NEW YORK & PORT ORCHARD, Wash. -- Eight 7-Eleven stores in the New York area have begun a test run on selling vegan food items, the New York Daily News reported.

On the menu are vegan items that include artichoke spinach noodles, vegetable lo mein and two types of dumplings. All items are vegan which means no meat, egg or dairy; and each item is retailing for $6.

"There was demand in the New York and Philadelphia area, not only from our customers but from our employees and franchisees, some of whom are vegetarians," Margaret Chabris, director of corporate communications told the news outlet.

In related 7-Eleven news, four new stores are set to open in Kitsap County, Wash., bringing the total count to seven stores operating within the county.

"I think the big reason that we’re doing that is we really don’t have that big a presence out there," Tim Bain, 7-Eleven franchise manager told Kitsapsun.com. Bain added that due to the slow economy a lot of mom-and-pop stores have closed, giving 7-Eleven the chance to take over the space.

Bain also told the Web site that 7-Eleven has ramped up its freshness factor by offering fresh-made sandwiches and fresh produce to woo the lunchtime crowd. "It's a really big focus for us right now," Bain added.

The Web site noted that all four 7-Elevens are corporate-owned and Bain is looking for potential franchise owners.