Les Schwab Tire Center celebrated the grand opening of its first St. George retail location by demonstrating its commitment to community service, donating a complete set of tires to the Utah Food Bank's delivery truck during the ribbon-cutting ceremony held on October 31, 2025. The donation addresses a critical need for the organization, which serves thousands of food-insecure residents across Southern Utah.
"There's 40,000 folks with food insecurity in Southern Utah," said Jacob Miner, Utah Food Bank Southern Distribution Director, speaking at the grand opening event. "One out of five children don't know where their next meal is going to come from. And this truck is absolutely vital to what we do – to get food here in our community. We cannot thank Les Schwab enough." Miner emphasized the significance of the donation, particularly as many families face ongoing food security challenges throughout the region.
The tire installation took place on the Utah Food Bank's Freightliner heavy-duty semi truck, which operates year-round to distribute food supplies to distribution sites across Beaver, Iron, Washington, Garfield, and Kane counties. Randy Davis, the Utah Food Bank's lead truck driver, expressed his excitement about the new tires, explaining they would provide better traction on the snowy and hazardous mountain roads he regularly travels while commuting between St. George and Salt Lake City with vital food supplies.
Store Manager John Bridges highlighted the special nature of this donation, noting that the St. George location is fully equipped with specialized equipment and safety protocols required to service large commercial vehicles like semi trucks. "St. George is a vibrant, hard-working community where I feel our values are aligned with the community's values," Bridges said. "More than anything, we're looking forward to making a positive contribution here in St. George."
The new St. George store represents a significant expansion for Les Schwab Tire Centers, bringing the company's total number of retail locations in Utah to 33. Located at 4343 S. Pioneer Road, this marks Les Schwab's first retail presence in St. George, though the company previously operated a CMC Tire location in the area that caters specifically to the commercial market. Bridges emphasized that the store is committed to providing what the company calls "world-class customer service" and "the best tire warranty in America."
Beyond the opening day donation, Les Schwab operates several ongoing community programs designed to support local organizations. The company's "Tires for Purpose" program regularly awards free tires to local nonprofits that are making positive impacts in their communities, helping these organizations maintain their vehicles and continue their important work. Additionally, the Les Schwab Snacks Program provides another avenue for community support.
Bridges, who began his career with Les Schwab Tire Centers in 2004 in Pocatello, Idaho, has worked in multiple markets including Seattle and Salt Lake City before arriving in St. George. He explained that the company's approach goes beyond simple tire installation, with technicians conducting comprehensive inspections of surrounding components during each service to ensure customer safety. "Each time technicians service a customer's tires, they also inspect the surrounding components to ensure everything is in good condition and safe for drivers and their families," he said.
The company's foundation rests on principles established by founder Les Schwab when he opened his first small tire shop in Prineville, Oregon in 1952. Over more than 70 years, the company has grown to become one of the leading independent tire dealers in the United States, with more than 8,500 employees working across over 600 locations in 15 states. In June 2024, Les Schwab expanded its reach by purchasing CMC Tire, which continues operating under the CMC Tire brand.
What distinguishes Les Schwab from competitors, according to Bridges, is the company's attention to detail and unwavering commitment to customer safety. The company culture emphasizes service, integrity, hard work, and honesty – values that guide employee interactions with customers daily. "My team and I are always looking for the opportunity to give our customers unparalleled customer service," Bridges explained. "Whether we're greeting them at their car, or inviting them into our comfortable and clean showroom, we want our customers to feel valued, because they're the reason we're here."
While the St. George location is currently fully staffed, Bridges indicated that the team expects to grow as they serve more community members. The company actively seeks passionate, hard-working employees who align with their values of service, integrity, and dedication. Those interested in career opportunities can find more information at the company's website. The grand opening celebration not only marked a business milestone but also demonstrated Les Schwab's commitment to carrying forward their founder's legacy of community service and doing the right thing in Washington County and beyond.
