Cherry family marks 40 years as Big O dealer

DUBLIN, Calif. (Sept. 4, 2013) — Three generations of the Cherry family are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the opening of their first Big O Tires franchise location, in Dublin, with a special event planned for Sept. 7.

Brothers Ken and Stan Cherry opened their first Big O store in Dublin in 1973, and they and other family members went on to add five more stores in northern California along the way — in Danville in 1975, Newark in 1983, San Ramon in 1995, El Dorado Hills in 1999 and Livermore (via acquisition) earlier this year.

As part of the anniversary celebration, customers visiting the Dublin store that day can win prizes, including a set of Big O-brand tires and a set of wheels. The store also will host a lemonade stand and Quick Dog catering; proceeds from the sale of hot dogs, chips and lemonade benefit Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, an organization dedicated to finding a cure for childhood cancer and a non-profit long associated with TBC Corp., Big O Tires' parent company.

"We have truly enjoyed serving the Dublin community for their tire and auto service needs over the past four decades," said Bruce Cherry, son of dealership co-founder Ken Cherry and a recent inductee to the Big O Tires Hall of Fame.

"Forty years in business is true testament to the great customers we serve."

Bruce Cherry started at the dealership as a salesperson in 1980 and later became an owner, along with business partner Greg Mitchell.

Today, Bruce's son Jason and daughter Jessica Johnston are also involved in the business, spanning three generations of a family operation. Ken Cherry is still active as well, Big O reported.