FRESNO, Calif. (May 8, 2002)-Last year, after opening a new warehouse, the folks at Delray Tire & Retreading in Fresno threw themselves a big party. The open house had guests, prizes and a visit from the local chapter of the Budweiser Girls.
The event was such a hit, they decided to do it again this year. All they needed was an occasion.
Enter Delray's newest location, in Tulane, Calif. The 24,000-sq.-ft., five-bay center is the third commercial/retail outlet for the 9-year-old dealership. The company also operates a Bandag retread shop that produces about 88 retreads per day.
The new location, like the dealership's Fresno and Hanford, Calif., stores, is a full-service center that also offers truck alignments. It has two service trucks and offers roadside service.
A spokesman estimated that 85 percent of the dealership's business is commercial, and co-owner Matt Mastriano said it does “a little (wholesaling) here and there,” in addition to its retail business.
Delray sells Continental, General, Firestone, Bridgestone and Yokohama brand tires. Delray's three locations are located about 30 miles from one another, said Mr. Mastriano, son of the original owner, Ralph Mastriano.
“It gives us really good coverage,” he said. “We can cover most of the San Joaquin Valley with just those three stores.”
With that in mind, Mr. Mastriano said there are no current plans for further expansion. “We're always looking to move into different areas,” he said. “But I don't think we want to get too big.”
On the other hand, the dealership could throw a few more parties. At the recent open house, more than 150 customers were treated to a miniature golf contest and a photograph/autograph session with the Bud Girls. Everbody won a prize, the luckiest nabbing a TV, a DVD player and an all-expenses-paid cruise.