A recent crash involving a vehicle barreling into a Stewart’s Shops store in Saugerties, New York, has raised new concerns as the Hudson Valley region continues to experience a troubling series of similar incidents involving cars colliding with local businesses.
Stewart’s Shops: A Beloved Hudson Valley Staple
Stewart’s Shops, headquartered in Ballston Spa, NY, is a cherished chain of convenience stores across Eastern Upstate New York and Southwestern Vermont, with over 350 locations, many of them located throughout the Hudson Valley. Known for its signature ice cream, coffee, root beer, and milk, the brand has built a loyal customer base over decades. Roughly three-fourths of Stewart’s Shops locations also provide gasoline, making them a popular stop for daily commuters.
For many locals, Stewart’s Shops is a daily ritual. “Whether it’s grabbing a coffee on the way to work in Poughkeepsie or stopping for a quick bite, Stewart’s has become more than just a convenience store—it’s part of the routine,” said one local radio host. The store’s continued expansion across the region has further cemented its presence, with newly opened and renovated locations in Highland and Pine Plains and a proposed location in LaGrange, Dutchess County, in the works.
The Crash: What Happened in Saugerties?
On Tuesday, June 24, at approximately 12:40 p.m., an alarming incident occurred at the Stewart’s Shops location on Route 212 in Saugerties. According to reports from the Daily Freeman, an elderly female driver accidentally pressed the gas pedal instead of the brake and plowed her SUV directly into the store’s front entrance.
The impact was significant, causing extensive damage to the store’s facade. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the driver or the customers and staff present at the time. Authorities have launched an ongoing investigation into the crash, but early indications suggest that it was purely accidental.
A photo of the aftermath shows the vehicle embedded in the front of the store, with debris scattered across the sidewalk and entrance area.
A Pattern Emerges: Vehicle-Store Collisions on the Rise
This crash is not an isolated incident. In recent weeks, there has been a noticeable surge in vehicle collisions involving businesses across the Hudson Valley. Prior to the Stewart’s Shops crash in Saugerties, a vehicle crashed through the Taco Bell in Poughkeepsie, followed by another crash involving a McDonald’s in Middletown.
The causes of these crashes range from driver error to possible mechanical failure, but the frequency has sparked concern among residents and local business owners alike.
“It’s starting to feel like an epidemic,” one Saugerties resident commented. “Every week there’s a new report about someone driving through a storefront. It’s scary.”
Why Locals Love Stewart’s Shops
Despite the recent event, community sentiment toward Stewart’s Shops remains overwhelmingly positive. The company has maintained a strong connection with local customers by delivering consistent service and hometown hospitality. A recent social media poll posed the question:
“What’s the #1 reason why you love Stewart’s?”
Responses poured in, with over 40 Facebook comments from Hudson Valley residents highlighting what makes the chain so special. Here are the top 8 reasons locals gave for loving Stewart’s Shops:
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Award-Winning Ice Cream – From classic flavors to seasonal treats, Stewart’s ice cream is a local favorite.
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Fresh-Brewed Coffee – Many customers praise the store for its strong, fresh, and affordable coffee.
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Friendly Staff – Employees are known for being helpful, kind, and community-oriented.
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Convenience – With fuel, food, and groceries all in one place, Stewart’s is a one-stop shop.
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Affordable Prices – Whether it’s snacks or fuel, customers appreciate the budget-friendly pricing.
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Clean and Safe Stores – Locations are consistently clean and well-maintained.
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Community Support – Stewart’s Shops regularly supports local charities, schools, and events.
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Quick Bites and Deli Items – From pizza to sandwiches, the ready-to-eat food options are a crowd-pleaser.
Moving Forward
The recent crash has temporarily disrupted operations at the Saugerties Stewart’s Shops location, but the community remains optimistic. With no injuries and damage contained to the storefront, cleanup and repairs are already underway.
As for the broader issue of vehicles crashing into businesses, local officials may begin reviewing safety measures, including protective barriers and enhanced signage in high-traffic locations. Community members are also calling for increased awareness and caution, particularly among elderly drivers, to prevent future incidents.
Conclusion
The SUV crash at Stewart’s Shops in Saugerties adds to a growing list of similar accidents across the Hudson Valley, raising concerns while also highlighting the region’s deep connection to local businesses. As investigations continue and repairs begin, one thing is clear—Stewart’s Shops remains a beloved part of daily life, and the community stands ready to support its recovery.
For now, customers are eager for the store’s return to normal—and perhaps an extra scoop of their favorite ice cream as a sweet sign that all is well again.
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