Stewart's Shops

For residents of New York, particularly in the scenic and often rural areas like Berlin, finding a reliable and versatile local shop is more than just a convenience – it's a way of life. The Stewart's Shops located at 18260 NY-22 in Berlin, NY, embodies this essential role. Far from being just a gas station, Stewart's Shops are a beloved institution across New York, known for their unique blend of fuel services, a robust convenience store, and, perhaps most famously, their locally made, award-winning ice cream.

Stewart's Shops have carved out a special place in the hearts of New Yorkers by emphasizing quality, freshness, and community connection. While the Berlin branch, like any local business, might face challenges and varying customer experiences, the overarching brand commitment to providing essential services and beloved products remains strong. This article will provide a comprehensive look at the Stewart's Shops in Berlin, exploring its location, the array of services it offers, its distinctive features, and why it continues to be a go-to spot for locals seeking everything from a quick fill-up to a delightful ice cream treat.

The Stewart's Shops in Berlin is conveniently located at 18260 NY-22, Berlin, NY 12022, USA. New York State Route 22 is a significant north-south highway that traverses rural areas and connects various towns in eastern New York. This positioning makes the Berlin Stewart's easily accessible for local residents and for those traveling along this corridor, whether they are commuting, enjoying the scenic routes, or simply passing through.

Its location on NY-22 ensures high visibility and straightforward access, allowing drivers to pull in quickly for fuel, a coffee break, or to pick up essentials. In a more rural setting like Berlin, such an accessible location on a main road is crucial for meeting the daily needs of the community and providing a reliable stop for travelers. The ease of access contributes significantly to its suitability as a local hub for a wide range of services.

Stewart's Shops are renowned for offering a wide array of services that extend far beyond a typical gas station, providing a comprehensive convenience experience. The Berlin location, being a part of this established chain, offers a similar range of products and amenities:

• Gas & Fuel: Stewart's Shops offer high-quality gas and fuel services. This location specifically offers 91 Premium Non-Ethanol gas, a valuable option for vehicles that perform better without ethanol, and also provides standard gasoline grades. Diesel is available at select Stewart's locations, but not explicitly confirmed for this specific Berlin branch.
• Free Air: A significant convenience, Stewart's Shops provide free air at all locations, allowing customers to easily keep their tires properly inflated, ensuring vehicle safety and fuel efficiency.
• Award-Winning Ice Cream & Dairy Products: This is a core offering and a major highlight. Stewart's produces its own line of ice cream, sherbet, and frozen yogurt. Customers can enjoy:
  • Hand-scooped ice cream cones, sundaes, and milkshakes from the ice cream counter.
  • Pre-packaged half gallons and pints of various flavors, including their famous Philly Vanilla (voted best in NY State).
  • Fresh milk, sourced from local farms, available in various flavors (chocolate, strawberry, maple, etc.) and as Certified Milk and Eggs from NY farms.
• Fresh Coffee & Beverages: Stewart's is well-known for its coffee, offering:
  • Hot coffee, iced coffee, and cold brew with various flavor options.
  • Stewart's S-Cups® for at-home brewing (compatible with Keurig® systems).
  • A wide range of refreshing beverages, including their popular Refreshers line (iced teas, fruit juices), sodas, energy drinks, bottled waters, and a selection of craft and domestic beers.
• Food To Go / Fast Food: They offer a variety of freshly prepared food options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which often include:
  • Breakfast sandwiches (including croissant sandwiches)
  • Pastries and bagels
  • Hot sandwiches like chicken sandwiches and cheeseburgers
  • Hot entrees such as mac and cheese, soups, and chili
  • Deli sandwiches and salads
  • Pizza by the slice or whole pies.
  • Stewart's also offers frozen take-home products like macaroni and cheese, chicken alfredo, and meatballs.
• Groceries & Essentials: A selection of everyday grocery items is available, including Stewart's branded bread, rolls, English muffins, donuts, eggs, ground coffee, and seasonal supplies like firewood and bags of ice. They also carry essentials from baking supplies to pet food and medicine.
• ATM & Restroom: The Berlin location features an ATM for cash withdrawals and a public restroom for customer convenience.
• EBT Acceptance: Stewart's Shops accept EBT payments, making their essential groceries and food items accessible to a wider range of the community.

While one review specifically mentions issues with stocking and replenishment of some food items at this particular branch, the extensive list of services generally offered by Stewart's highlights their commitment to being a comprehensive local convenience provider.

Stewart's Shops in Berlin, NY, carries several distinctive features that contribute to its role as a local institution, despite some isolated customer concerns:

