Auto repair biz adds Republic location

A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony is on tap May 21 for the new Republic location of a local, family-owned automotive repair business.

The Republic Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting is part of festivities planned at Mitchem Tire Co., 122 U.S. Highway 60 West, according to a news release. The grand opening also will include free coffee and donuts, as well as a complimentary lunch served by fellow Republic business, The Grill Guys of Missouri LLC. Additionally, Mitchem Tire plans to donate a $1,250 check to the Republic chapter of nonprofit Care to Learn.

The Republic location for Mitchem Tire initially opened Feb. 2, said Steve Kruse Jr., who owns the business with his brother, Cory Kruse. The exit of another automotive company from the Highway 60 storefront provided an opportunity for Mitchem Tire, Kruse Jr. said, adding the company has been owned and operated by the same family since 1939.

“We have wanted to be in Republic for several years, and our interest peaked when Car-X [Tire and Auto] closed their doors in June 2025,” he said via email. “We felt that Republic offered us the opportunity to provide our products and services to a broader range of people, especially those that don’t like to come into Springfield for their car services.”

The newest Mitchem Tire is the sixth location for the company, which also has stores in Springfield, Branson, Nixa and Ozark, according to its website. Kruse Jr. declined to disclose lease terms or startup costs for the 6,000-square-foot Republic shop, which employs eight.

Aside from wheel and tire sales, Mitchem Tire services include batteries, brakes, oil changes, preventative maintenance, tuneups and wheel alignments.

Kruse Jr. said the company is continuing to look for additional expansion opportunities in the Springfield area but currently has no new shops on the horizon.

“We are looking for single store or multistore operators that are wanting to retire or are wanting to get out of the business,” he said.