Stewart’s Shops

Stewart’s Shops in 2021 added more EV chargers and launched a campaign with a regional tourism office to encourage buying supplies and using the restroom and other preparedness tips before setting out on hikes.

The chain also acquired the eight-unit Blueox Neighborhood Market c-store chain from Blueox Corp., boosting its footprint farther into central New York. It also continued ice cream promotions including one honoring veterans Nov. 11, for Father’s Day and on St. Patrick’s Day.Stewart’s Shops also launched a Free Coffee Day program in early 2021 where businesses host a daylong program in a Stewart’s Shop to connect with their community. The businesses pick up the tab for the coffee.

While Stewart’s Shops is mostly owned by the family of chairman William Dake, employees also own about 40% of the company through an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). Stewart’s is known regionally for its milk, ice cream, coffee, food to go, gasoline and other convenience items. The company has an extensive production, distribution and warehousing network that supplies its stores. As a result, the chain is unique in the number of products it produces in its own facilities, including 20-ounce “refresher” teas and dairy drinks.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.