No boring wait. Classic '50s, '60s vibe comes to Discount Tire Outlet in Massillon

MASSILLON – Discount Tire Outlet has brought part of the 1950s and '60s back to life on the city's southeast side.

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The family business started more than 40 years ago by Russ Boughman has launched an expansion effort that includes a home movie theater, throwback diner, barbershop, revamped waiting area and general store — all with a '50s and '60s vibe.

"It's been a long process," said General Manager Tom Davis regarding the expansion idea dating back to 2015. "We got hit with everything from COVID, supply chain shortages and delivery delays."

The tire shop — a staple in Massillon since 1981 — located at 2034 Southway St. SW has added a 6,300-square-foot adjoining building to its longtime home with a goal of making the wait for automotive service a little more tolerable and, in certain ways, pleasant.

Ground broke on the project in summer 2019 and came to a sudden halt in during the early days of COVID in March 2020.

Now, construction is mostly completed. But the diner, barber and gift shop have yet to open, as Davis seeks a tenant barber, store operator and restaurant staff.

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The diner's menu will feature a blend of hamburgers, french fries, milkshakes, sodas and more. The barbershop is to have three chairs, and the gift store will offer antiques and collectibles.

The movie theater has shows running on an automatic loop. Some movies are classics from the 1950s, '60s and '70s, while others are more modern comedies or dramas. But you probably won't see "Top Gun II" at the tire shop for awhile.

Dunlop Diner, Continental Cinemas, Retread's General Store and more

A handful of 1950s and '60s-era, mini-shops focusing on homemade food, hair care and entertainment are scattered through the plaza. Each shop name has a "tire-related theme."

Customers can stroll into sentimental storefronts called Dunlop Diner, Bridgestone Barber Shop, Continental Cinemas, Retread's General Store and Harvey's Toy Shop when they venture to Discount Tire for car service. Most names are of large tire retailers that operate nationally.

Orlando Chiarucci, of Louisville, has been a business and private customer at Discount Tire for a decade. He called the tire shop a "respectable operation" with reasonable prices.

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"It's a real surprise (now) when you walk in," said Chiarucci, noting the fresh, vintage vibe.

Much of the proceeds from Dunlop Diner will be donated to a multiple charitable organizations, Davis said. One partner is Akron Children's Hospital, while others may be area homeless shelters and U.S. military veterans groups.

Classic idea for for 1950s shops came years ago

The assemblage of shops is idea that sprouted about seven years ago among Davis; his wife, Melissa; father-in-law, Boughman, owner and founder of Discount Tire; and his wife, Kimberly Boughman.

"We all thought what could we do to be advantageous to our customers, so they can have plenty of amenities?" said Davis, adding that folks who aren't receiving tire service are welcome to frequent the shops.

Davis said he'd like to have the addition fully open as early as this fall, but no later than winter.

Discount Tire started out with Boughman selling tires at local flea markets and out of his garage decades ago after he graduated from Tuslaw High School. He moved into his first shop in 1982 on Lincoln Way W adjacent to the Moose Lodge.

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Years later, the tire business grew, and Boughman relocated to 723 Lincoln Way E. The ongoing work at Discount Tire is the company's first expansion since moving to Southway Street SE in 2004.

Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Discount Tire Outlet Massillon expansion includes diner, barbershop