Gas/Convenience Store Gives Back: New 'Teddy's Store' Helps Communities, Especially Animals

BRANFORD, CT — Kevin and Patti Curry, owners of a wholesale gasoline company, rescued a dog from Tennessee in 2011, according to their website.

After, they created the brand Teddy's Stores, gas and convenience stores, "to bring local communities together around the heartwarming mission of providing a brighter future to local animals."

"Teddy's Stores are designed to do two things— give customers a fast and convenient way to get gas, food and other necessities, and help local communities, especially the animals," their mission statement reads.

Its newest store, located at 181 Main St., in Branford, opened just weeks ago. At the Sept. 30 grand opening, there were prizes, gas gift card giveaways, and a meet and greet with the real Teddy, the stores' mascot, and "local K-9 heroes who keep our community safe." As seen on Teddy's Store' Instagram page, the new store owners are Jay and Sury.

And just days ago, donated $500 to the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter as its charity partner.

"Their mission is to create positive change through local partnerships, charitable initiatives and events that bring people together. And of course having an adorable Teddy dog helps either all of it," DCAS wrote on Facebook. "Thank you for caring about our homeless animals. We say it all the time, but we are so fortunate to be in a community that loves and supports all of their animals."

And the brand is committed to giving beyond animal welfare.

"Every purchase at Teddy's helps power our commitment to making a difference," according to its website.

In October, its charity partner is Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Its "core pillars" are to help support animal welfare, veterans groups, "special friends," and Local Communities. Its charity partners include Girls Inc., Connecticut Hospice and the Hometown Foundation. In 2024, $100,000 was donated.

"At Teddy's, we believe community isn't just where we do business, it's who we are."