pursuant  to  Section  414(b),  (c),  (m) or (o) of the  Code.  Seller  has made
available  to Buyer  true,  correct  and  complete  copies  of all such  written
Employee Benefit Plans and  descriptions of any such unwritten  Employee Benefit
Plans.

                                      -21-
<PAGE>
                  (b) The Stallings  Oil 401(k) Profit  Sharing Plan is intended
to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code and its related trust is intended to
be exempt from tax under Section 501(a) of the Code, and the Seller has intended
to operate such plan in compliance with Section 401(a) of the Code.

                  (c)  Except  as  specifically  and  separately  identified  on
Schedule  5.25,  Seller  has  never  maintained,   sponsored,   contributed  to,
participated in or had any liability with respect to (i) any multiemployer  plan
as defined under Section 3(37) or  4001(a)(31) of ERISA or Section 414(f) of the
Code,  (ii) any such  Employee  Benefit Plan that  promises or provides  retiree
medical or other retiree welfare  benefits to any person,  except as required by
ERISA,  the Code or other  applicable  Law,  including,  but not limited to, the
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Action of 1985, as amended, (iii) any
multiemployer  plan within the meaning of Section 413(c) of the Code or Sections
4063, 4064 or 4066 of ERISA, or (iv) any  multiemployer  welfare  arrangement as
defined in Section 3(40) of ERISA.

                  (d) The consummation of the transactions  contemplated by this
Agreement  will not (i)  entitle  any  current or former  employee  of Seller to
severance  pay,  unemployment  compensation  or any  similar  payment  for which
Purchaser  could be liable,  (ii)  accelerate  the time of payment or vesting or
increase  the amount of any  compensation  to or in  respect  of any  current or
former employee of Seller for which Purchaser could be liable or (iii) result in
or satisfy any condition to the payment of compensation to any current or former
employee  of  Seller  for  which  Purchaser  could  be  liable  that  would,  in
combination  with any other  payment,  result in an "excess  parachute  payment"
within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code.

         5.26 The New Warehoused  Equipment.  Schedule 2.5 accurately  lists the
New Warehoused Equipment and the cost thereof.  Each piece of such equipment was
purchased in the ordinary course of business from an independent  seller,  is in
good working order, and is suitable for use in the Business.

         5.27 Seller's  Unamortized  Liabilities.  Schedule 2.3 accurately lists
and describes Seller's Unamortized  Liabilities,  payable to Seller's Suppliers,
on  a  location-specific  basis,  in  the  event,  post-closing,  the  Purchaser
de-brands a listed  location  before the date specified for each location on the
Schedule.   Seller  has  no  other  Unamortized  Liabilities  being  assumed  by
Purchaser.

         5.28 Highway Service Ventures,  Inc. and Hardees Food Mart. Purchaser's
performance,  post-closing,  of its  agreement  described in Section 11.6 hereof
will not violate any agreement between Seller and Star Enterprises.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER

         The Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Seller as follows:

         6.1 Organization and Good Standing. The Purchaser is a corporation duly
organized,  validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Delaware,  and is authorized to transact business in the State of North Carolina
and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
                                      -22-
<PAGE>

         6.2 Power and  Authority.  The Purchaser  has all  requisite  power and
authority to enter into and deliver  this  Agreement  and the other  Transaction
Documents,  perform its  obligations  hereunder and consummate the  transactions
contemplated  hereby and thereby.  The execution and delivery of this  Agreement
and  the  other  Transaction  Documents  by  it,  the  performance  by it of its
obligations  hereunder and the  consummation  of the  transactions  contemplated
hereby and  thereby  have been duly and  validly  authorized  by all  corporate,
stockholder  and other  actions on its part  required  by  applicable  Law,  its
certificate of incorporation or by-laws, or otherwise.

                  This Agreement and the other Transaction  Documents constitute
the legal, valid and binding  obligations of the Purchaser,  enforceable against
it in  accordance  with  their  terms,  except as the same may be limited by (i)
bankruptcy,  insolvency,  reorganization,  moratorium  or  similar  laws  now or
hereafter in effect  relating to  creditors'  rights  generally and (ii) general
equitable principles.

         6.3 No  Violation.  Neither the execution and delivery by the Purchaser
of this Agreement or the other Transaction  Documents,  the performance by it of
its  obligations   hereunder  and  thereunder,   nor  the  consummation  of  the
transactions  contemplated hereby and thereby, will (i) contravene any provision
of its  certificate  of  incorporation  or by-laws;  (ii)  violate any  material
agreement  or  instrument  to  which  it is a party or by which it or any of its
assets or  properties  may be  bound;  (iii)  violate  any  material  Law or any
judgment,  decree or order of any court or other  Governmental  Authority or any
arbitration  award to which it is subject or by which it or any of its assets or
properties  may  be  bound;  or  (iv)  have a  material  adverse  effect  on the
Purchaser's business or operations.

         6.4 No Actions.  There is no Action pending or, to the knowledge of the
Purchaser,  threatened,  against it or its  Affiliates  or any of their  assets,
properties or rights before any court or other Governmental  Authority which (i)
questions or  challenges  the validity of this  Agreement or any action taken or
proposed  to  be  taken  by  it  pursuant  hereto  or  in  connection  with  the
transactions contemplated hereby or (ii) could, if adversely determined,  have a
material adverse effect on the transactions contemplated hereby.

         6.5  Approvals.  To  the  knowledge  of  the  Purchaser,   neither  any
declaration,  filing or registration with, nor any Approval of, any Governmental
Authority  is  required  to be made or  obtained  by or  with  respect  to it in
connection with the execution,  delivery or performance of this Agreement or the
consummation of the transactions  contemplated  hereby,  except such Approval as
may be  required  under the  Hart-Scott-Rodino  Antitrust  Improvements  Act, as
amended.

         6.6 Disclosure of Material Facts. To the knowledge of the Purchaser, no
provision of this Agreement or any of the other Transaction  Documents  contains
or will contain at Closing any untrue  statement of a material fact with respect
to it or omits or will omit at Closing to state a material  fact with respect to
it necessary in order to make the statements herein or therein not misleading.

         6.7 Finders or Brokers.  The Purchaser has not employed any  investment
banker,  broker,  finder or  intermediary  in connection  with the  transactions
contemplated  hereby who is entitled to any fee or commission in connection with
the  execution  or  delivery  of  this  Agreement  or  the  consummation  of the
transactions contemplated hereby.

                                      -23-
<PAGE>

         6.8 Financial  Statements.  Purchaser  has delivered to Seller  audited
financial  statements for the twelve (12) months ended September,  1996 and 1997
and unaudited  interim  financial  statements for the six (6) months ended March
31, 1998,  copies of which are attached as Schedule 6.8 hereto.  Said  financial
statements are true and correct in all material  respects and fairly present the
financial  condition of Purchaser  for the periods  indicated and the results of
the  operations  of Purchaser for said periods,  in  conformity  with  generally
accepted accounting principles applied on a basis consistent with prior periods.

         6.9 Compliance With Laws and Orders.  To the Purchaser's  knowledge and
except as described in detail on Schedule 6.9 (a) the  Purchaser has complied in
all material respects with all Laws applicable to it and to the operation of its
business,  (b) the Purchaser  has not been charged with or  threatened  with any
charge concerning or under any  investigation  with respect to, any violation of
any provision of any Law  applicable to or affecting  Purchaser or its business,
and (c) the Purchaser is not in violation of or in default  under,  and no event
has  occurred  which,  with the  lapse of time or the  giving of notice or both,
could result in the material  violation of or material  default under, the terms
of any  judgment,  decree,  order,  injunction  or writ of any  court  or  other
Governmental Authority applicable to Purchaser, any of its assets, properties or
business.

