Since March 1987 7-11 had offered three-times-a-day store delivery of all rice dishes (which comprised most of the fast food items sold). Bread and other fresh food were delivered twice a day. The distribution system was flexible enough to alter delivery schedules depending on customer demand. For example, ice cream was delivered daily during the summer but only thrice a week at other times. The replenishment cycle time for fresh and fast food items had been shortened to less than 12 hours. A store order for rice balls by 10 o’clock a.m. was delivered before the dinner rush.