Stewart’s Shops continues $50M construction investment with 6 more openings planned for this year

Dive Brief:

Stewart’s Shops has revealed plans to open six c-stores in the coming weeks as part of a larger $50 million construction plan, according to a Monday announcement.
Most recently, Ballston Spa, New York-based Stewart’s opened a newly rebuilt c-store in Mechanicville, New York, on Oct. 5, and will open another rebuilt location on Oct. 12 in Amsterdam, New York.
As part of the $50 million investment, Stewart’s is also planning to open nine rebuilds and eight new-to-market c-stores in 2023, according to the announcement.

Dive Insight:

To help bring attention to its ambitious remodeling and new store strategy, Stewart’s is highlighting its plans to open seven locations in New York State in seven weeks.

Besides the stores in Mechanicville and Amsterdam, Stewart’s will open newly rebuilt c-stores in Carthage and Watertown, New York, on Oct. 24 and Nov. 8, respectively. Its new-to-market c-stores slated for this year will open on Oct. 19, Oct. 20, and Nov. 28 in Potsdam, Schenectady and Colonie, New York, respectively.

Work at each of the sites in Stewart’s construction takes around 9 to 12 weeks, according to the announcement.

Stewart’s did not specify when or where its nine rebuilds and eight new-to-market stores slated for 2023 will open. “We will announce these new shops and rebuild locations once all approvals are met,” Stewart’s said in the announcement.

Stewart’s latest news continues a busy year on the construction front for the c-store chain. The company announced its current $50 million investment in shop construction earlier this year, and, at the time, said it would go toward 13 rebuilt shops and two new-to-market shops.

Stewart’s has said it tries to upgrade, or remodel, its stores “whenever they outgrow their community’s needs.” A remodeled Stewart’s usually retains its old footprint, but gets updated with things like new countertops, paint and floors; an upgraded bathroom; a hot food bar; more booths; or new appliances. In the forecourt, these upgrades include new patios and outdoor seating, along with a freshly paved parking lot.

Upgrading its stores from a construction standpoint isn’t the only big move Stewart’s has made in 2022. In September, the company debuted a “hybrid” EV fast charging station at its newly remodeled convenience store in South Potsdam, New York. The charging station includes four Tesla Fast chargers and will also have four New York Power Authority (NYPA) fast chargers in spring 2023.