         6.10 Tax  Matters.  Purchaser  has filed or, in case of Tax Returns not
yet due,  will timely file all Tax Returns  that are  required to be filed on or
before the Closing Date. All such Tax Returns are and will be true,  correct and
complete  in all  material  respects.  Purchaser  has paid or shall  pay or make
adequate provision for all taxes due with respect to such Tax Returns. Except as
disclosed  on  Schedule  6.10,  there  is no  pending  or,  to  the  Purchaser's
Knowledge,  threatened  action,  audit,  proceeding  or  investigation  for  the
assessment or collection of any taxes.


                                   ARTICLE VII

             CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF THE SELLER PRIOR TO THE CLOSING
                    OR EARLIER TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT

         The Seller hereby covenants that,  except as otherwise  consented to in
writing by the  Purchaser,  from and after the date hereof  until the Closing or
the earlier termination of this Agreement:

         7.1 Conduct of  Business.  The Seller  shall carry on the  business and
operations of the Business only in the ordinary course and in the same manner as
heretofore  conducted,  including,  without  limitation:  (a)  performing in all
material  respects  all of its  material  obligations  under all  contracts  and
agreements  to  which  it is a party  or by  which  it or any of its  assets  or
properties  are bound and which relate to or affect the Business;  (b) using its
reasonable  efforts  to  maintain  and  preserve  (i)  all  of  the  properties,
equipment,  and other assets of the Business in good repair,  working  order and
condition (except for ordinary wear and tear), (ii) the present workforce of the
Business (including,  without limitation,  those key employees who have been and
through the Closing Date will be responsible  for operating,  administering  and
managing the Business) but subject to Seller's  right to terminate and discharge
for good cause, (iii) all of the Approvals relating to or affecting the Business
in good standing and (iv) its present  relationships with, and the good will of,
the agents,  suppliers,  and  customers of the Business

                                      -24-
<PAGE>
and others with which it has  business  relations  which relate to or affect the
Business; and (c) keeping in full force and effect insurance with respect to the
Business comparable in amount and scope of coverage to that currently maintained
by it with respect to the Business.  The Seller shall consult with the Purchaser
from time to time, upon the reasonable request of the Purchaser, with respect to
the conduct of the Business.

         7.2 Restricted  Activities and Transactions.  Without the prior written
consent of the Purchaser,  the Seller shall not engage in any one or more of the
following activities or transactions with respect to the Business:  (a) directly
or  indirectly  create,  incur  or  assume  any Lien on or with  respect  to any
property or asset  (including any document or instrument in respect of goods) of
the Business,  whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or any income or profits
therefrom;  (b)  transfer,  or agree  to  Transfer,  any part of the  Business's
assets,  properties or rights, other than in the ordinary course of the business
of the Business in accordance  with past practice;  (c) enter or agree to enter,
into any agreement or arrangement  granting any preferential  rights to purchase
any  of  the  Business's  assets,  properties  or  rights  (including,   without
limitation, the Transferred Assets) or requiring the consent of any party to the
Transfer of any such assets, properties or rights; (d) make or permit to be made
any amendment to or termination of any Contract or any Approval  relating to the
Business other than in the ordinary  course of business in accordance  with past
practice;  (e) make  any  change  in any  profit-sharing,  pension,  retirement,
long-term disability, hospitalization, insurance or other Employee Benefit Plan,
payment or arrangement, except as required by Law; (f) enter into any collective
bargaining  agreement;  (g) enter into any contract or  agreement  except in the
ordinary course of business in accordance with past practice; (h) enter into any
compromise or settlement of any Action  affecting or relating to the Business or
any of its  properties,  assets  or  businesses;  (i) do or (to  the  extent  of
Seller's  control)  permit to occur any of the  things  referred  to in  Section
5.8(b)(ii)-(v)  hereof; or (j) otherwise take any other action or (to the extent
within Seller's control) permit any other event to occur which would result in a
breach  of any of the  representations  or  warranties  set  forth in  Article V
hereof.

         7.3  Cooperation.  The Seller  shall use its best  efforts to cause the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement to be consummated.  Without limiting
the generality of the  foregoing,  the Seller shall (a) obtain all Approvals of,
make all filings with and give all notices to, all such Governmental Authorities
and other Persons as may be necessary or  reasonably  requested by the Purchaser
in  order  to  consummate  the  transactions   contemplated  by  this  Agreement
(including,  without  limitation,  all of the Approvals referred to on Schedules
5.5,  5.12(c)  and 5.14  hereof,  which  the  Seller  shall be  responsible  for
obtaining)  and (b) give prompt notice to the Purchaser of (i) any notice of, or
other  communication  relating  to, any default,  or any event  which,  with the
giving of notice or the lapse of time or both,  would  become a default,  under,
any  material  Contract  to which  the  Seller  is a party or by which it or its
assets or properties  are bound and which affects or relates to the Business and
(ii) any notice or other  communication  from any third party  alleging that the
consent  of such  third  party  is or may be  required  in  connection  with the
execution  and  delivery  of this  Agreement  or the  transactions  contemplated
hereby. In addition, Seller shall take such action as is reasonably requested by
Purchaser to enable  Purchaser  to obtain  alcoholic  beverage  licenses for the
Stores as of the Closing Date.

         7.4 Employee  Benefit Plans.  The Seller shall take any and all actions
necessary or desirable to cause all Employee  Benefit  Plans and any other plans
or  programs  relating  to employee  benefits  maintained  by the Seller for the
benefit of  employees  of the Business to be continued in full force and effect,
except  as  required  pursuant  to the  terms and  provisions  of

                                      -25-
<PAGE>
such plans or programs in the  ordinary  course of business in  accordance  with
past practice or by any applicable law, rule, regulation, or order pertaining to
such plan.

         7.5 No  Negotiations.  Until  July  31,  1998 or  earlier  termination,
neither the Seller, any of its Affiliates, nor any of the Representatives of any
of them, shall, directly or indirectly, in any way contact, initiate, enter into
or conduct  any  discussions  or  negotiations,  or enter  into any  agreements,
whether  written  or  oral,  with any  Person  with  respect  to the sale of the
Business or all or any  significant  portion of the assets of Seller  related to
the Business. The Seller shall, immediately upon receipt thereof by it or any of
its respective Affiliates or Representatives,  notify the Purchaser of any offer
by any Person to make any such purchase or enter into any such agreement.

         7.6 Access to the  Business.  The Seller hereby  acknowledges  that the
Purchaser, its Affiliates, and their respective  Representatives  (collectively,
the  "Purchaser  Group") may continue their due diligence  investigation  of the
business,  operations and affairs of the Business through and until the Closing.
The Seller and its Affiliates and  Representatives  shall  cooperate  fully with
such investigation and, upon reasonable prior notice, shall afford the Purchaser
Group  reasonable  access,  during normal business hours and at other reasonable
times,  to the sales records (for 1995,  1996, 1997 and 1998  year-to-date)  and
current  personnel  records  relating to the Stores or the  Business,  and other
facilities  of the  Business  in order  that the  Purchaser  Group  may have the
opportunity  to make such  investigations  thereof as it shall deem necessary or
desirable. The Seller shall furnish the Purchaser Group with any applications or
statements  to be made to any  Governmental  Authority  in  connection  with the
transactions  contemplated by this Agreement.  Further,  the Seller shall assist
the  Purchaser  Group in contacting  and  communicating  with their  independent
accountants,  suppliers  and  other  Persons  having  dealings  relating  to the
Business.  None  of the  information  furnished  hereunder  or  obtained  by the
Purchaser Group during its due diligence  investigation of the Business shall in
any way release the Seller from the representations and warranties made by it in
this Agreement.

