Stewart's Shops

For generations of New Yorkers, particularly those in the Capital Region, Stewart's Shops holds a special place in the fabric of daily life. More than just a gas station, Stewart's is synonymous with local convenience, quality dairy products, and a friendly neighborhood atmosphere. The Stewart's Shops located at 8 Vandenburgh Avenue, Troy, NY 12180, embodies this tradition, serving as a familiar and essential stop for countless residents throughout the day.

Situated at 8 Vandenburgh Avenue in Troy, NY, this Stewart's Shops location benefits from its placement on a significant local thoroughfare. Vandenburgh Avenue is a key connector, making it easily accessible for residents in the immediate vicinity, those commuting to and from local colleges, and individuals traveling between different parts of Troy and surrounding areas.

The accessibility of this particular Stewart's is designed for convenience, allowing for straightforward entry and exit whether you're pulling in for a quick gas fill-up or a grab-and-go item. Its location ensures it's a visible and easily reachable destination for various needs, from early morning coffee runs to late-night ice cream cravings. For anyone living or working in the East Side, Frear Park area, or traveling through the southern parts of Troy, the Stewart's on Vandenburgh Avenue offers a practical and familiar stop. The store itself is open from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, providing extensive hours for local convenience.

Stewart's Shops are celebrated for their diverse range of services, going far beyond what one might expect from a typical gas station. The 8 Vandenburgh Avenue location offers a comprehensive suite of Stewart's signature services:

• Gas & Fuel Services: As a full-service gas station, it provides various fuel options, including regular gasoline. This location also offers 91 Premium Non-Ethanol Gasoline, which is a significant advantage for specific vehicle types, such as classic cars, motorcycles, and small engines, as it can offer better performance and reduce fuel system issues. Diesel fuel is also available at select Stewart's locations. They also provide free air at all their locations, a valued service for maintaining proper tire inflation.
• Award-Winning Ice Cream: Stewart's is famous for its high-quality, locally made ice cream. You can expect a wide array of flavors available in prepackaged half-gallons and pints, as well as scooped ice cream from the counter. They serve up delicious treats like milkshakes, sundaes, ice cream cones, and dairy-free fruit smoothies made with real fruit. Their ice cream is crafted from fresh milk sourced from local farms, making it a beloved local favorite.
• Fresh Coffee & Beverages: A go-to for many, Stewart's offers a variety of freshly brewed hot coffee, iced coffee, and cold brew options, often with seasonal and limited-edition flavors. Beyond coffee, they carry their popular "Refreshers" line, which includes iced teas, fruit juices, and dairy-based drinks, alongside a selection of sodas, bottled waters, and even craft and domestic beers.
• **"Food to Go" / Prepared Meals:** Stewart's provides an extensive menu of fast food and prepared meal options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This includes pastries, bagels, freshly prepared hot sandwiches like chicken sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and breakfast sandwiches (including croissant sandwiches). For quick meals, they offer hot entrees such as mac and cheese, soups, chili, deli sandwiches, and salads. Many shops, including this one, offer pizza by the slice or whole pies.
• Convenience Store Essentials: Like any well-stocked convenience store, this Stewart's carries a wide variety of snacks, candies, chips, and other everyday necessities, making it a quick stop for last-minute grocery items.
• ATM & EBT: For added convenience, this location is equipped with an ATM for cash withdrawals and accepts EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer), ensuring accessibility for a broader customer base.
• Propane Exchange: For those who use propane grills or heaters, this location offers propane exchange services, adding to its utility for local households.

