While the name on the front of the business hasn’t changed yet, Picayune Tire is now Tire Town.

Kevin Cates took ownership of the business in November of last year, adding a fourth location to his company.

Cates said that the other three locations of Tire Town are in the Gentilly neighborhood of New Orleans, La., Slidell La., and La Place, La.

He also owns a direct tire and automotive supply business that sells supplies to automotive repair shops, such as windshield wiper blades, tires and oil and air filters.

While the front of the Picayune location still displays the business’ old moniker, Cates said he decided not to change it too soon because of the local name recognition. However, in the next couple of months, he plans to change the signage.

Outside of the name change, not much else has changed. Cates said he retained the same staff at the front counter, and the services offered remain the same. Customers can still buy tires, have their vehicle’s oil changed and get transmission, engine, electrical and front-end work done at Tire Town.

But what is different is the selection of tires on hand. Cates said he has access to a supply of tires both imported and domestic as a member of one of the largest tire groups. That allows his tire center locations to offer three tiers of tires, from good, better and best, to meet the budgetary and performance needs of each customer.

Due to that access, Cates said he increased the inventory of tires on hand at the Picayune location. So, while he can’t say he has every size in stock, he is certain that most customers will find a tire of good quality at a decent price.

Cates said he chose to buy Picayune Tire and bring Tire Town to the area because he is familiar with the city, having run another local tire business about 15 years ago. And he maintained the staff at the counter because he knows how important customer service is to the community.

Company-wide, he employs about 35 people, of which six work at the Picayune location.

The business is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. to noon on Saturday. The business is closed on Sunday to allow his staff a day off, which he says helps him maintain a top notch staff.

Tire Town is located at 608 Highway 43 North, Picayune and staff can be reached at 601-799-5540.