                  Commencing on the day  following  the date of this  Agreement,
Purchaser and its Representatives shall be allowed at reasonable times on notice
to Seller, to make environmental and other engineering investigations, including
Phase I and Phase II analysis  and  testing,  as  Purchaser  shall,  in its sole
discretion, deem appropriate.  Purchaser shall bear the cost and expense of such
testing.  To the best of Seller's  Knowledge,  the Seller has  delivered  to the
Purchaser copies of all  environmental  reports,  environmental  related claims,
inquiries  or  requests  for  information  by  third  parties,  which  is in its
possession.  Seller also will, upon Purchaser's  reasonable  request,  require a
Representative   to  make   available  to  Purchaser  to  review  and  copy  all
correspondence  with  environmental  regulatory  agencies  regarding each Store,
which  information is in the possession of the  Representative.  The Purchaser's
satisfaction,  in its sole discretion,  with environmental  analysis and testing
and results thereof, will be a condition precedent to closing.  Purchaser shall,
upon request,  provide Seller with copies of environmental  summaries or reports
prepared  for  Purchaser.  Except as  otherwise  required  by law or by  prudent
business judgment,  Purchaser will not disclose the results of such analysis and
testing without Seller's consent.

                  Purchaser shall conduct its  investigations  in such manner as
not to  materially  disrupt or interfere  with the  Business,  and the Purchaser
shall  indemnify and hold Seller harmless from and against all Damages caused by
the  conduct  of  any  such  investigation  and  testing  by  Purchaser  or  its
Representatives.
                                      -26-
<PAGE>
         7.7 Disclosure  Regarding the Seller. The Seller shall, upon reasonable
request,  provide the Purchaser Group with such  information  and  documentation
concerning the Seller as may be reasonably  necessary for the Purchaser Group to
verify  performance  of and  compliance  with the  representations,  warranties,
covenants and conditions of the Seller contained herein.

         7.8  Confidentiality.  The Seller shall, and shall cause its Affiliates
and the Representatives  to, keep confidential,  and not disclose to others, any
Proprietary Information used or usable by or relating to, and obtained from, the
Purchaser,  any of its Affiliates or any of the  Representatives  of any of them
and specifically identified as confidential, to the extent that such information
is not or does not become readily  available to the public or is not required to
be disclosed by applicable Law or court order.


                                  ARTICLE VIII

                   CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER PRIOR
             TO THE CLOSING OR EARLIER TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT

         The Purchaser hereby covenants that,  except as otherwise  consented to
in writing by the Seller,  from and after the date  hereof  until the Closing or
the earlier termination of this Agreement:

         8.1 Cooperation.  The Purchaser shall use its best efforts to cause the
transactions  contemplated  by this  Agreement to be  consummated  and,  without
limiting the  generality of the foregoing,  to obtain all Approvals  (except the
Approvals  referred to on  Schedules  5.5,  5.12(c) and 5.14  hereto,  which the
Seller shall be  responsible  for  obtaining) of, make all filings with and give
all notices to, all such  Governmental  Authorities  and other Persons as may be
necessary  or  reasonably  requested  by the Seller in order to  consummate  the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         8.2  Disclosure  Regarding the  Purchaser.  The Purchaser  shall,  upon
reasonable  request,  provide the Seller with such information and documentation
concerning the Purchaser as may be reasonably necessary for the Seller to verify
performance of and compliance with the  representations,  warranties,  covenants
and conditions of the Purchaser contained herein.

         8.3  Confidentiality.  The Purchaser shall, and shall cause each of its
Affiliates and the  Representatives of each of them to, keep  confidential,  and
not disclose to others,  any  information  used or usable by or relating to, and
obtained from, the Seller,  any of its Affiliates or any of the  Representatives
of any of them and specifically  identified as confidential,  to the extent that
such Information is not or does not become readily available to the public or is
not required to be disclosed by applicable Law or court order.

         8.4  Restricted  Activities.  Without the prior written  consent of the
Seller, which consent will not be unreasonably  withheld, the Purchaser will not
take any action or permit any event to occur which  would  result in a breach of
any of the representations or warranties set forth in Article VI hereof.


                                      -27-
<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE IX

            CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER

         Each and every  obligation of the Purchaser  under this Agreement to be
performed at or before the Closing shall be subject to the satisfaction,  at the
Closing, of each of the following conditions:

         9.1  Representations  and  Warranties  True.  The  representations  and
warranties  of the Seller  contained  in this  Agreement  or in any of the other
Transaction Documents shall be true and correct as of the date of this Agreement
and as of the  Closing  Date  with the same  effect  as if made on and as of the
Closing Date.

         9.2  Performance.  The Seller shall have  performed and complied in all
material  respects with all  agreements,  covenants,  obligations and conditions
required  by this  Agreement  or any of the other  Transaction  Documents  to be
performed or complied with by it at or prior to the Closing.

         9.3      No Adverse Changes.

                  (a) None of the Stores or other assets or properties  material
to the operation or business of the Business shall have been damaged,  destroyed
or taken by  condemnation  to such an extent that  substantial  operation of the
Business cannot continue or under  circumstances where the loss thereof will not
be  substantially  reimbursed  through  the  proceeds of  insurance  (including,
without limitation,  business  interruption  insurance) or condemnation  awards,
except as set forth in Schedule  5.11(g),  which proceeds or awards shall be the
property of the Purchaser if this  Agreement and the  transactions  contemplated
hereby are consummated.

                  (b) No  material  adverse  change  shall have  occurred in the
Condition of the Business since the date of this Agreement.

                  (c) The Seller  shall not have done or  permitted to occur any
of the things referred to in Section 5.8 hereof.

         9.4  Approvals.  Except  as set forth on  Schedule  9.4,  all  filings,
declarations  and  registrations   with  and  Approvals  from  all  Governmental
Authorities and other Persons  required by applicable Law or otherwise  required
or desirable for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or the
conduct of the  business of the  Business  as it is  currently  being  conducted
(including,  without  limitation,  all of the Approvals referred to on Schedules
5.5,  5.12(c) or 5.14 hereto,  which the Seller shall be solely  responsible for
obtaining)  shall  have been  made or  obtained  and shall be in full  force and
effect,  except to the  extent  that  making  any such  filing,  declaration  or
registration or obtaining any such Approval shall have been waived in writing by
the Purchaser. Purchaser will cooperate with Seller to obtain such Approvals, at
no cost to  Purchaser,  and  Purchaser  shall  not be  required  to  accept  any
additional risk or liability.

