Stewart’s recently purchased Justine’s Restaurant in Cobleskill, adjacent to an existing Stewart’s Shop.
Stewart’s spokesman Chad Kiesow confirmed the sale Friday.
Owned by Steve and Joanne Salerno, Justine’s was a popular Cobleskill restaurant that was heavily damaged by fire in January.
After consideration, the Salernos announced in March that they would not reopen the restaurant, which is still standing.
Mr. Kiesow said Stewart’s has no plans for the property but buying it gives the company “future flexibility.”
A rumor floated that by buying Justine’s, Stewarts would expand its parking and put in another set of gas pumps.
Mr. Kiesow didn’t confirm that rumor but admitted the parking at the Cobleskill shop was “pretty tight.”
Also, he said the corporation’s construction plans are fully booked for two years, so nothing drastic will happen with the property immediately.
Mr. Kiesow did say that Stewart’s is determining whether Justine’s contains asbestos, and “we’re getting the right things taken care of” before moving further.
Stewart’s rebuilt the shop several years ago, realigning it in relation to West Main Street.