Stewart's Shops

For many New Yorkers, especially those in the Capital Region, Stewart's Shops is more than just a convenience store or a gas station; it's a beloved local institution. Known for its distinct green and white branding, fresh dairy products, and wide array of food and beverage options, Stewart's has become an integral part of daily life across Upstate New York. The Stewart's Shops located at 280 Middletown Rd in Waterford, NY, embodies this tradition, offering a convenient and multifaceted stop for residents and travelers alike. While recent customer feedback has highlighted some concerns regarding in-store staff interactions and management practices, this location continues to serve as a vital community resource for everything from filling up your tank to grabbing a famous scoop of ice cream or a quick meal.

The Stewart's Shops at 280 Middletown Rd, Waterford, NY 12188, USA, enjoys a highly accessible location. Middletown Road is a key artery in Waterford, providing direct access for local residents and those commuting through the area. Waterford, situated at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers, is a historic town within New York's Capital Region, making this Stewart's a convenient stop for anyone traveling between communities like Cohoes, Halfmoon, or Mechanicville. Its placement on a well-trafficked road ensures high visibility and ease of entry and exit, accommodating various vehicle types, from passenger cars to larger trucks. The well-designed layout typical of Stewart's Shops aims to facilitate a smooth flow of traffic, making it a quick and efficient stop whether you're just grabbing gas or stocking up on groceries. This strategic location minimizes detours, allowing you to seamlessly integrate a stop into your daily routine or travel plans across the region.

The Stewart's Shops in Waterford offers a comprehensive suite of services that extend far beyond a typical gas station, reflecting the brand's commitment to being a full-service convenience hub:

• Diverse Fuel Options: Customers can find high-quality gasoline, including options for 91 Premium Non-Ethanol gas at select shops, which is beneficial for certain engines and vehicles. Diesel fuel is also available at this location. Stewart's aims to provide fast and reliable service at the pumps.

• Extensive Convenience Store: The on-site store is well-stocked with a wide variety of groceries, snacks, and beverages. This includes grab-and-go items, a Beer Cave for alcoholic beverages (where permitted), and various popular drinks from their Refreshers line. The store aims to make life easier by stocking many grocery essentials.

• Award-Winning Ice Cream: A cornerstone of the Stewart's brand, this location offers a wide variety of locally made ice cream, sherbet, and frozen yogurt in prepackaged half gallons and pints. They also serve delicious treats from their ice cream counter, including milkshakes, sundaes, and cones. Seasonal flavors are often available, made with fresh milk from local farms.

• Fresh Coffee & Hot Beverages: Stewart's is renowned for its coffee, offering various options including hot coffee (House Blend, Richer Roast, Decaf, Hazelnut, Blueberry Crumble, French Vanilla, Maple French Toast), iced coffee, and cold brew. Customers can also find seasonal limited-edition flavors and S-Cups or ground coffee to brew at home. Hot chocolate and tea are also available.

• "Food to Go" / Fast Food: The shop provides a variety of fast food options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This includes freshly prepared hot sandwiches (like breakfast sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, cheeseburgers), hot entrees (such as mac and cheese, soups, and chili), deli sandwiches, and salads. Many shops, including this one, offer Pizza by the slice or whole pies, including specialty options like Breakfast Pizza and Buffalo Chicken Pizza.

• Free Air for Tires: A highly appreciated service, Stewart's offers free air at all its locations, making it easy for customers to maintain proper tire inflation, which is crucial for safety and fuel efficiency.

• ATM Services: An Automated Teller Machine (ATM) is available for convenient cash withdrawals.

• Propane Exchange: For outdoor enthusiasts or those needing propane for grilling, a propane exchange service is often available.

• EBT/SNAP Acceptance: The store accepts EBT/SNAP benefits, ensuring accessibility for a wider range of community members to purchase eligible food items.

• Restroom Facilities: Public restrooms are typically available for customer use.