                                      -28-
<PAGE>

         9.5      Estoppel Certificates.

                  (a) The Seller shall have delivered to the Purchaser  executed
estoppel  certificates  from the lessor named in each of the Third Party Leases,
Affiliate Leases,  and the General Booth lease,  dated not more than twenty (20)
days prior to the Closing Date,  stating,  with respect to each such lease:  (a)
whether there have been any amendments, modifications or supplements of any kind
to such  lease;  (b)  that  such  lease is in full  force  and  effect;  (c) the
commencement  and  expiration  dates of such  lease;  (d) that the Seller or the
Affiliate  is not in  violation  of or in default  under such lease and that the
lessor  thereunder has no claims  against the Seller or the  Affiliate;  (e) the
amount of and the date through which all fixed rent and any additional rent have
been paid under such lease;  (f) that no fixed rent or additional  rent has been
prepaid for more than one month in advance; (g) that such lessor consents to the
assignment  or  sublease  of such  lease to the  Purchaser  (if such  consent is
required)  and  consents to the  assignment  of an option to  purchase  (if such
consent is required); and (h) such other matters as the Purchaser may reasonably
request.

                  (b)  Notwithstanding  any  provision  of  Sections  9.4 or 9.5
hereof,  in the event that Seller is unable to obtain any Approval  required for
Purchaser to take possession of a Store or Consignment  Leased Store at Closing,
such that Purchaser cannot operate such Store or Consignment Leased Store in the
ordinary course of business on the Closing Date, the Parties shall  nevertheless
be obligated  to close and the Purchase  Price shall be reduced by the amount of
Schedule 9.5 for each such Store or Consignment Leased Store. If, during the six
(6) month  period  after the  Closing  Date,  Seller is able to deliver any such
Store to Purchaser, fully operational and otherwise in accordance with the terms
of this  Agreement,  Purchaser  shall be  obligated  to  close on such  Store or
Consignment  Leased Store for a purchase  price equal to the amount the Purchase
Price was reduced with respect to such Store or  Consignment  Leased Store,  and
shall enter into a Third Party Sublease for the rent specified on Schedule 3.2.

         9.6  Subordination,  Non-Disturbance  and  Attornment  Agreements.  The
Seller shall have delivered to the Purchaser Subordination,  Non-Disturbance and
Attornment  Agreements ("SNDAs") executed by each mortgagee holding a beneficial
interest in any of the Real  Property,  each as more  particularly  described on
Schedule  9.6,  and the  owner of such  Real  Property,  in form  and  substance
reasonably acceptable to Purchaser and its counsel.

         9.7 Deliveries. The Seller shall have delivered to the Purchaser, at or
prior to the Closing, the following:

                  (a) the  instruments  of  Transfer  referred to in Section 3.2
hereof;

                  (b) all of the sales  records (for 1995,  1996,  1997 and 1998
year-to-date),  current personnel records,  and all underground storage tank and
environmental  records relating to the Stores or the Business,  but specifically
excluding  corporate  books and  records and  general  financial  records of the
Seller;

                  (c) a certificate  of good standing for the Seller,  dated not
earlier than ten days prior to the Closing Date, of each of (i) the Secretary of
State of North Carolina,  (ii) the North Carolina  Department of Revenue,  (iii)
the Secretary of State Corporation  Commission of Virginia and (iv) the Virginia
Department of Revenue;.

                                      -29-
<PAGE>
                  (d)  resolutions,  certified  as of the  Closing  Date  by the
Secretary  or  Assistant  Secretary  of the  Seller,  adopted  by the  Board  of
Directors and the shareholders of the Seller, respectively,  and authorizing the
execution and delivery by the Seller of this Agreement and the other Transaction
Documents, the performance by it of its obligations hereunder and thereunder and
the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby;

                  (e) such  certificates  of the  Chairman or  President  of the
Seller to evidence  compliance  with the  conditions  set forth in Sections  9.1
through  9.4,  and 9.8 and 9.9 hereof,  and any other  certificates  to evidence
compliance with the conditions set forth in this Article IX as may be reasonably
requested by the Purchaser or its counsel;

                  (f) the  opinion of Poyner & Spruill,  L.L.P.,  counsel to the
Seller and the Affiliates, dated the Closing Date and addressed to the Purchaser
in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser and its counsel;

                  (g) executed Seller Leases,  Affiliate Subleases,  Third Party
Subleases and Consignment  Leases,  and assignment of the General Booth Location
lease;

                  (h) powers of attorney,  or such other documents Purchaser may
reasonably request, in form and substance  reasonably  satisfactory to Purchaser
and its counsel, assigning all rights, interests,  contracts and claims referred
to in Sections 2.1(f) and 2.1(h);

                  (i) flood  certificates  with respect to the Stores identified
on Schedule 5.11(i); and

                  (j)  such  other   documents  or   certificates  as  shall  be
reasonably requested by the Purchaser or its counsel.

         9.8 Proceedings. All corporate and other proceedings in connection with
the  transaction  contemplated  by  this  Agreement  and the  other  Transaction
Documents  shall  be in  form  and  substance  reasonably  satisfactory  to  the
Purchaser  and its  counsel,  and the  Purchaser  shall have  received  all such
originals  or  certified  or other  copies of such  documents  as it shall  have
reasonably requested.

         9.9  Absence  of  Litigation.  There  shall  be no  Action  pending  or
threatened before any court or other  Governmental  Authority which seeks to (a)
invalidate or set aside, in whole or in part, this Agreement or any of the other
Transaction Documents, (b) restrain, prohibit, invalidate or set aside, in whole
or in part, the consummation of the transactions  contemplated hereby or thereby
or (c) obtain substantial Damages in connection therewith.

         9.10 Insurance.  All policies and programs of insurance relating to the
assets, properties, business, operations or employees of the Business, including
the  Insurance  Policies,  have been  maintained by the Seller in full force and
effect to and including the Closing Date.

         9.11   Environmental   Matters.   The  Purchaser  shall,  in  its  sole
discretion,  be satisfied with the results of any and all environmental analyses
referred to in Section 7.6 hereof.  If the Seller  receives  written notice from
the Purchaser that Purchaser is not satisfied with such environmental  analyses,
the Seller (i) shall take such steps necessary to satisfy  Purchaser or (ii) may
terminate  this  Agreement by written  notice to the Purchaser and the effect of
such

                                      -30-
<PAGE>
termination  shall be the  same as a  termination  pursuant  to  Section  4.1(a)
hereof.  The absence of any notice from Purchaser pursuant to this Section shall
neither  obviate,  supersede  nor waive any  provisions of Sections 5.16 or 11.3
hereof.

         9.12 Additional Diligence. The Purchaser shall, in its sole discretion,
be  satisfied  with  the  results  of  its  investigation  with  respect  to the
Invoiceable  Global Imaging Costs,  the New Warehoused  Equipment,  the Seller's
Unamortized Liabilities, and the Highway Service Ventures, Inc. and Hardees Food
Mart Re-Imaging amounts.


                                    ARTICLE X

                             CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO
                          THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE SELLER

         Each and every  obligation  of the Seller  under this  Agreement  to be
performed at or before the Closing shall be subject to the satisfaction,  at the
Closing, of each of the following conditions:

         10.1  Representations  and  Warranties  True. The  representations  and
warranties of the Purchaser  contained in this  Agreement or in any of the other
Transaction Documents shall be true and correct as of the date of this Agreement
and as of the  Closing  Date  with the same  effect  as if made on and as of the
Closing Date.

         10.2  Performance.  The Purchaser  shall have performed and complied in
all material respects with all agreements, covenants, obligations and conditions
required  by this  Agreement  or any of the other  Transaction  Documents  to be
performed or complied with by it at or prior to the Closing.

