Drivers Pump Away at New 'Drewville Mart'

The owner of a new Southeast gas station says his business will be a place for folks to get "very clean, very fast, friendly" service.

And on Thursday afternoon, two days after the business opened, tons of folks were getting a taste of that experience. The gas pumps were full for much of the afternoon, with folks bustling in and out of the convenience store, which is still a work-in-progress.

"It took a little longer [than expected]," owner Sal Jamal said. He added that all in all, he has been working on transforming the vacant propery — which he called an eyesore — into a gas station for the last three years. He calls his Mobil station 'Drewville Mart.' It's located at the intersection of Route 6 and Drewville Road in Southeast.

As a Putnam resident and the longtime owner of a gas station in Dutchess, Jamal said he wants his business to help "beautify" the area. He told Patch that the station is a place people can go and feel safe and comfortable — thanks to bright lighting, clean pumps and familiar faces.

Right now, folks can grab milk, coffe, sandwiches, salads, snacks and more at the store. Soon, it will be stocked with ice cream, bread and beer, too. Once the shelves are fully lined and last-minute finishing touches are complete, Jamal plans to host a grand-opening event. 

Drewville Mart is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.