Ramona Tire Inc. will add two outlets by early 2003, bringing the dealership's total store count to 14 throughout Southern California.
Chris Wyborny, vice president of Ramona Tire, said the dealership is building a 6,500-sq.-ft., nine-bay location in Murrietta, Calif., and is in the process of acquiring a seven-bay, 5,300-sq.-ft. store in Redlands, Calif., from Winston Tire Co. for an undisclosed amount.
Since the latter location is still tied up in Winston's bankruptcy proceedings, he said that Ramona Tire doesn't expect the deal to close until year-end. The firm had acquired and converted another Winston store in Temecula, Calif., which it opened in May.
Winston has been operating under Chapter 11 proceedings since Jan. 15, and Goodyear recently announced it is taking over the assets of the chain, selling some stores and converting others into Just Tires locations.
Mr. Wyborny said the company is conducting site surveys now for possible expansion in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
Ramona Tire, founded by Don Digby 30 years ago, carries Bridgestone, Firestone, BFGoodrich, Continental, General, Hankook, Kumho, Michelin and Yokohama brands. The dealership posted $15.5 million in sales in 2001 and projects 2002 sales to hit $17 million.