Our History

Our 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

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

Purchased by Al Pons

Second shop opens as the first tenant to occupy University Mall; of the original tenants, we are the only one still operating

Fordham Blvd store opens

Carrboro location opens

Britt Pons starts working at Chapel Hill Tire

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

Al Pons passes away unexpectedly after having double knee replacement

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

Chapel Hill Tire opens at the Cole Park Plaza location, converting space in a former Lowes Food

Chapel Hill Tire purchases Chapel Hill Service Center and merges operations into their Franklin St. location

Named “Business of the Year” by the Chapel Hill Carrboro Chamber of Commerce

Chapel Hill Tire becomes the area’s first hybrid certified independent auto repair facility

First Durham location built next to Woodcroft Shopping Center

Voted “Top Shop in North America” by Tire Review Magazine

Al Pons inducted into the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Business Hall of Fame

Chapel Hill Tire repurchases University Mall location from Al’s longtime manager, Larry Braxton

Chapel Hill Tire repurchases Fordham Blvd location, renamed AutoProToCall from Al’s longtime manager, James Allen

Chapel Hill Tire expands to Raleigh with the purchase of Atlantic Avenue Tire and Service, creating our 7th location

Chapel Hill Tire purchases Passport Motors and merges the operations into the Franklin St. location

Chapel Hill Tire adds second shop in Raleigh and 8th location overall at Crabtree Valley Mall

Chapel Hill Tire expands to Apex with the purchase of Auto Remedy—creating our 9th location

Free pick-up and delivery service launched in response to COVID-19 pandemic

Chapel Hill Tire opens its first Cary location by acquiring Bull Tire and Service—upping our location count to 10 Triangle-area shops.

51 ASE Certifications achieved bringing the total number of certifications to 151

Introduced Mobile Car Wash and Detailing

Opened the Hillsborough Rd Store

Hired a Director of Training

Crabtree Valley and Woodcroft Stores received ASE Blue Seal of Excellence