While customer experiences can vary as noted in some reviews, several features generally define the Stewart's Shops experience and are highlighted at this Vandenburgh Avenue location:

• Local Legacy and Authenticity: Stewart's Shops has a deep-rooted history and strong identity throughout upstate New York. Their commitment to using fresh, local ingredients, particularly in their dairy products, resonates strongly with New Yorkers who appreciate supporting local businesses and enjoying authentic flavors.
• Award-Winning Ice Cream: This remains a key highlight, with the company consistently receiving accolades for its ice cream. The use of real ingredients sets it apart from many national brands.
• Comprehensive Offerings for Daily Needs: The ability to combine a gas fill-up with a meal, coffee, and grocery essentials makes Stewart's a highly efficient and time-saving stop. This "one-stop shop" convenience is a major draw for busy individuals and families.
• Free Air for Tires: This often-overlooked service is a true benefit, allowing drivers to maintain optimal tire pressure without any cost, contributing to vehicle safety and fuel efficiency.
• Operating Hours: Being open from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM offers extensive accessibility for various schedules, catering to early risers and those with late-night needs.
• Areas for Customer Service Improvement (As Noted by Reviews): Customer reviews indicate some concerns regarding customer service and store cleanliness. Specifically, issues with mislabeled items, overcharging, delayed refunds, and a perceived lack of cleanliness and "nasty" management, as well as a concerning report of expired food (beef jerky). These are significant points of feedback that highlight areas where the management could focus on improving consistency and ensuring a positive and safe customer experience across all shifts.

Stewart's Shops frequently runs various promotions and loyalty programs to provide value to its customers. While specific offers at the 8 Vandenburgh Avenue location should be confirmed on-site, here are common types of promotions you can typically expect:

• Club Cards (Milk Club, Scoop Club): Stewart's offers popular loyalty programs like the Milk Club Card (buy 10 half gallons of milk or Refreshers, get the 11th free) and the Scoop Club Card (buy ANY 10 ice cream counter items, get your 11th one FREE). These are excellent ways for frequent patrons to earn rewards on their favorite products.
• Seasonal & Limited-Time Offers: Look out for seasonal ice cream flavors, special beverage promotions (like the 20oz Refresher Sale or Smoothie Sale mentioned for other locations), and discounts on specific prepared food items.
• Daily/Weekly Food Specials: Many Stewart's locations feature rotating daily or weekly specials on their "Food to Go" items, such as discounted breakfast sandwiches or hot entrees.
• Holiday Match Program: Stewart's is well-known for its annual Holiday Match program, a charitable initiative where they match customer donations to benefit children's charities. While not a direct customer discount, it allows patrons to contribute to their community.

To stay informed about the latest promotions and special offers, it's always best to check the Stewart's Shops website, look for signage inside the store, or inquire with the staff during your visit.

For inquiries or to provide feedback, here is the direct contact information for Stewart's Shops at 8 Vandenburgh Avenue:

• Address: 8 Vandenburgh Ave, Troy, NY 12180, USA
• Phone: (518) 272-9719
• Mobile Phone: +1 518-272-9719

Customers have noted that direct communication might be challenging based on phone experiences mentioned in reviews, which can be a point of consideration.

For the residents of Troy, New York, the Stewart's Shops at 8 Vandenburgh Avenue stands as a familiar and multi-faceted local institution, despite some recent critical feedback. Its suitability for locals is primarily driven by its long-standing presence, comprehensive service offerings, and commitment to local products.

The sheer convenience of this Stewart's location is a major draw. The ability to refuel your vehicle with various gas options, including non-ethanol premium, while also grabbing a hot meal, a fresh coffee, essential groceries, or a scoop of beloved local ice cream, makes it an incredibly efficient stop for busy New Yorkers. This 'one-stop shop' model saves valuable time in daily routines.

Moreover, Stewart's strong brand identity and connection to the community, rooted in its local origins and use of regional dairy, foster a sense of loyalty and trust among patrons. For many, a Stewart's stop is a comforting and familiar experience, almost a tradition. While recent customer reviews highlight critical issues regarding specific staff interactions, cleanliness, and product integrity (like mislabeled sandwiches or expired food), these are areas that, if addressed by management, can significantly enhance the overall customer experience and reinforce its position as a reliable community asset.

In essence, the Stewart's Shops on Vandenburgh Avenue remains a suitable and often-chosen option for Troy locals due to its comprehensive convenience offerings, the quality of its core products like ice cream, and its embedded presence in the community. With consistent attention to operational excellence and customer satisfaction, it continues to serve as a vital hub for everyday needs in Troy.