KENNETT, Mo. (Aug. 4, 2014) — Plaza Tire Service has completed the reconstruction of its Kennett store that was destroyed by fire in February.
The store reopened recently at the original site at 420 Independence Ave.
The outlet originally was built in 2002. After the fire, which was determined to be accidental, destroyed the building, the dealership demolished the burned-out structure and built a new facility while continuing to offer tire and auto services at a temporary site a few blocks down the same street.
All five Kennett store employees remained employed through the reconstruction process to avoid any interruption in customer service, the company said.
The new building is larger, with six bays and updated equipment, said Plaza Tire President Mark Rhodes.
Plaza Tire Service operates 57 locations in Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and Arkansas.
The dealership was established in 1963 by Vernon “Pee Wee” Rhodes. Its first location opened in Cape Girardeau as Plaza Car Wash, a hand-operated car wash. Plaza still operates a store there.