Stuart Whitworth had a successful business, a wonderful wife, and two great kids. And yet, something was missing. A lifelong petrol-head (British for car guy), Stuart was seeking a local place to hang with other like-minded folks. When his search came up empty, he decided to create the spot himself. After trying out the concept in late 2023 with a pop-up shop, Stuart rolled the dice and opened The Service Department in early spring this year. The automotive and motorsports themed boutique carries a wide range of collectibles and cool, casual apparel. Stuart focused on men’s apparel, because if there is one thing Ridgefield is lacking, it’s clothing and stuff geared towards men.
Born in Solihull, UK, the home of Jaguar Land Rover, it’s no wonder Stuart became a car guy. He still has an affinity for the cars of his youth, including Alfas, Triumphs, Minis and Lancias. Moving to the US when he was only 23 with his design portfolio in hand, he soon found work and built up his reputation. Eight years ago, Stuart and his wife Renee moved to Ridgefield with their two young children and in 2019, they founded Eleven, a well-respected visual branding firm. Looking for an easy commute to their office, the couple found the perfect space in the old Hersam Acorn building on Bailey Avenue. When Stuart considered a location to open The Service Department, he quickly realized he already had it. The existing footprint was large enough to be subdivided, retaining an office space in the back, with the retail establishment up front. The front door is a bit hard to find, opening on an alley directly behind Town Hall and behind Pelo, but the detour off Main Street is definitely worth the effort.
Visiting the shop, you immediately see Stuart’s personal style on display. The walls feature clean, brightly-colored graphics and art, including a limited edition run of auto-themed skateboard decks. In the middle of the floor, a slot-car track and foosball table share space with racks of apparel and a wide range of automobilia. In addition to the unique collection of shirts, jackets, hats, eyewear and shoes, the shop has model cars, books, signs and posters. For someone looking to outfit a garage or mancave, Stuart can produce custom-made vintage look banners and posters in any size desired. It’s easy to lose track of time in the shop–there is so much fun stuff to look at and wonderful books to pore over–but the TV screen always hooks me. Often there is a great film playing, from pure racing classics, to those featuring the best car chases. It’s a good thing Stuart doesn’t offer popcorn or I might never leave.
Part of the impetus for opening the shop comes from Stuart’s dad who passed away a few years ago. Dad was a serious motorsports enthusiast and created a love of racing within Stuart and his two brothers, watching Formula 1 and rally races on TV. He would also pack up the family in a Leyland Sherpa camper van he converted himself to travel to car shows. The first big event they attended was the 1984 24 Hours of Le Mans. Le Mans is more than a race, it’s an experience unlike any other. That weekend lit a spark in Stuart that has never dimmed and he owes it to his dad. For Stuart, the shop, with all the racing history surrounding him, is a way to feel more connected to his father. It also keeps Stuart and his brother in the UK in touch as Andrew sources and ships products unavailable in the US.
While he’s had a variety of vehicles, Stuart had never owned what he considered a real sportscar. Nearly five years ago he rectified that and purchased a 1966 Porsche 912, the classic four-cylinder sibling to the 911. The little white Porsche is the perfect vehicle for our local roads and draws attention wherever he parks it.
With the huge growth of Formula 1 in the US over the last few years, the timing for a place like The Service Department seems spot on. As a way to get car folks together, Stuart has been hosting Bevs & Revs, a Friday evening take on the Sunday morning Cars & Coffee gatherings. When it comes to his own daily driver, Stuart pilots a vehicle born in the same town as him, a Land Rover Defender. If you turn down the alley, you’ll find the gray Brit parked out front, welcoming you to
step inside.
