C-stores and Travel Plazas Offer Free Coffee to Warm New Year’s Travelers

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Safety is not only a priority of the New York State Thruway, it is also a tradition. Continuing a 40-year tradition, travelers will be able to get free coffee on New Year’s Eve at all 27 Thruway Travel Plazas. The promotion is available from 11 p.m. Dec. 31 through 7 a.m. Jan. 1.

"Drowsy driving is a major contributor to highway accidents," said Thruway Authority executive director Michael R. Fleischer. "This New Year’s Eve tradition, in partnership with Thruway’s vendors, is intended to remind motorists to take breaks to prevent drowsy driving on the Thruway and other roadways."

Teaming with the Thruway on the promotion are its vendors Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services, HMS Host Corp. and McDonald’s Corp.

"Safety officials recommend taking a break from driving every 100 miles or every two hours," added New York State Police Troop T Commander Major Robert C. Meyers. "It’s a good time to enjoy the hospitality of the Thruway vendors."

Drivers traveling through New York are not the only ones who will be able to get free coffee this holiday weekend. stores in the Phoenix area are also running a free coffee promotion. Beginning at midnight on Jan. 1, customers can get a free small-size coffee, or other hot beverage. The offer ends at 6 a.m. Jan. 1, according to ABC15.com, the ABC affiliate in Phoenix.

Elsewhere around the country, VPS Convenience Store Group, which includes Scotchman, Young’s, Li’l Cricket, Village Pantry and Next Door Stores, will offer free 16-ounce cups of Bean Brothers Coffee on New Year’s Day. The company ran a similar promotion on Christmas Day, as CSNews Online reported.