TAMPA, Fla. — RNR Tire Express has struck a deal with an unidentified investor to open up to 25 RNR Tire Express locations in Indiana over the coming five years.
The first locations will open in Anderson and Muncie, Ind., this spring, RNR said, with stores in Kokomo, Marion and Fort Wayne to follow.
Scott Robertson, owner of a pair of Carstar collision repair franchises in Florida, will manage the network of stores as they open. He brings 15-plus years of automotive and franchising experience to the RNR system.
"Indiana's positive economic climate and unique demographic makes it a perfect fit for RNR Tire Express," Mr. Robertson said.
"We are looking forward to giving back to the community by bringing RNR's convenient, pay-as-you-go services and safe tires to the communities across Indianapolis."
Currently, there's only one RNR location in Indiana, in Franklin.
"As a brand based in the Southeast, we are thrilled to further develop across the Midwest on our mission to make safe tires and wheels accessible to communities across the nation," RNR Tire Founder and President Larry Sutton said.
"We have no doubt that Scott and his team will help the brand make a positive impact on the local communities surrounding the greater Indianapolis area by offering convenient payment options and top-tier customer service."
There are 130 RNR locations in operation in 24 states.
Other recent expansion deals announced include:
- JSA Tires Inc. of Lubbock, Texas (business partners AJ Arthus and Jason Summers) is planning to open up to six RNR stores in Arizona in the coming years.
- OzarkGa L.L.C. (business partners Mike Hultquist and Grant Wetherill) committed to opening 16 locations in Alabama and Georgia.
The brand was recently ranked among the top franchise businesses in the U.S. by Entrepreneur magazine.
The Indiana retail tire and auto service sector has been the focal point of growth initiatives the past couple of years by Belle Tire and Tire Discounters, which have opened 19 and eight stores in the area, respectively.