         10.3 Approvals.  All filings,  declarations and registrations  with and
Approvals  from all  Governmental  Authorities  and other  Persons  required  by
applicable Law or otherwise  required or desirable for the  consummation  of the
transactions  contemplated hereby (except the Approvals referred to on Schedules
5.5,  5.12(c)  and 5.14  hereto,  which  the  Seller  shall be  responsible  for
obtaining)  shall  have been  made or  obtained  and shall be in full  force and
effect,  except to the  extent  that  making  any such  filing,  declaration  or
registration or obtaining any such Approval shall have been waived in writing by
the Seller.

         10.4 Deliveries.  The Purchaser shall have delivered to the Seller,  at
or prior to the Closing, the following:

                  (a) an amount equal to the Purchase Price described in Section
2.6 hereof;

                  (b) an instrument of assignment and assumption relating to the
Contracts;

                  (c) a good  standing  certificate,  dated not earlier than ten
(10) days prior to the Closing Date,  of the Secretary of State of Delaware,  as
to the  good  standing  of the  Purchaser  in  Delaware,  and a  certificate  of
authorization,  dated not earlier than ten (10) days prior to the Closing  Date,
of the Secretary of State of North Carolina and Virginia Corporation Commission,
as to the Purchaser's  authorization to transact  business in North Carolina and
Virginia, respectively;

                                      -31-
<PAGE>

                  (d)  resolutions,  certified  as of the  Closing  Date  by the
Secretary  or  Assistant  Secretary  of the  Purchaser,  adopted by the Board of
Directors of the  Purchaser  and  authorizing  the execution and delivery by the
Purchaser of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, the performance
by it of its obligations  hereunder and thereunder and the consummation by it of
the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby;

                  (e) such  certificates  of the President or Vice  President of
the Purchaser to evidence  compliance  with the conditions set forth in Sections
10.1,  10.2, and 10.3 hereof and any other  certificates to evidence  compliance
with the conditions  set forth in this Article X as may be reasonably  requested
by the Seller or their counsel;

                  (f) the opinion of Smith, Anderson,  Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell
&  Jernigan,  L.L.P.,  counsel  to the  Purchaser,  dated the  Closing  Date and
addressed to the Seller,  in form and substance  reasonably  satisfactory to the
Seller and its counsel;

                  (g)  the  Seller  Leases,  Affiliate  Subleases,  Third  Party
Subleases,  Consignment  Leases and  assignment  of the General  Booth  Location
lease, executed by Purchaser;

                  (h) the SNDAs executed by Purchaser; and

                  (i)  such  other   documents  or   certificates  as  shall  be
reasonably requested by the Seller or their counsel.

         10.5  Proceedings.  All corporate and other  proceedings  in connection
with the transactions  contemplated by this Agreement and the other  Transaction
Documents shall be in form and substance  reasonably  satisfactory to the Seller
and its  counsel,  and the Seller  shall have  received  all such  originals  or
certified  or other  copies of such  documents  as they  shall  have  reasonably
requested.

         10.6  Absence  of  Litigation.  There  shall be no  Action  pending  or
threatened before any court or other  Governmental  Authority which seeks to (a)
invalidate or set aside, in whole or in part, this Agreement or any of the other
Transaction Documents, (b) restrain, prohibit, invalidate or set aside, in whole
or in part, the consummation of the transactions  contemplated hereby or thereby
or (c) obtain substantial Damages in connection  therewith,  or which may have a
material adverse impact on the business of Purchaser.


                                   ARTICLE XI

                         CERTAIN POST-CLOSING COVENANTS

         11.1     Confidentiality.

                  (a) From and after the Closing, the Purchaser shall, and shall
cause its  Representatives to, hold in strict confidence and, except as required
by applicable  Law, not disclose to others (except its  Representatives)  or use
for any reason whatsoever  without the prior written consent of the Seller,  any
information  (unless  previously known to the Purchaser or any of its Affiliates
from  sources  other than the Seller or any of their  respective  Affiliates  or

                                      -32-
<PAGE>
ascertainable from public or published information or trade sources) received by
the Purchaser or any of its Affiliates from the Seller concerning the Seller and
its Affiliates and not relating to the Transferred Assets or the Business.

                  (b) From and after the Closing,  the Seller  shall,  and shall
cause its  Representatives to, hold in strict confidence and, except as required
by applicable Law, not disclose to others (except their  Representatives) or use
for any reason  whatsoever  without the prior written  consent of the Purchaser,
(i) any  information  (unless  previously  known to the  Seller  or any of their
Affiliates  from sources  other than the  Purchaser or any of its  Affiliates or
ascertainable from public or published information or trade sources) received by
the Seller or any of their  respective  Affiliates  from the Purchaser or any of
its  Affiliates  concerning  the  Purchaser  or  its  Affiliates,  or  (ii)  any
information (unless  ascertainable from public or published information or trade
sources) concerning the Transferred Assets or the Business.

     11.2      Noncompetition. For a period of *** from and after the Closing,
except as described on Schedule 11.2, neither Seller nor *** or *** will engage,
directly or indirectly, in the operation of, or own or have any interest of any
kind, in any convenience store or gasoline retail business in the Restricted
Area, as defined below. "Restricted Area" shall mean:

               (a)  any county located in the State of North Carolina or the
Commonwealth of Virginia in which Purchaser or any Affiliate owns or operates
a convenience store;

               (b)  the area within a *** radius of any convenience store
operated by Purchaser or any Affiliate in North Carolina or Virginia;

               (c)  any county in which any of the Stores are located; and

               (d)  the area within a *** radius of any of the Stores.

     11.3      Responsibility for Environmental Matters.

               (a)  With regard to any assessment or remediation required by
Law or third party claims as to any Tanks, tanks, or Real Property or
Consignment Account Locations arising from leaks, releases, spills or
discharges of Petroleum Products which occurred prior to Closing and are
identified on Schedule 11.3(a), as between Seller and Purchaser, the Seller
shall be responsible for such assessment, remediation or claim, which
responsibility may be satisfied by qualification of such assessment, claim or
remediation for coverage (including, without limitation, payment or waiver
of applicable deductibles) under the Trust Fund at no cost to the Purchaser and
Seller shall be solely responsible for any disqualification or modification of
Trust Fund coverage based on pre-closing events. With respect to those matters
set forth on Schedule 11.3(a), the Seller shall be responsible for registration
of all Tanks, paying or obtaining waivers of deductibles, and for taking all
other necessary action to qualify all Tanks for coverage by the Trust Fund.
Upon complete qualification for Trust Fund coverage, which qualification is not
thereafter withdrawn, revoked or modified as a result of any pre-closing event
or omission, Purchaser shall assume responsibility for continuing with and
provide administrative assistance and oversight for such assessment and
remediation, and, except as herein provided, Seller shall have no further
responsibility with respect thereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Seller shall
have no responsibility for lack of Trust Fund coverage due to a shortage of
funds in or insolvency of the Trust Fund, or to the extent a properly qualified
claim

                                      -33-

*Selected portions have been deleted as confidential pursuant to Rule
24b-2. Complete copies of the entire exhibit have been filed separately
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and marked "CONFIDENTIAL
TREATMENT."

<PAGE>
???????, spills or discharges of Petroleum Products which are identified up to
the Closing.