• Local Classic Ice Cream Destination: The ice cream bar is a major highlight, consistently praised as a "local classic." Stewart's produces its own award-winning ice cream (like Philly Vanilla, voted best in NY State), ensuring freshness and a wide variety of beloved flavors. This makes it a popular spot for treats, especially during warmer months.
• Proprietary Dairy and Vertical Integration: Stewart's controls over 75% of the products they sell, operating their own dairy in Greenfield Center, NY. They collect milk daily from 19 local farms, ensuring fresh, high-quality dairy products like milk, half-and-half, and heavy cream, as well as eggs. This farm-to-shop model emphasizes freshness and supports local agriculture.
• Employee Ownership (ESOP): Over 40% of Stewart's Shops is employee-owned through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This fosters an "increased sense of pride" among employees (referred to as "Partners"), aiming for better, friendlier service. While one review noted a single employee doing a "great job," another had significant complaints about staff attention, indicating variability.
• Convenient "Food To Go" Program: Beyond typical convenience store snacks, Stewart's offers a wide array of fresh fast food, including breakfast sandwiches, hot entrees, and pizza. This makes it a practical stop for quick meals on the go.
• Non-Ethanol Gas Availability: The offering of 91 Premium Non-Ethanol gas is a significant feature for many drivers, particularly those with older vehicles, motorcycles, or small engines, as it can offer better performance and reduce specific maintenance issues.
• Community Focus & Giving: Stewart's Shops, along with the Dake Foundations, donate millions to local non-profit organizations, including their popular Holiday Match Program, demonstrating a strong commitment to strengthening the communities they serve.
• 24/7 Availability (Implied by standard Stewart's hours): Most Stewart's Shops operate from 4:30 AM to 11:00 PM, seven days a week, and some are 24-hours. This long operating window provides extensive accessibility for customers.

While the overall brand stands for quality and service, the critical review for the Berlin branch regarding stocking issues and inconsistent quality for some hot food items suggests that local management and execution can impact the customer experience at specific locations. However, the core features of the Stewart's brand, particularly the ice cream and fuel offerings, remain strong attractions.

Stewart's Shops, as a well-established regional chain in New York, consistently offers a variety of promotions and loyalty programs to provide value to its customers. While specific, exclusive promotions for the Berlin location might vary, here are common offers associated with Stewart's Shops:

• Weekly Specials: Stewart's Shops regularly feature "Sales on Food, Drinks, and Ice Cream!" These include "2 for" deals on popular beverages like Refreshers, Gatorade, Powerade, FIJI water, Pepsi, and Body Armor. They also offer discounts on certain food items like sausage egg wraps, Stewart's branded bread and rolls (mix & match deals), and king-size candies. These specials change weekly, so checking their website or in-store signage is recommended.
• Ice Cream Promotions: Given their focus on ice cream, Stewart's often runs promotions on half-gallon ice cream tubs, featuring specific "Flavors of the Week" at discounted prices. They also frequently highlight their award-winning flavors, sometimes with special pricing.
• Club Cards / Loyalty Programs: Stewart's offers loyalty programs like the Milk Club Card (earn 10 punches for a free half gallon of milk or Refresher) and Scoop Club Cards (buy 10 ice cream counter items, get the 11th free). These function similar to traditional punch cards, rewarding frequent customers.
• **"My Money Cards" & Gift Cards:** Customers can purchase "My Money Cards" which can be used for any purchase in the shops (gas, coffee, ice cream, lottery). Gas Cards are also available specifically for fuel purchases. These are convenient for gifting or managing spending.
• New Product Launches & Seasonal Items: Stewart's often introduces new ice cream flavors, seasonal beverages, or merchandise (like their retro insulated fanny pack for summer) which are promoted through their stores and online channels.

Customers at the Berlin location can generally expect to benefit from these widespread Stewart's promotions. To stay up-to-date on the current weekly specials and loyalty program details, visiting the Stewart's Shops website or checking the promotional displays inside the Berlin store is highly recommended.

For inquiries about services, current promotions, or store hours at the Stewart's Shops in Berlin, NY, here is their contact information:

• Address: 18260 NY-22, Berlin, NY 12022, USA
• Phone: (838) 240-6697
• Mobile Phone: +1 838-240-6697

The provision of both a standard phone number and a mobile number offers convenient ways for customers to reach out. The clear street address on a major state route ensures easy navigation for anyone using GPS or local maps to find this specific Stewart's Shops location in Berlin.

For the residents of Berlin, New York, and those traversing the eastern part of the state, the Stewart's Shops at 18260 NY-22 is more than just a gas station; it's a deeply integrated and highly suitable local hub for a multitude of daily needs. Its comprehensive offerings, combined with the strong brand reputation of Stewart's, make it an essential stop for the community.

The suitability for locals is multifaceted. Firstly, it provides essential fuel services, including the valuable option of non-ethanol gas, catering to diverse vehicle requirements. Secondly, and perhaps most famously, its award-winning, locally made ice cream is a beloved "local classic" that draws customers in for treats and dairy products directly from Stewart's own dairy. This vertical integration ensures freshness and supports local agriculture, a value proposition that resonates strongly with New York consumers.

Beyond the pump and the ice cream counter, the extensive convenience store offers a wide array of food to go, including fresh coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and hot entrees, making it an ideal spot for quick meals and everyday groceries. The loyalty programs and frequent promotions provide ongoing value, helping locals save on their routine purchases. While one review noted some specific stocking issues, the overall Stewart's model focuses on variety and accessibility.

Finally, the convenient location on NY-22, coupled with extended operating hours, ensures that the Berlin Stewart's Shops is always there when needed, whether for an early morning coffee, a midday fuel-up, or a late-night ice cream craving. Despite individual service experiences, the fundamental combination of essential services, beloved local products, and community commitment firmly establishes Stewart's Shops as a deeply rooted and highly suitable destination for locals in Berlin, NY.