Dive Brief:
- Stewart’s Shops is investing $55 million this year into growing its convenience store network in upstate New York and Vermont, according to a Tuesday announcement.
- Stewart’s is building new stores in Sidney, Alexandria Bay, Watertown and Cohoes, New York, as well as rebuilding locations in Dolgeville, Norwich, Saratoga Springs, St. Johnsville, Watertown and Wilton. The retailer is also remodeling at least 15 older and smaller c-stores to feature enhanced food and beverage offerings.
- Stewart’s is one of multiple convenience retailers embarking on significant growth plans in the Northeast through the first half of the year.
Dive Insight:
Stewart’s purchase of the 45-store Jolley chain in Vermont and New Hampshire in late 2024 was one of its largest acquisitions the company had made in years. A few months later, the retailer picked up multiple Slider’s c-stores and then purchased two grocery stores earlier in 2026, which it planned to replace as part of this growth push.
Those previous acquisitions appear to have jolted Stewart’s into a broader growth phase that now also includes store remodels and foodservice investments.
Beyond the new builds and remodels, Stewart’s is rebranding and introducing ice cream counters at several of the Jolley c-stores it acquired in late 2024. Additionally, it’s investing $30 million into a multiyear expansion of its plant and commercial kitchen near Saratoga Springs in Greenfield, New York, a Stewart’s spokesperson confirmed.
“There is a growing need for fresh, quality food and beverages, plus our award-winning milk and ice cream and other services,” said Chad Kiesow, president of Stewart’s Shops, in the announcement. “We are committed to investing in our shops so we can serve our communities to the best of our ability.”
Stewart’s, which has about 400 locations across Upstate New York, New Hampshire and Vermont, is one of multiple convenience retailers embarking on new growth plans in the Northeast. Others include Mirabito Convenience Stores, which acquired nine locations in Western New York from regional competitor Quicklee’s, as well as Sunoco, which purchased 48 locations near New York City in March. Additionally, Global Partners is in the process of opening its first Honey Farms Market in New York later this year.
