Grocery stores today are places of quick stops and long lines, but Stewart Grocery has always been more than that—it’s been a pillar of Buffalo Gap’s small-town charm.

In 1961, Stewart Grocery opened as more than just a place to buy goods—it was a place where neighbors met, families gathered, and folks supported each other through hard times. But the story begins even earlier. Before it became Stewart Grocery, the round part of the building was originally a filling station, built by Sam Bates. When Mickey’s Paw Paw, a Navy veteran from World War II, returned home, he saw an opportunity and bought the store in 1946, expanding it into what became Stewart Grocery.

Unlike today’s big-box supermarkets, Stewart Grocery ran on trust and community loyalty. Families who needed food but hadn’t been paid yet could put their names on the ledger, and when payday came, they’d settle up—no questions asked. This wasn’t just business; it was neighbors helping neighbors.
Today, Stewart Grocery is one of the longest-standing businesses in Buffalo Gap. While it still sells essential goods, it’s best known for its cold glass-bottled Dublin Dr. Pepper, a drink that has kept Texans refreshed for generations. Walking inside, you can still feel that same old-fashioned spirit, where locals stop to chat and visitors get a taste of the past.

Stewart Grocery remains a piece of Buffalo Gap’s history, standing strong through changing times. While you’re here – step inside and take a moment to appreciate the store’s legacy. Now, let’s head over to the Presbyterian Encampment, a site of faith and community gatherings.