In 1945 the Dake brothers purchased a small dairy and ice cream business in Ballston Spa, this was the first Stewart’s ice cream shop. Today, Stewart’s Shops employs over 5,000 people and operates over 350 shops across New York and southern Vermont. Our rich, 75-year history and success stems from our vertical integration, employee ownership and strong company values.

FAMILY AND EMPLOYEE OWNED
Stewart’s Shops began as a family business and is still run by second and third generations of the Dake family. Bill Dake, still comes in to the office every day, even in his 80’s, and is very involved with the strategy and day-to-day operations. Bill serves as the Chairman of the Board. Bill’s son, Gary Dake, is the third generation Dake to act as President and has worked in the company over 35 years. Stewart’s Shops is not just a family business it’s also employee-owned.

Expect better, friendlier service from our partners because they have an increased sense of pride in their work; our employees own over 40% of the company through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), known as “Profit Sharing.” That’s why our employees are called “Partners.” Unlike a 401K, the ESOP is 100% company paid.