in 1994, pathmark added to its private-label products, introducing an upscale line, "pathmark preferred", to its generic and mid-tier brands. pathmark's over 3,300 private-label items were accounting for about 24 percent of its sales. in late 1995, pathmark launched "chef's creations", which offered a menu of entrees, side dishes, and salads, made daily by a team of chefs. in late 1996, pathmark introduced "chef's creations to go", fresh, prepackaged meals for takeout, offering choice entrees and side dishes in microwavable containers. an outside manufacturer was preparing these meals to pathmark's specifications.