Our History
Make An AppointmentOur History
Founded in 1953, Chapel Hill Tire was purchased by Al Pons in 1964. Today, the second generation of family ownership—Marc Pons, continues to build on his legacy. Rooted in the belief that happy employees create happy customers, Chapel Hill Tire has grown into the Triangle’s largest tire and auto repair business, proudly serving Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and Durham. As a values-driven company, their mission is to be the preferred car care provider for their neighbors while fostering a ‘Work Happy, Drive Happy’ movement.
Growing stronger, year by year
Milestone
Sion Jennings
Founded by Sion Jennings at 502 West Franklin St, today Chapel Hill Tire is one of 6 businesses on Franklin St who have been in operation more than 60 years; the others are Suttons Drug Store, Carolina Coffee Shop, Varsity Theater, Julian’s, Walker Funeral Home, and University Florist
Milestone
Buying Franklin St
Purchased by Al Pons
Location
University Mall
Second shop opens as the first tenant to occupy University Mall; of the original tenants, we are the only one still operating
Location
Fordham Blvd
Fordham Blvd store opens
Location
Carrboro
Carrboro location opens
Family
Introducing Britt Pons
Britt Pons starts working at Chapel Hill Tire
Location
Passing The Torch
Planning to slow down, enjoy life, and play as much tennis as possible, Al Pons sells University Mall, Fordham Blvd, and Carrboro location to his long time managers
Family
Remembering Al Pons
Al Pons passes away unexpectedly after having double knee replacement
Milestone
Creating Structure
Marc, Britt, and Neill assume ownership of the company
Marc joins the Chapel Hill Tire team and assumes the role of President
Chapel Hill Tire repurchases Carrboro location from longtime manager, Jimmy Edwards
Location
Cole Park
Chapel Hill Tire opens at the Cole Park Plaza location, converting space in a former Lowes Food
Location
Chapel Hill Service Center
Chapel Hill Tire purchases Chapel Hill Service Center and merges operations into their Franklin St. location
Achievement
Business of the Year!
Named “Business of the Year” by the Chapel Hill Carrboro Chamber of Commerce
Location
Durham & Hybrid
Chapel Hill Tire becomes the area’s first hybrid certified independent auto repair facility.
First Durham location built next to Woodcroft Shopping Center.
Achievements
Voted “Top Shop in North America”
Achievements
Al Pons – Business Hall of Fame
Al Pons inducted into the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Business Hall of Fame
Location
University Mall
Chapel Hill Tire repurchases University Mall location from Al’s longtime manager, Larry Braxton
Location
Fordham Blvd
Chapel Hill Tire repurchases Fordham Blvd location, renamed AutoProToCall from Al’s longtime manager, James Allen
Location
Expanding to Raleigh
Chapel Hill Tire expands to Raleigh with the purchase of Atlantic Avenue Tire and Service
Location
Purchased Passport Motors
Chapel Hill Tire purchases Passport Motors and merges the operations into the Franklin St. location
Chapel Hill Tire adds another shop in Raleigh at Crabtree Valley Mall
Location
Chapel Hill Tire is Now in Apex!
Chapel Hill Tire expands to Apex with the purchase of Auto Remedy.
Location
Work Happy, Drive Happy, now available in Cary!
Chapel Hill Tire opens its first Cary location by acquiring Bull Tire and Service —increasing our presence in the Triangle
51 ASE Certifications achieved bringing the total number of certifications to 151
Milestone
A Big Year!
Chapel Hill Tire celebrated its 70th Anniversary
Opened the Hillsborough Rd Store
Crabtree Valley and Woodcroft Stores received ASE Blue Seal of Excellence
Chapel Hill Tire makes its first appearance on Modern Tire Dealer’s Top 100 Independent Shops
Named a 2023 Best Places to Work Winner by Triangle Business Journal
Nominated by the Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill/Carrboro for a Business Excellence Award
Achievements
Living our Values – Striving for Excellence!
Partnered with NCTAP to develop future automotive professionals.
Won Triangle Business Journal’s Best Places to Work Award
Graduated the Inaugural Leadership Development Program Class
7 Stores are ASE Blue Seal Certified!
Location
A Year of Expansion
Homestead Market opens at 5588 Highgate Rd, expanding our presence in Durham
Homestead Market earns ASE Blue Seal recognition shortly after opening
Named one of Business NC’s Best Employers
Opened Chapel Hill Tire Baileywick at the corner of Six Forks and Strickland in North Raleigh.