The Jamal family has been in the retail and fuel business for more than 40 years in New York. And they’re continuing that legacy with the new Chestnut Market convenience store along the Hutchinson River Parkway, which celebrated its grand re-opening in April.
CPD Energy operates 75 Chestnut Market c-stores outside of New York City. Faheem Jamal, director of c-store operations, and his brother Farris, merchandise manager, shared with CSP the details of their unique remodel.
Initially, the company operated the c-store on the Hutchinson River Parkway in White Plains, New York, from 2011 to 2022. When the lease for the location, which sits in between the lanes of the parkway, came up for bid again through the New York Department of Transportation, the chain seized the opportunity to stay.
- Chestnut Market is No. 93 on CSP’s 2024 Top 202 ranking of U.S. convenience-store chains by total number of company-owned retail outlets.
Find out more about the store’s features from fresh coffee to upgraded checkout technology and more.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
How did you decide to reopen a store on the Hutchinson River Parkway and why do you benefit from this unique location?
Our decision was driven by our commitment to the community and our desire to provide a consistent, high-quality shopping experience. This location is strategically situated along the Hutchinson River Parkway in New York, which sees a significant amount of daily traffic. Over 100,000 commuters and travelers use this route every day, providing us with a steady stream of potential customers. The high visibility and accessibility of this location enable us to attract a diverse range of patrons, enhancing our brand presence and driving sales.
What makes this store different from others?
Our store stands out due to its unique location in the middle of the highway, unlike most rest areas that are situated on the side. Positioned on the Hutchinson River Parkway, it serves as a key entrance to New York State for commuters coming from Connecticut. It's also the first stop for travelers heading north from New York City and the last stop for those heading south into the city. This strategic placement not only offers convenience but also ensures that we cater to a high volume of traffic, providing a crucial service to both daily commuters and long-distance travelers.
What are some key aspects of the new store that you’d like to highlight?
Our new store is designed to offer a high-tech, modern experience for our customers. We feature large, clean restrooms equipped with the latest technology to ensure a comfortable and hygienic environment. Our foodservice options are extensive, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. We're proud to introduce Mashgin, an advanced self-checkout system, and a Schaerer bean-to-cup coffee service for freshly brewed coffee on demand. This location is the largest deployment of the Mashgin system in a convenience store.
What are some key aspects and differentiators of the Chestnut Market brand?
We created the Chestnut Market brand to establish a distinct identity that resonated with our customers and differentiated us from other retailers. The brand was born from our parent company, Chestnut Petroleum Distributors, which has a long-standing reputation for quality and service. Before our rebrand, we were the "best kept secret in Westchester County." Our focus on community engagement, high-tech amenities, and a wide range of food and beverage options set us apart. These key aspects ensure that every visit to Chestnut Market is a pleasant and memorable experience.
How would you describe the aesthetic of the new store?
The aesthetic of our new store is designed to provide an elevated experience for our customers, blending modern convenience with historic charm. We've reused elements of the original building to maintain its unique character, preserving the historic walls that add a sense of heritage and continuity. Stones from the original building we used to create a patio wall at the location's entrance. A standout feature is the spinning squirrel in the cupola, which adds a touch of whimsy and serves as a nod to the location's history.
What is the layout like?
The layout of our store is thoughtfully designed to maximize convenience and accessibility, with entrances on both sides of the building to accommodate travelers from either direction on the parkway. Each side of the store features gas dispensers and parking areas adjacent to the entrances, as well as an expanded parking lot with 50 spots for added convenience. Inside, we have three self-checkout stations on each side of the store, ensuring quick and efficient service. Instead of a traditional tobacco backbar, we have a kitchen located behind the registers, offering freshly prepared food and enhancing the overall customer experience.
What do you offer in terms of foodservice?
We offer a full selection of foodservice items catering to all day parts. Our hot food menu includes chicken on a waffle with hot honey, chicken sandwiches on Kings Hawaiian rolls, chicken strips, potato wedges, empanadas and a roller grill with a variety of options. Our fresh food options are prepared daily and include a wide range of sandwiches, salads and fruit. For coffee lovers, we have six state-of-the-art bean-to-cup coffee machines that provide freshly brewed coffee on demand. Our center store items were carefully selected to maximize space and provide a wide range of essential products.
What are you most proud of with the new store?
We are most proud of our team members and their commitment to exceptional customer service. From day one, our team has been dedicated to executing our vision for the store with precision and care. The positive feedback we receive from our customers truly resonates with our own pride in the store. Their satisfaction and appreciation for our high standards validate our efforts to create a welcoming environment where every customer feels valued and well served.
What do you hope customers think of when they think of Chestnut Market?
When customers think of Chestnut Market, we hope they think of these things above all: exceptionally clean restrooms and outstanding customer service. Our commitment to maintaining pristine, well-equipped restrooms is a top priority, ensuring that every visit is comfortable and convenient. Equally important is our dedication to providing exceptional customer service at every interaction. We want our customers to know that they can rely on us for a welcoming atmosphere, quality products and service that exceeds expectations. These expectations define the Chestnut Market experience, and we aim to leave a lasting positive impression with every customer who walks through our doors.
What are your growth plans?
Our growth strategy is focused on strategic expansion. We aim to grow our footprint thoughtfully and deliberately, ensuring that each new location aligns with our long-term goals of providing exceptional service and convenience to our customers. We are constantly evaluating potential new locations to bring into our company, assessing their potential to enhance our brand and serve new communities effectively. Additionally, we regularly review our current sites to ensure they continue to meet our high standards and align with our strategic objectives. By maintaining this proactive approach, we aim to grow aggressively and strengthen our presence while delivering consistent value to our customers.
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