The Stewart's Shops in Waterford boasts several key features that contribute to its popularity and utility for New Yorkers:

• Comprehensive Convenience Offering: Unlike many gas stations that have limited convenience store selections, Stewart's operates as a true "dairy convenience store," offering a remarkably wide array of products from fresh milk and ice cream to hot food and various groceries. This makes it a one-stop shop for many daily needs.

• Locally Made Dairy Products: Stewart's is renowned for its own dairy products, including milk, half & half, and especially its ice cream, which is made with fresh milk from local farms. This focus on local production resonates well with the community and ensures quality.

• "Free Air": The consistent provision of free tire air at all Stewart's locations is a standout feature that sets it apart from many other gas stations that charge for this essential service. This is a significant convenience for drivers.

• Diverse Food Menu: The breadth of their "Food to Go" options, from breakfast sandwiches and hot dogs to full pizzas and "Now and Then Meals" (like Mac & Cheese or Meatballs), provides genuine meal solutions, not just quick snacks.

• Strategic Location: Situated on Middletown Road, it's a highly convenient stop for both local residents of Waterford and those traveling through the bustling Capital Region, minimizing detours.

While the store faces challenges with customer service and employee retention, as noted in reviews, the inherent value of its diverse offerings and convenient services remains a strong draw.

Stewart's Shops frequently offers various promotions and loyalty programs designed to reward their customers. For New Yorkers, these can lead to significant savings:

• "Make Your Own" Deals: Stewart's often runs promotions on their popular "Make Your Own" hot dogs, coffee, or sundaes, providing discounts on these customizable items. For example, they often have daily specials on coffee or 2-for-1 hot dog deals.

• Scoop Club Cards: Customers can earn punches on a "Scoop Club Card" when purchasing items from the ice cream counter. After buying any 10 items (single scoop cones, hand-packed pints, milkshakes, sundaes, etc.), the 11th one is free.

• Milk Club Card: Similar to the Scoop Club, the "Milk Club Card" rewards customers with a free half-gallon of milk or a Refresher after 10 purchases.

• Reusable Mug Discount: Customers can receive a discount on hot coffee (often getting up to 32oz for the price of a small) when they use any reusable coffee mug.

• Seasonal & Limited-Time Offers: Stewart's frequently introduces seasonal ice cream flavors, coffee blends, and "Now and Then" meal options with associated promotions. They often have sales on specific ice cream products like Banana Splits or Brownie Sundaes.

• My Money Cards: Stewart's offers reusable, no-fee "My Money Cards" that can be loaded with funds and used for all purchases, including a gasoline-only version. These can help with budgeting and convenience.

It is highly recommended for customers to check in-store signage, the Stewart's Shops website, or their social media channels for the most current promotions and special offers, as these can change frequently.

For direct inquiries regarding services, product availability, or to provide feedback, you can contact the Stewart's Shops in Waterford using the following details:

• Address: 280 Middletown Rd, Waterford, NY 12188, USA

• Phone: (518) 235-2397 or +1 518-235-2397

While customer reviews have mentioned issues with staff friendliness, contacting the store directly may still be useful for specific needs or to address concerns.

For the residents of Waterford, NY, and the surrounding Capital Region, the Stewart's Shops at 280 Middletown Rd remains a highly suitable and deeply integrated local resource, despite recent feedback concerning staff and management. Its undeniable convenience, strategic location, and comprehensive range of services—from a diverse selection of fuel (including non-ethanol options) to an extensive convenience store, fresh coffee, and an impressive array of "Food to Go" options—make it a daily essential for many. The availability of their famous, locally-made ice cream, coupled with the unique perk of free tire air, further solidifies its position as a go-to stop. While individual experiences with customer service can vary, the inherent value proposition of Stewart's Shops, as a brand committed to providing a wide array of quality products and services, ensures its continued relevance for New Yorkers seeking efficiency and variety in their local stops. For quick fill-ups, essential groceries, a refreshing treat, or a convenient meal, this Stewart's remains a reliable choice in the Waterford community.