         (b) The Purchaser shall be solely responsible for maintaining
registration of and otherwise meeting applicable requirements arising
post-Closing for registered Tanks subsequent to Closing. As between Purchaser
and Seller, the Purchaser shall be solely responsible for any assessment or
remediation required by Governmental Authority, by Law and any third party
claims arising solely from leaks, releases, spills or discharges of Petroleum
Products which occur subsequent to Closing or were not identified by Purchaser
on Schedule 11.3(a) prior to Closing at any of the Real Property or Consignment
Account Locations. Seller hereby assigns its rights and claims to Purchaser
against third parties relating thereto for which Purchaser is responsible
hereunder.

         (c) The Seller will remove all aboveground storage tanks, except those
located at Zip Mart No. 19, on Hope Valley Road, in Durham, North Carolina, and
any unregistered underground storage tank located at the Store sites and
Consignment Locations before the Closing and perform and complete any assessment
or remediation required by Law or third party claims in connection therewith.

         (d) The provisions of Section 11.3 shall neither supersede nor obviate
the representations and warranties of the Seller contained in Section 5.16.

         11.4  Specific  Performance;  Injunctive  Relief.  Each of the  parties
hereto  acknowledges and understands that any breach or threatened  breach by it
of Section  11.1 hereof or (with  respect to the Seller and A. Donald  Stallings
and June S. Shearin)  Section 11.2 hereof will cause  irreparable  injury to the
non-breaching  party or parties and their  respective  Affiliates and that money
damages will not provide an adequate remedy therefor.  Accordingly, in the event
of any such breach or  threatened  breach,  the  non-breaching  party or parties
shall have the right and remedy (in  addition to any others  available at law or
in equity) to have the provisions of Sections 11.1 and 11.2 hereof  specifically
enforced by, and to seek injunctive relief and other equitable  remedies in, any
court having competent jurisdiction.

         11.5 Invoiceable Global Imaging. Seller shall use its best efforts, to
cooperate with Purchaser to enable Purchaser to obtain reimbursement of the
Invoiceable Global Imaging Costs, up to the amount of the Image Upgrade Payment
($***).

         11.6 Third Party Imaging. Among the Seller's Unamortized Liabilities on
Schedule 2.3 are liabilities incurred by Seller to Star Enterprise ("Star") and
Amoco Oil Company ("Amoco") as noted for imaging costs at convenience store/fuel
retail facilities owned by Highway Service Ventures, Inc. ("HSV"), Hardee's Food
Mart ("Hardees") and the Seller (for Seller's convenience store operation at the
TA Travel Center in Kenly, North Carolina). Purchaser will use its best efforts
to submit on behalf of HSV, Hardee's and the Seller valid requests for
reimbursement from Star or Amoco, as applicable, for re-imaging the designated
four locations of HSV, the one location of Hardee's and Seller's location at
Kenly. Purchaser will pay over to such parties such reimbursements ("Rebates")
as Purchaser receives from Star and Amoco for such locations, provided that each
of such parties, including the Seller, shall enter into an agreement
satisfactory to Purchaser and Seller, in their reasonable discretion, agreeing
(i) to repay any amounts due to Star or Amoco, as applicable, in connection with
such party's receipt of Rebates as a result of such party's cessation of sale of
the branded fuel of
                                      -34-

*Selected portions have been deleted as confidential pursuant to Rule
24b-2. Complete copies of the entire exhibit have been filed separately
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and marked "CONFIDENTIAL
TREATMENT."

<PAGE>
Star or Amoco, as applicable or the occurrence of any other action by such party
and (ii) to indemnify and hold the Seller and Purchaser harmless of and from any
and all liability for such amounts.


         11.7 Requirement for Providing Employee Information.  During the period
specified below, the Purchaser shall use its best efforts to provide information
to the Seller with respect to each of the Seller's  employees  who worked in the
Business  as of the  Closing  Date and who the  Purchaser  hired (the  "Acquired
Employees"),  monthly as follows:  (a) the name,  social  security  number,  and
address of all Acquired  Employees who terminated  employment with the Purchaser
during  the  preceding  month;  and (b) the  address  of record of all  Acquired
Employees  who provided the  Purchaser  with a new address  during the preceding
month.  The Purchaser's  obligation to provide the information  required by this
Section shall begin immediately  following Closing and shall terminate as of the
earlier of (a)  twenty-seven  (27) months after  Closing,  or (b) the end of the
month following the month in which the last of the Acquired Employees terminates
from employment with the Purchaser.

         11.8  Acceptance of 401(k) Plan  Accounts.  To the extent  permitted by
applicable  law, the  Purchaser  shall use its best efforts to cause its defined
contribution  plan's trustee to accept  rollovers of all of Stallings Oil 401(k)
Profit Sharing Plan (the "Stallings  Plan")  participant  accounts  belonging to
Acquired Employees.

         11.9 Payroll  Deductions for 401(k) Plan Loan  Payments.  The Purchaser
shall allow the Acquired  Employees to elect to make  regularly  scheduled  loan
payments on loans from the Stallings  Plan by payroll  deduction.  The Purchaser
shall remit the loan payments to the Seller,  along with a schedule  reconciling
the amount  transmitted,  no later than ten (10) business days following the end
of the month in which the Purchaser  withholds the payments from the  employee's
paycheck. The reconciliation schedule shall include each employee's name, social
security number and the amount of the loan payments withheld from the employee's
paycheck for the month.


         11.10 Wake Forest Store. The Seller shall exercise its best efforts to
complete the Wake Forest Store as soon as reasonably practicable following the
Closing. Immediately upon completion of the Wake Forest Store and issuance of a
certificate of occupancy, the Seller shall transfer and the Purchaser shall
purchase from the Seller the Equipment installed in the Store at Seller's cost
therefor and the Seller and Purchaser shall enter into a Seller's Lease for the
Store at an initial annual rent equal to ******* percent (**%) of the Seller's
total costs of acquiring and improving the Store, including, without limitation:
original land costs, financing, planning and engineering costs; construction
costs; licensing and permitting costs; but not including legal and other
professional costs.

         11.11 Seller's Claims for Trust Fund Reimbursement. The Purchaser shall
cooperate  reasonably  with  Seller to permit  Seller  to make  application  for
reimbursement  from  Trust Fund for  covered  reimbursable  expenses  Seller has
incurred or may incur post-Closing, provided such applications do not materially
impair Purchaser's rights to Trust Fund coverage.


                                      -35-

*Selected portions have been deleted as confidential pursuant to Rule
24b-2. Complete copies of the entire exhibit have been filed separately
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and marked "CONFIDENTIAL
TREATMENT."
<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE XII

                         SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND
                           WARRANTIES; INDEMNIFICATION

         12.1 Survival of Representations  and Warranties.  Notwithstanding  (a)
the making of this Agreement, (b) any examination or investigation made by or on
behalf  of  the  parties  hereto  and  (c)  the  Closing   hereunder,   (i)  the
representations and warranties of the parties hereto contained in this Agreement
shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Closing for a
period of eighteen  (18) months from and after the date  hereof,  except for the
representations  and  warranties   contained  in  Sections  5.16  (Environmental
Matters),  5.21 (Tax Matters) and 5.25  (Employee  Benefit  Plans),  which shall
survive until the  expiration of the applicable  statute of limitations  for the
underlying cause of action, and (ii) the covenants and agreements of the parties
hereto  contained  in this  Agreement  shall  survive  until fully  performed or
fulfilled (unless  non-compliance with such covenants or agreements is waived in
writing by the party or parties hereto entitled to such  performance).  No claim
for  indemnification  pursuant  to Section  12.2(b)  hereof may be brought  with
respect thereto after the applicable expiration date; provided, however, that if
prior to such date a party hereto has notified the other party or parties hereto
in writing of a claim for indemnification under this Article XII (whether or not
formal legal action shall have been commenced based upon such claim), such claim
shall continue to be subject to  indemnification in accordance with this Article
XII.

