Stewart's Shops

In the vast landscape of gas stations across New York, it’s easy to think of them as mere places to refuel. However, for many New Yorkers, particularly in Upstate areas like Albany, a name often comes to mind that signifies more than just a quick fill-up: Stewart's Shops. These aren't just your average gas stations; they're deeply ingrained community fixtures, offering a unique blend of convenience, local charm, and a surprising array of fresh products.

Stewart's Shops have cultivated a reputation for being reliable stops for everything from gasoline to coffee, snacks, and even their famously delicious ice cream and dairy products. While the primary purpose of any gas station is, of course, to provide fuel for your vehicle, Stewart's goes above and beyond, transforming the simple act of filling your tank into an opportunity to grab a quick bite, a refreshing drink, or a treat. They embody the spirit of a local convenience store, aiming to be a one-stop shop for daily needs.

The particular Stewart's Shops location we're highlighting is situated at 19 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA. This address places it conveniently within Albany, the capital city of New York State. Fuller Road is a significant artery, connecting various residential areas and commercial zones, making this Stewart's easily accessible for a wide range of customers.

Albany, known for its rich history, government buildings, and educational institutions, is a bustling hub in the Capital Region. The location on Fuller Road means it's a practical stop for daily commuters heading to and from work, residents running errands, or travelers passing through the area. Its placement on a well-trafficked route ensures that whether you're coming from nearby neighborhoods, accessing it from major highways like I-90 or I-87, or simply navigating local Albany streets, finding and reaching this Stewart's Shops is straightforward. The design of most Stewart's locations prioritizes easy in-and-out access, understanding the need for quick stops in a busy urban environment.

Stewart's Shops are renowned for offering a comprehensive suite of services that extend far beyond just pumping gas. At the 19 Fuller Road location, you can expect a wide array of offerings designed to cater to various needs throughout your day. These services typically include:

• Fuel Services: The core offering, providing high-quality gasoline for your vehicle. This particular location also offers diesel, and importantly, 91 Premium Non-Ethanol gasoline, which is a significant draw for vehicles that perform better with ethanol-free fuel or for those who prefer it.
• Free Air: A highly appreciated service, Stewart's Shops consistently offer free air for your tires at all their locations. This is incredibly useful for maintaining proper tire pressure, which is crucial for fuel efficiency and vehicle safety, and it's available without any purchase necessary.
• Convenience Store: A fully stocked convenience store offering a wide selection of everyday essentials. This includes snacks, candy, newspapers, magazines, personal care items, and various household goods that you might need in a pinch.
• Coffee & Beverages: Stewart's is well-known for its extensive coffee selection, including hot coffee, iced coffee, and cold brew, with seasonal limited-edition flavors. They also offer their popular "Refreshers" line (iced teas, fruit juices, dairy-based drinks), along with sodas, energy drinks, bottled waters, and a selection of beer.
• Locally Made Dairy & Ice Cream: A true highlight of Stewart's. They produce their own award-winning milk, ice cream, sherbet, and frozen yogurt from local farms. You can find pre-packaged half gallons and pints, as well as a full ice cream counter serving cones, sundaes, and milkshakes.
• Fast Food / Food to Go: Many Stewart's locations, including this one, offer a variety of fast-food options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This can include pastries, bagels, freshly prepared hot sandwiches (like chicken sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and breakfast sandwiches), hot entrees such as mac and cheese, soups, and chili. Some locations, like this one, also feature pizza by the slice or whole pies.
• Propane Exchange: For those with propane grills or other appliances, a convenient propane exchange service is typically available.
• ATM: An automated teller machine for easy cash withdrawals.
• EBT: The ability to accept Electronic Benefits Transfer for eligible purchases.
• Restrooms: Public restrooms are available, though as some customer reviews suggest, cleanliness can be variable and is an area where improvement is sometimes desired.

