The Quechee Jiffy Mart is the second to last service station prior to the I-89 Interstate junction with Route 4. This Shell gas station pushes the definition of Country Store but it has all the bases covered quite well and deserves attention for exceptional function despite the lack of true Country Store aesthetics or charm.
Pizza is franchised from Ramunto’s with a wide variety of reasonably priced large slices readily available. The pizza sports a thin crust and a sweet tasting sauce. Selection and availability are second to none in the gas station pizza business. If you would rather have a sandwich instead of a pizza (say it isn’t so!), Subway is also franchised in for your submarine needs. While these options do not offer a local flavor, they do provide reliable quality and availability.
Six packs of craft beer are available but in limited options including larger Vermont labels such as Long Trail, Otter Creek, and Magic Hat. This type of selection is bare minimum passing grade these days. Cans of soda are available (gotta have cans) but only in the new glutenous 16 ounce tall boy sizing. Rounding out the essentials is a really nice bakery section including muffins, donuts, and other such delights and of course your standard potato chip fair.
Clean, bright, and friendly, Quechee’s Jiffy Mart takes care of all the bases and excels in their pizza and bakery options despite lacking that true Country Store flair. Access is perfect right along Route 4 East and is a great last stop prior to jumping on the highway coming from Killington or Pico.
This is an essential near mid-point during my drives home via Route 4 as Enfield, Canaan, Grafton, and Danbury do not have Country Stores with pizza offerings. However, if you do decide to stop at a service station in Enfield to take a quick nap, you can expected to be woken up by all two of Enfield’s finest wondering if “you are okay” (and to ensure that you are not drunk). True story. From a small town.
4 thoughts on “Country Store Series: Jiffy Mart — Quechee, VT”
Hi Steve,
You’re definitely breaking new ground on ski blog with this piece. I’m looking forward to the Diner Restaurant Series. 😉 I seem to recall there was an excellent place in Lyndonville.
This series came about as a joke between S and I regarding my extensive winter driving and ways I try to stay awake and keep safe on the roads. I made the joke that Country Stores keep me from falling asleep at the wheel since I always stop at one whenever I am tired. And so a series was born.
I don’t know if it will be truly helpful to any one. But it gives me some unique content to push out mid-week. And it will provide me incentive for trying out new places that I might not normally try for one reason or another. I think the really BAD Country Store reviews are going to be the most interesting to read (and write!). So I can not wait for a few of those.
A Diner Series? Would be a good idea. I enjoy diners but don’t normally stop at them during ski outings preferring quick grab and go options rather than more expensive and time consuming sit down affairs. Miss Lyndonville is the Diner you are referring to in Lyndonville. Best diner breakfast I have ever had. And you don’t have to pay extra for real maple syrup! I got spoiled by that when I was up there.
The diner series could be followed up by reviews of travelling-skier-friendly grocery stores. Sylvester’s Market in Montgomery, Vermont is a shining example. They open early and close late, sell gas, all forms of alchoholic beverages, feature an outstanding meat and cheese section, have a pretty reasonable grocery selection, not to mention good take-out coffee, essential pharmaceuticals (ie. toothpaste and Ibuprofen), a few odd bits of hardware and a magazine rack. Better yet there is a great pub across the street (The Snowshoe) and a funky ski shop (Firsttrax) right next door. Truly, one stop shopping at its best. And only 15 minutes from Jay Peak!
I am familiar with The Snowshoe and Firsttrax but have never been in Sylvester’s. Will check it out next time I am on that side of the pass (which is pretty rare).