         12.2  Indemnification.  Subject to Sections 12.1, 12.4 and 12.5 hereof,
from and after the  Closing,  each of the  parties  hereto and their  respective
successors and assigns (each being an "Indemnifying  Party") shall indemnify and
hold harmless the other party or parties hereto,  their  respective  Affiliates,
successors and assigns,  and the  Representatives of each of them (each being an
"Indemnified  Party"),  from and against any and all Damages incurred thereby or
caused thereto  arising out of or relating to (a) any breach or violation of, or
failure to properly perform, any covenant or agreement made by such Indemnifying
Party in this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents, unless waived
in  writing  by  the   Indemnified   Party;   (b)  any  breach  of  any  of  the
representations  or warranties made by such Indemnifying Party in this Agreement
or any of the other  Transaction  Documents  and not  waived in  writing  by the
Indemnified  Party; (c) with respect to the Seller,  its failure to pay, perform
or satisfy  when due any of the  Excluded  Liabilities;  (d) with respect to the
Purchaser,  its failure to pay,  perform or satisfy  when due any of the Assumed
Liabilities  or its ownership  and  operation of the Business  after the Closing
Date;  and (e) with  respect to the  Seller,  Seller's  failure  to comply  with
applicable  provisions of the North Carolina or Virginia Uniform Commercial Code
- - Bulk Transfers. Except as otherwise expressly provided in Section 11.2 hereof,
no  Indemnified  Party shall have any recourse of any kind or nature  whatsoever
against any of the Representatives of any Indemnifying Party.

         12.3     Notice and Payment of Claims.

                  (a) Promptly after receipt by any Indemnified  Party of notice
of the  commencement  of any  action,  the  assertion  by any third party of any
claim,  or of any other  circumstance  likely to cause an  Indemnified  Party to
incur  Damages  which  would give rise to  indemnification  as  provided in this
Article  (collectively,  a "Claim"), the Indemnified Party receiving such notice
(the  "Claim  Notice")  shall  notify the  Indemnifying  Party in writing of the
assertion  of such Claim;  provided,  however,  that failure to give such notice
shall not affect the right to indemnification  hereunder except to the extent of
actual prejudice. The Indemnifying

                                      -36-
<PAGE>
Party shall have the option,  and shall notify the Indemnified  Party in writing
within ten (10) business days after the date of the Claim Notice of its election
either (i) to participate  (at its own expense) in the defense of such Claim (in
which case the  defense of such Claim  shall be  controlled  by the  Indemnified
Party) or (ii) to take  charge of and  control  the defense of such Claim at its
own expense.  If the Indemnifying Party fails to notify the Indemnified Party of
its election within the applicable  response period (set forth above),  then the
Indemnifying  Party shall be deemed to have elected not to assume the defense of
such Claim.  The  Indemnifying  Party's failure to respond shall not relieve the
Indemnifying Party of its indemnification  obligations under this Section.  Each
Indemnified   Party  shall  have  the  right  to  employ  separate  counsel  and
participate  in the  defense of such  Claim,  but the fees and  expenses of such
counsel  shall  be at the  expense  of the  Indemnified  Party  unless:  (1) the
employment of such counsel shall have been specifically authorized in writing by
the  Indemnifying  Party or (2) the named parties in such Claim  (including  any
impleaded parties) include both the Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party
and the Indemnified  Party shall have been so advised by such counsel that there
may be one or more legal  defenses  available to it that are  different  from or
additional  to those  available  to the  Indemnifying  Party (in which  case the
Indemnifying  Party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such Claim
on behalf of the  Indemnified  Party,  it being  understood,  however,  that the
Indemnifying  Party shall not, in connection  with such Claim, be liable for the
fees and  expenses of more than one separate  firm of attorneys  (in addition to
any local  counsel) and that all such fees and expenses  shall be  reimbursed as
they are incurred.

                  (b) If the  Indemnifying  Party  elects  (or is deemed to have
elected) not to assume the defense of a Claim in  accordance  with the preceding
Section,  then the  Indemnified  Party may settle such Claim without the written
consent of the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnifying Party agrees to indemnify
and hold the Indemnified  Party harmless from and against any such Claim settled
without  his  or  its  written  consent.  As  to  any  claim  settled  with  the
Indemnifying  Party's  written  consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld or delayed),  the  Indemnifying  Party agrees to indemnify and hold the
Indemnified  Party  harmless  from and  against any such Claim by reason of such
settlement, according to the obligations of the Indemnifying Party hereunder.

                  (c) The  Indemnified  Party shall provide to the  Indemnifying
Party,  as  soon  as  practicable  after  the  date  of the  Claim  Notice,  all
information and  documentation  necessary to support and verify any Damages that
the  Indemnified  Party shall have determined have given or could give rise to a
Claim hereunder,  and the Indemnifying  Party shall be given access to all books
and  records in the  possession  or under the control of the  Indemnified  Party
which the Indemnifying Party reasonably determines to be related to such Action.

                  (d)  All  Claims  under  this  Articles  shall  be paid by the
Indemnifying  Party on demand in  immediately  available  funds in U.S.  dollars
after the liability for Damages  thereunder  have been finally  determined.  The
liability  for  Damages  under any such  Claim  shall be  deemed to be  "finally
determined"  for  purposes of this Article when the parties to an Action have so
determined  by mutual  agreement  or, if disputed,  when a final  non-appealable
order of a court having competent jurisdiction has been entered.

                                      -37-
<PAGE>
         12.4 Limitation on Indemnity.

         (a) Maximum Liability. The maximum aggregate amount of Damages for
which (i) Seller or (ii) Purchaser shall be liable for all claims pursuant to
this Article shall be $***.

         (b) Threshold. No Indemnified Party shall seek, or be entitled to,
indemnification from any Indemnifying Party for Damages arising under Section
12.2(b) until the aggregate amount of such Damages incurred by such Indemnified
Party (but for the operation of this Section 12.4(b)) exceeds $***. If Damages
incurred by any Indemnified Party in connection with Claims made pursuant to
Section 12.2(b) exceed $***, the Indemnified Party shall be entitled to payment
from the Indemnifying Party of an amount equal to all of such Damages.

         (c) Characterization of Payment. Any indemnity payment made pursuant to
this Article shall be treated by Purchaser and Seller as an adjustment to the
Purchase Price.

         12.5  Mitigation  of  Damages.  If any event  shall  occur  which would
otherwise entitle a party hereto to indemnification  hereunder, no Damages shall
be deemed  to have been  sustained  by it to the  extent of (a) any tax  savings
realized by it with respect thereto or (b) any proceeds  received by it from any
insurance policy with respect thereto.

         12.6 Leases.  The provisions of this Article XII shall not apply to the
Seller's Leases, and Affiliate Subleases and Third Party Subleases.