Stewart's Shops distinguish themselves through several key features that contribute to their popularity among New Yorkers. These highlights go beyond just the basic services and speak to the brand's unique identity:

• 24-Hour Pay at the Pump: For ultimate convenience, especially during off-peak hours, you can pay for your fuel directly at the pump at any time of day or night. While the store itself might have specific hours (the 19 Fuller Road location is generally open from 4:30 AM to 11:00 PM), the ability to refuel 24/7 is a major plus.
• Vertical Integration: A significant unique selling proposition for Stewart's is their vertical integration. They produce over 75% of the products they sell, including their renowned milk and ice cream, in their own dairy facilities. This allows them to maintain strict quality control and offer fresh, often locally sourced, dairy products. This "farm-to-shop" model is a point of pride and a key differentiator.
• Employee Ownership (ESOP): Stewart's Shops are largely employee-owned (over 40% of the company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan). This fosters a sense of pride and ownership among employees, or "partners" as they are often called, which can lead to better service.
• Wide Range of Fresh & Local Products: Beyond gas, the emphasis on fresh milk, ice cream, coffee, and "Food to Go" options made in their own kitchens sets them apart from typical gas station convenience stores. They offer a quality of fresh product rarely found at similar establishments.
• Community Focus: Stewart's is known for its commitment to the communities it serves, including substantial charitable donations through the Dake Foundations and initiatives like their annual Holiday Match program. This community involvement resonates well with local customers.
• Free Air for Tires: While mentioned in services, the fact that this is a consistent offering at all locations, no purchase necessary, is a significant highlight that emphasizes customer convenience and safety.
• Diversity of Offerings: The combination of a gas station, a full convenience store, an ice cream shop, and a coffee bar under one roof makes it a highly efficient stop for multiple needs.

Stewart's Shops frequently run promotions and special offers on a variety of their products, from fuel to food and beverages. While specific, always-on promotions can vary by location and time, here are common types of offers you might find:

• Weekly Specials: Stewart's publishes weekly specials on their website and in-store. These often include discounts on their hand-packed ice cream pints, "Make Your Own Hot Dogs & Roller Grill Items" deals (e.g., two for $4.00), and savings on their branded bread and rolls.
• Beverage Deals: Look out for promotions on popular beverages like "2 for $5" deals on Gatorade or Fiji water, or "2 for $6" on Monster/Nos energy drinks.
• Coffee Promotions: While not always a specific price reduction, they often highlight new seasonal coffee flavors or promotions on their S-Cups for at-home brewing.
• Online Store Promotions: Their online store for merchandise and gift cards often has promotions, such as free standard shipping on orders over a certain amount.
• Seasonal Ice Cream Flavors: While not a discount, the introduction of new and limited-edition ice cream flavors is a consistent "special offer" that keeps customers engaged and excited.
• Holiday Match Program: This isn't a direct customer discount, but it’s a significant community promotion where Stewart’s matches customer donations to local children's charities during the holiday season.

It's always advisable to check the Stewart's Shops website or look for signage inside the 19 Fuller Road location for the most current promotions available.

For direct inquiries, to confirm specific services, or to learn about current offerings at this location, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 19 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
• Phone: (518) 591-0109
• Mobile Phone: +1 518-591-0109

Having both a landline and a mobile number provides flexible options for contacting the store, ensuring you can reach them conveniently.

For New Yorkers, especially those in and around Albany, Stewart's Shops at 19 Fuller Road represents much more than a typical gas station. It’s a true local staple due to its unparalleled convenience, diverse offerings, and integrated approach to service. While some customer feedback occasionally points to areas like restroom or general store cleanliness needing attention, the overall value proposition remains strong, highlighting the importance of the staff and overall environment. The fact that customers consistently identify the "staff" and "overall environment" as differentiators underscores the human element and potential for a positive experience at this location, despite occasional operational hiccups.

Its strategic location on Fuller Road ensures easy accessibility for commuters and residents alike, minimizing detours and maximizing efficiency for those on the go. The extensive range of services—from gasoline (including premium non-ethanol fuel and essential free air for tires) to a full convenience store, hot food options, and their famous, locally produced ice cream and dairy products—means that nearly any quick stop need can be met under one roof. This breadth of offerings is a significant time-saver in a busy urban setting. The extended operating hours (generally 4:30 AM to 11:00 PM for the store, with 24/7 pay-at-the-pump) cater to the diverse schedules of New Yorkers. Furthermore, Stewart's Shops' deep roots in local communities, evidenced by their employee ownership and charitable contributions, resonate with residents who appreciate supporting businesses that give back. For an Albany local, 19 Fuller Road is more than just a place to fill up; it's a convenient, multi-faceted resource that aims to make daily life a little easier, offering a taste of local goodness alongside essential services.