MANDAN, N.D. — A pair of North Dakota entrepreneurs has opened a Big O Tires store in Mandan, the first Big O location in the Peace Garden state and 440th throughout 24 states across the U.S.
The new store is owned by first-time franchisees Randy Rhone and Ben Zachmeier, who set up Ideal Tire L.L.C. to own and operate the Big O business.
Mandan is a city of about 22,000 inhabitants just west of Bismarck on the Missouri River.
John Kairys, vice president and general manager of Big O Tires, said TBC Corp. is "looking forward to a long partnership with Randy and Ben; their experience and perspective will help us deliver on our underlying foundation to be the team you trust in North Dakota."
Mr. Zachmeier said, "This opportunity to represent the Big O Tires brand is a new and exciting venture for us. We looked for the right partner who would provide support and had the brand recognition that would enable us to establish our location as the team you trust in the area, and we found exactly that and more with Big O Tires."
James Schwartzbauer will manage the store, a renovated mixed-use building on state highway 94, southeast of downtown Mandan.
Messrs. Rhone and Zachmeier also are partners in a local Dickey's Barbeque Pit franchise, according to local news reports, which said Mr. Rhone is involved in a number of other food service franchises in the area.