The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
A change of convenience
Cumberland Farms rolls out region’s next generation of stores
Greg Shugrue was impressed by what he saw at Cumberland Farms.
It features 10 fueling stations, 5,000 square feet of convenience store retail, high ceilings, bright lights and colorful displays. The store, on Danbury Road in New Milford, is the first “new generation” store Cumberland Farms is rolling out throughout the East Coast.
Impressing Shugrue the most was healthy food choices located around the store. Shugrue is the principal at New Milford High School, which is across the street. Students filter into the store by the dozens before and after the bell.
“It’s refreshing to see the healthy choices,” he said. “There’s fruit, yogurt, salads. Students can make healthy, informed decisions. I’m happy they are offered here.”
The next generation Cumberland Farms store includes touch screens for ordering hot food, an expanded coffee bar and a spacious patio for outdoor dining. Cumberland Farms plans to roll out eight to 10 more new generation stores over the next few months.
“Since 2009, Cumberland Farms has opened or updated over 330 stores, and donated over $450,000 to community organizations across the Northeast and Florida,” Ari Haseotes, CEO of Cumberland Farms, said in a statement. “As we have passed the halfway point in our efforts, we could not be happier with the response we’ve received from the community. We’re looking forward to bringing our new stores and menu items to all of the communities in which we serve, and to raising even more money for our local partners along the way.”
Cumberland Farms in New Milford held a grand opening ceremony this week that kicked off a four-week fundraiser for New Milford High School. During the fundraiser, 10 percent of all dispensed beverages purchased will go to the school.
“Welcome to the neighborhood,” Shugrue said at the opening event. “It’s a great partnership and exciting fundraising opportunity Cumberland Farms is giving us. We’re delighted to be working with them.”
Cumberland Farms has locations throughout southwestern Connecticut, including in Norwalk, Westport, Monroe, Ansonia, Shelton, Stratford and Bridgeport.
Kevin Bielmeier, director of economic development for New Milford, said Cumberland Farms worked with the city throughout the building process, including barricading the construction zone for the safety of the students walking along Route 7.
“They did things the right way and did a beautiful job building it,” Bielmeier said.
“They were very cautious with the school next door. It will be very popular with the students and also the parents dropping off and picking up.”
Cumberland Farms was founded in 1939 and has nearly 600 stores in eight states. It remains family owned and operated.