About Us

We are not an outside corporation that has simply expanded into the State College market, we are a business that was conceived and grew along with our community. For over 50 years, the Vratarich family has been selling tires and servicing cars on North Atherton Street. In 1964, John Vratarich and his wife Joan relocated their family to State College and started the area's first Independent Tire Store. Originally called J&J Tire Service, the business ran out of a single bay building recapping and selling tires. The business was renamed Tire Town in 1972 and around that time they took on a limited amount of auto repairs.

In 1980, Tire Town was outgrowing its original building. Unwilling to relocate and unable to afford a shut down for reconstruction, they had their new eight bay outlet constructed around and over top of the original one bay store. After the new building was under roof, the former prefab metal structure was dismantled, sold, and rebuilt in Julian. With its new building, Tire Town expanded their range of services to include State Inspections and a full lineup of Auto Repair Services.

During the 80's and 90's, the business continued to grow as two of John and Joan's five children, John Robert (J.R.) and Gary, took over the day to day operations of the business. In 2001, they were once again faced with the need to expand, and the facility was enlarged to its current 12 service bays. Through all the years and all the growth they have maintained their personal commitment that has always defined the company. They have continued to reinvest in not only the most up to date equipment and technology, but also back into our community.

The Vratarich family and Tire Town believe that businesses need to give back to their local community and they have a long standing tradition of supporting the athletic, civic, political, and social needs of Centre County. As an example, today customers who years ago played on youth sports teams sponsored by Tire Town now take their own children and even grandchildren to practices for teams sponsored by Tire Town.

For over 50 years, community support, quality workmanship, and outstanding customer service have been a tradition at Tire Town. As in the past and in the future, they are committed to being here whenever you need them.