His grandfather, Charles Leo Leonard, founded Clover Farms Dairy in Norwalk, Connecticut in the 1920s.

Stew Leonard Jr. often worked in that original dairy store as a child, washing out milk cans, loading egg shelves, and performing other basic tasks.

[8] At the time, there was some major concern about Stew Leonard Jr.'s ability to continue the success that the chain had experienced under his father.

82% of all managers are promoted from within, and Stew Leonard's frequently applies positive reinforcement to boost employee morale.

Additionally, there are 9 wine stores across Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, each of which is independently owned and operated by family members.

[1] The food and wine stores cumulatively employ 2,000 people and approach $400 million in sales per year.

[1] The success of these business principles has gained Stew Leonard Jr. a significant degree of respect in the retail industry.