Ballston Spa, NY--Senator Jim Tedisco and Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh today at Stewart’s Shops first store in Ballston Spa, today inducted the iconic Saratoga County-based business into the newly created New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry. Tedisco and Walsh both nominated Stewart’s Shops into the state’s inaugural induction class of historic businesses.

New York State's Historic Business Preservation Registry was established by Chapter 241 of the Laws of 2020. The program is administered by the Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, and highlights businesses that have been in operation for at least 50 years and have contributed to their community’s history.

Stewart’s Shops is locally-owned business that has been in business for over 75 years. Headquartered in Malta, Stewart’s is a favorite destination for picking-up convenience items including their award-winning milk, coffee, and, of course, their delicious ice cream!

Stewart’s Shops is one of the largest and highest-rated employers in New York State with 354 shops across 32 counties in New York and Vermont. Stewart’s Shops employs over 5,000 people between the stores, manufacturing plant, and corporate office.Stewart’s employees are called “partners” because they really are as they own over 40 percent of the company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Stewart’s is widely known and respected for being a vital part of the community.Stewart’s Shops donate $7.5 million in contributions to non-profits each year. In 2020, Stewart’s donated an additional $1 million in Covid relief to those in need.

“I’ve seen first-hand in my senate district, the positive impact Stewart’s has on a community, especially our smaller, rural towns and villages, and have partnered with them on several community service projects including my Safe Summer Bike Helmet program to incentivize children to wear their bike helmets, which they have donated tens of thousands of coupons for free ice cream cones to kids over the years.Stewart’s shops are more than just stores, they are community centers and truly deserving of statewide recognition and induction into the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry,” said Senator Jim Tedisco.

“I’m very excited to have had the opportunity to nominate and now recognize Stewart’s Shops for their incredible presence in the Capital Region, and beyond, through the new state Historic Business Preservation Registry,” said Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R, C - Ballston). “The company runs more than 300 stores and employees 5,000 individuals throughout New York State and southern Vermont. Whether you need a place to stop for delicious ice cream, gas or a travel snack Stewart’s is the place to go! Wishing all the best and many more years to the Dake family and this notable institution.” 

“Stewart’s Shops is honored to receive this distinction. We are proud to have served our communities for the past 77 years. We believe in sharing with charitable giving as we are only as strong as the communities we serve,” said Gary Dake President of Stewart’s Shops.