                                  ARTICLE XIII

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

         13.1 Fees and Expenses.  Except as otherwise expressly provided in this
Agreement,  each of the parties  hereto  shall bear and pay all fees,  costs and
expenses incurred by it in connection with the origin, preparation, negotiation,
execution and delivery of this Agreement,  the other  Transaction  Documents and
the   transactions   contemplated   hereby  or  thereby  (whether  or  not  such
transactions are consummated), including, without limitation, any fees, expenses
or commissions of its attorneys, accountants and other Representatives.

         13.2 Notices.

                  (a) All notices,  requests,  demands and other  communications
required  or  permitted  under this  Agreement  shall be in  writing  (including
facsimile,  telegraphic,  telex  or  cable  communication)  and  mailed,  faxed,
telegraphed, telexed, cabled or delivered:



                                      -38-

*Selected portions have been deleted as confidential pursuant to Rule
24b-2. Complete copies of the entire exhibit have been filed separately
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and marked "CONFIDENTIAL
TREATMENT."

<PAGE>

                  (i)      If to the Seller, to:

                           Stallings Oil Company
                           300 S. Wesleyan Boulevard
                           Rocky Mount, North Carolina  27803
                           Facsimile No.:  (252) 443-7997

                                    Attention:  Don Stallings

                           with a copy to:

                           Samuel W. Johnson
                           Poyner & Spruill, L.L.P.
                           Post Office Box 353
                           Rocky Mount, North Carolina  27802-0353
                           Facsimile No.: (252) 972-7045


                  (ii)     If to Purchaser, to:

                           The Pantry, Inc.
                           1801 Douglas Drive
                           Sanford, North Carolina  27330
                           Facsimile No.:  919-774-3329

                           Attention:  Chief Financial Officer

                           with a copy to:

                           Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell &
                           Jernigan, L.L.P.
                           2500 First Union Capitol Center
                           P.O.  Box 2611
                           Raleigh, NC 27602-2611
                           Facsimile No.: 919-821-6800
                           Attention:       R.  Marks Arnold

                  (b) All notices and other communications required or permitted
under this Agreement which are addressed as provided in this Section 13.2 (i) if
delivered  personally against proper receipt or by confirmed facsimile or telex,
shall be  effective  upon  delivery  and (ii) if  delivered  (A) by certified or
registered mail with postage prepaid,  (B) by Federal Express or similar courier
service with courier fees paid by the sender or (c) by telegraph or cable, shall
be effective  two (2) business days  following the date when mailed,  couriered,
telegraphed  or cabled,  as the case may be. The parties hereto may from time to
time change their respective  addresses for the purpose of notices to that party
by a similar notice specifying a new address, but no such change shall be deemed
to have been  given  until it is  actually  received  by the party  sought to be
charged with its contents.

         13.3 Amendment;  Waiver Neither this Agreement, nor any of the terms or
provisions hereof, may be amended, modified,  supplemented or waived except by a
written  instrument  signed by all of the  parties  hereto (or, in the case of a
waiver,  by the party or parties granting


                                      -39-
<PAGE>
such  waiver).  No waiver of any of the  provisions of this  Agreement  shall be
deemed to be or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision hereof (whether
or not  similar),  nor shall such waiver  constitute  a  continuing  waiver.  No
failure of a party  hereto to insist upon  strict  compliance  by another  party
hereto with any obligation,  covenant,  agreement or condition contained in this
Agreement  shall  operate  as a waiver  of, or  estoppel  with  respect  to, any
subsequent or other failure. Whenever this Agreement requires or permits consent
by or on  behalf  of a party  hereto,  such  consent  shall be given in a manner
consistent with the requirements for a waiver of compliance as set forth in this
Section 13.3.

         13.4  Assignment.  This  Agreement and all of the terms and  provisions
hereof shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties  hereto and
their respective  successors and permitted  assigns,  but neither this Agreement
nor any of the rights,  interests or obligations of the parties hereunder may be
assigned by any of the parties hereto  without the prior written  consent of the
other parties;  provided,  however, that the Purchaser may assign this Agreement
and its rights and  obligations  hereunder  to any of its  Affiliates  which has
assumed  such  obligations  without  the prior  written  consent  of the  Seller
provided that, in the event or such  assignment,  Purchaser  shall remain liable
for its obligations  hereunder.  Any assignment  which  contravenes this Section
13.4 shall be void ab initio.

         13.5 Governing  Law. This Agreement  shall be governed by and construed
in  accordance  with the internal laws of the State of North  Carolina,  without
giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof.

         13.6   Severability.   Each  term  and  provision  of  this   Agreement
constitutes a separate and distinct undertaking, covenant, term and/or provision
hereof. In the event that any term or provision hereof shall be determined to be
unenforceable,  invalid  or  illegal  in  any  respect,  such  unenforceability,
invalidity  or illegality  shall not affect any other term or provision  hereof,
but this  Agreement  shall be  construed  as if such  unenforceable,  invalid or
illegal term or provision had never been contained herein. Moreover, if any term
or provision  hereof shall for any reason be held to be excessively  broad as to
time, duration,  activity,  scope or subject, it shall be construed, by limiting
and  reducing  it,  so  as to be  enforceable  to  the  extent  permitted  under
applicable Law as it shall then exist.

         13.7 No Third Party Beneficiaries. Except as and to the extent provided
in Article XII hereof, nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor shall anything
herein be construed,  to confer any rights, legal or equitable, in any person or
entity  other  than the  parties  hereto  and their  respective  successors  and
permitted assigns.

         13.8 Public  Announcements.  Except as required  by  applicable  Law or
judicial  order,  none  of the  parties  hereto,  nor  any of  their  respective
Affiliates,  successors  or assigns,  shall issue any press  release or make any
public  announcement  or  disclosure  with  respect  to  this  Agreement  or the
transactions contemplated hereby without the prior consent of the other party or
parties hereto, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

         13.9  Singular and Plural  Forms.  The use herein of the singular  form
shall also denote the plural  form,  and the use of the plural form shall denote
the singular form, as in each case the context may require.

         13.10  References.  All  references  herein to  Articles,  Sections and
Exhibits shall be to Articles and Sections of and Exhibits to this Agreement.

                                      -40-
<PAGE>

         13.11  Headings.  The  headings  contained  in this  Agreement  are for
convenience  of reference only and shall not constitute a part hereof or define,
limit or otherwise affect the meaning of any of the terms or provisions hereof.

         13.12 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the schedules and
exhibits  hereto,  constitutes  the entire  agreement  between the parties  with
respect to the subject matter hereof and  supersedes  all prior  understandings,
agreements  and  arrangements,  both oral and written,  between the parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof.

         13.13  Counterparts.  This  Agreement  may be  executed  in one or more
counterparts,  each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which, when
taken together, shall constitute one and the same instrument.


                                      -41-
<PAGE>

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly  executed and A. Donald  Stallings  and June S. Shearin have  executed this
Agreement  for the limited  purpose of  acknowledging  their  obligations  under
Sections 11.2 and 11.4 hereof, as of the day and year first above written.

                                                     STALLINGS OIL COMPANY
Attest:

/s/ June S. Shearin                     /s/ Donald Stallings
_________________________           By:_____________________________________
Secretary                                        Name:
                                                 Title:
(Corporate Seal)


                                        /s/ Donald Stallings
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                          A. Donald Stallings, Individually


                                        /s/ June S. Shearin
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                            June S. Shearin, Individually



                                       THE PANTRY, INC.
Attest:

/s/ W T. Flyg                           Dennis Crook
_________________________           By: _____________________________________
Secretary                               Dennis Crook
                                        SVP Admin
(Corporate Seal)




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