Chapel Hill Tire is a values-based company. We operate from the belief that while we service vehicles, we serve people. Each day, we work to live out our five core values:
Strive For Excellence
Treat Each Other Like Family
Say “Yes” To Customers & Each Other
Be Grateful & Helpful
Win As A Team (and the customer is part of the team)
Grateful that we are able to use our skills and talents to help others, we express our gratitude by working to make our community a better place for everyone who lives here. We are involved with a number of charitable organizations in the Triangle area. We also maintain a special relationship with Wheels4Hope, as their mission fits our abilities so well.
We gladly support the work of these organizations:
Founded in 1953, Chapel Hill Tire was purchased by Al Pons in 1964. Al’s children, Marc Pons, Britt Pons, and Neill Bellamy, represent the second generation of family ownership. Built on the premise that happy employees create happy customers, Chapel Hill Tire has grown into the Triangle’s largest tire and auto repair business with nine locations serving the area. Dedicated to being the preferred car care provider for all of their neighbors in Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Apex, and Durham, they have built Chapel Hill Tire as a values-based company whose purpose is to create a work happy, drive happy movement.
Growing stronger, year by year
1953
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
1964
Purchased by Al Pons
1972
Second shop opens as the first tenant to occupy University Mall; of the original tenants, we are the only one still operating
1984
Fordham Blvd store opens
1985
Carrboro location opens
1988
Britt Pons starts working at Chapel Hill Tire
1992
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
1996
Al Pons passes away unexpectedly after having double knee replacement
1997
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
1999
Chapel Hill Tire opens at the Cole Park Plaza location, converting space in a former Lowes Food
2002
Chapel Hill Tire purchases Chapel Hill Service Center and merges operations into their Franklin St. location
2004
Named “Business of the Year” by the Chapel Hill Carrboro Chamber of Commerce
2011
Chapel Hill Tire becomes the area’s first hybrid certified independent auto repair facility
First Durham location built next to Woodcroft Shopping Center
