Big O Tires Franchise

Big O Tires was founded in 1962 in Denver, Colorado, during a period when the U.S. automotive aftermarket was beginning to expand rapidly alongside rising vehicle ownership. The brand started as a cooperative of independent tire dealers who wanted greater buying power, shared marketing, and a unified brand identity. This early cooperative model helped Big O Tires compete with larger national chains while maintaining a strong local presence. Over time, the company refined its systems, strengthened supplier relationships, and built a reputation for dependable service, allowing it to grow steadily throughout the western United States.

As the brand matured, Big O Tires evolved beyond tire sales to include a full range of automotive maintenance and repair services, positioning itself as a convenient, one-stop solution for drivers. This strategic shift increased customer lifetime value and created recurring revenue opportunities for franchise owners. The franchise continued expanding nationwide through both new locations and conversions, benefiting from increased brand recognition and operational consistency. Today, Big O Tires operates as part of a larger automotive portfolio, leveraging national marketing, modern technology, and ongoing franchise support while staying true to its original mission of delivering trusted service through locally owned businesses.

Big O Tires provides new franchisees with a structured and comprehensive training program designed to prepare owners for both the operational and business sides of the automotive service industry. Training typically begins with classroom and hands-on instruction covering store operations, financial management, inventory control, customer service standards, and sales processes. In addition, franchisees receive guidance on hiring, staffing models, and compliance, ensuring they can launch with confidence. For owners without prior automotive experience, the program emphasizes systems, workflows, and performance benchmarks, allowing them to rely on proven processes rather than technical expertise.

Beyond initial training, Big O Tires offers ongoing support to help franchisees scale and adapt as the business grows. This includes continued access to field support teams, operational coaching, and marketing assistance at both the local and national levels. Franchisees also benefit from established vendor relationships, technology platforms, and data-driven insights that support pricing, promotions, and service mix optimization. As a result, owners can focus on increasing profitability, expanding services, and exploring multi-unit growth while relying on a support-driven franchise system built for long-term success.

Starting a Big O Tires franchise is often appealing to entrepreneurs who want a proven business format franchise in a stable industry. Big O Tires operates retail stores selling branded tires, including Big O branded tires, along with automotive accessories, related automotive products, and essential services like servicing tires. Unlike product distribution franchises, Big O offers two franchise models that allow flexibility based on market size, location, and costs. Franchisees pay an initial franchise fee and ongoing franchise fees, outlined clearly in the franchise disclosure document (FDD) and franchise agreement, before completing franchise orientation and signing to operate a Big O store. Backed by TBC Corporation, the brand benefits from strong inventory access, established supply chains, and broad availability across markets such as Florida, Palm Beach Gardens, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Arizona, Indiana, Minnesota, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Utah, Alabama, Maryland, Delaware, Alaska, Hawaii, Connecticut, Mississippi, the District of Columbia, and more. This reach helps Big O franchisees sell what customers already need and trust—tires Big sells, services Big O offers, and everyday automotive items people rely on year after year.

The automotive market itself is a smart industry to be in because vehicles stay on the road longer, which drives steady demand for tires, equipment, and services. Big O Tires franchise owners don’t need to be mechanics to succeed. The franchisor provides online training, facilitated training programs, field training, and ongoing support from an experienced team. Training is conducted over several weeks and may include Zoom sessions, in-store field training, and operational guidance to ensure franchisees comply with brand standards, policies, and security requirements. From lease guidance and equipment setup to inventory management and day-to-day operation, Big O supports franchisees through the full process—from research and qualifying to opening day and growth. For people interested in franchise opportunities that combine brand recognition, recurring customers, and long-term market demand, Big O Tires offers a practical path to business ownership with the support needed to start, operate, and grow with confidence.