Applegreen to expand presence throughout New York Thruway

The retailer plans to open outlets in as part of a $450 million project to modernize 27 service areas across the state’s thruway.

Applegreen is set to open several service stations and convenience stores across the New York Thruway throughout 2023. McDonald’s restaurants will be replaced by the brand’s sites to offer several of its amenities such as coffee service, snacks and beverages, hot meals and grab-and-go food selections.

As reported by the Daily Gazette, these new openings are part of a company’s $450 million project to modernize 27 outlets. The Original Pizza and Dippin’ Dots brands, which originally partnered with the fast food restaurant, will be replaced by Burger King and Dunkin’ sites.

Jonathan Dougherty, New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA) spokesperson, explained to the news site that these locations will be similar to a “Stewart’s or a Cumberland Farms”. “You'll no longer be able to get a Big Mac, but you'll be able to get a piece of pizza or a hot dog or whatever is on the roller," explained the entity representative.

Applegreen’s strategy launched back in the summer of 2021 and is funded through a public-private partnership with Empire State Thruway Partners. The firm was awarded a contract to rebuild 23 out of the 27 service area restaurant buildings and provide significant renovations and upgrades to the remaining four.

"We are proud to have been selected by New York as its long-term partner to reimagine and rebuild the driver experience through the New York State Thruway," added Paula Chirhart, Applegreen spokesperson. There will be no two consecutive service areas closed for renovations at the same travel to ensure the continuity of service during construction.

Applegren’s U.S. base of operations is located in Glen Rock, New Jersey, and is a subsidiary of the Dublin-based company Applegreen LC. The American firm operates convenience stores across the Midwest and Northeast regions of the country as well as in South Carolina and Florida.