TOMS RIVER, NJ – As autumn leaves tumble across Route 37, the quiet yet poignant absence of Stewart’s Root Beer Stand paints a stroke of nostalgia across the hearts of Toms River locals.
Who would have thought? It’s been almost ten years since the day the fabric of our town’s local history was once again torn.
At the crossroads of Fischer Boulevard and Route 37, Stewart’s was more than just a root beer stand; it was a slice of roadside Americana nestled in our backyard.
Opened during an era where roadside stands were the hallmark of American leisure, Stewart’s Root Beer Stand quickly became a cherished locale. The clang of metal trays attaching to car windows, cheerful chatter, and the iconic frosty mugs brimming with Stewart’s signature root beer marked the rhythm of many summer afternoons.
The heart of Stewart’s appeal lay in its simplicity. The crispy hot dogs
on toasted buns, the golden perfectly cooked fries, and the classic root beer recipe created a culinary harmony that resonated with simplicity and tradition. Each bite and sip was not just a flavor experience but a journey back to a time when life was less complicated.
It was sold, torn down and a 7-Eleven of brick and mortar replaced the aging wood shanty that must have had 40 coats of trademark orange paint on it.
That didn’t last. Even though 7-Eleven is known for their hot dogs, the locals wanted no part of it. It went out of business shortly after opening.
This weekend I took a ride to barrier island and passed the brick monolith that replaced Stewarts and it got me thinking. Is redevelopment really a good thing? Sometimes, things are good just the way they were, or are.
As the brisk winds sweep across Toms River, bringing along the rustle of fall, locals passing by the now-vacant spot are reminded of the joyous summer days at Stewart’s. The stand served its last root beer in 2014, closing its doors to a community that had cherished its presence for decades.
The closure left a void, a longing for the classic American experience – a simple yet satisfying joy of enjoying a meal under the sun amidst laughter and light conversations. It wasn’t just about the root beer; it was about the collective memories and shared experiences brewing over time.
The disappearance of Stewart’s Root Beer Stand from the corner of Fischer and Route 37 is not just a loss of a local eatery but a fading memory of the old American dream – a dream of simplicity, community, and the joy of summer days that once stretched endlessly before us. Now, as the chilly breeze of fall rustles through, the memories of Stewart’s warm our hearts, reminding us of the sweet, simple, and fizzy days of the past.