Big O Tires plans to open 10 stores in first quarter

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — TBC Corp.'s Big O Tires unit is targeting 10 Big O-branded store openings in the first quarter, as it progresses with plans to take the franchise program nationwide.

"We are excited to continue to adapt, improve, grow and attract new franchisees," Big O President and COO Brian Maciak said.

"It's through the entrepreneurial spirit of our franchisees that we are able to push new boundaries, expand our footprint and remain true to our commitment of being 'The Team You Trust.'"

The new franchised stores will open in Arizona, Iowa, North Dakota, Tennessee and Washington.

Big O did not say how many franchisees are involved in the new store openings nor did it identify the franchisees.

The TBC business unit also identifies on its website two additional store locations in Payson, Utah, and Colorado Springs, Colo., that are scheduled to open in late summer.

There are over 470 franchised Big O stores in operation in 25 states.

Last year, Big O announced plans to expand its footprint and opened 11 new stores in 2022. This year, they plan for 15 to 20 more.

"One reason Big O has been so successful growing is because the company gives its franchisees the ability and freedom to think independently while enjoying the advantages of being part of a bigger collaboration," Bruce Cherry, a Big O franchisee with five locations in Northern California, said in a statement.

"Big O partners with and listens to its franchisees and provides guidance to help each of them grow, whether the goal is to expand an existing location or add more stores."

Big O has expanded its footprint and increased same-store sales growth year-over-year for six years, the company said.

Big O was one of three auto repair and service programs ranked in Entrepreneur magazine's latest Franchise 500, along with Midas International and RNR Tire Express.

Leeds West Groups (LWG), which operates 39 Big O franchised stores, recently told Tire Business it plans to open four greenfield Big O stores in New Mexico this year; two in Albuquerque and one each in Santa Fe and Taos.

LWG is the 11th largest independent tire dealership in the U.S., according to Tire Business data, and it operates 123 franchised auto service and tire retail locations in 18 states.