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Big O Tires franchise

Big O Tires sells and installs tires and handles brakes, alignments, oil changes and other car services. Its parent, TBC, is a major tire distributor that supplies the stores. At the end of 2026 there were 470 Big O Tires locations in the US, all franchised.

Cost to open
$544K–$2.74M
Franchise fee
$17,500
Royalty
3.5–5%
Locations, 2026
470

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Company snapshot

Franchising since
1980
Franchisor based in
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Time to open
3 to 18 months after signing
Agreement length
10 years
Territory
Limited protection
Financing
Some financing offered

From Big O Tires, Inc’s 2026 filing.

How much a Big O Tires franchise costs

Opening one Big O Tires store costs an estimated $543,500 to $2,738,000. That covers the franchise fee and everything else needed to open, through the first months of working capital.

Source: Big O Tires, Inc, 2026 filing, page 36

Big O Tires franchise fee

The franchise fee is $17,500, paid as $10,000 with the application and $7,500 on signing. You pay it when you sign the franchise agreement.

Source: Big O Tires, Inc, 2026 filing, page 14

Royalty and ongoing fees

RoyaltyCurrently 3.5% to 5% of adjusted gross sales, and 2% on national account sales, farm tires and excess service sales, paid monthly.
Brand or marketing fundAt least 4% of gross sales to the local fund, plus a national marketing fee currently set at 0.9%.

Source: Big O Tires, Inc, 2026 filing, page 20

Sales and earnings

Shares figures Big O Tires publishes sales or earnings figures for its locations: it reports 2025 average annual gross revenues for U.S. franchised stores open the full year. The full tables, with notes on which locations are counted, are in its filing.

Source: Big O Tires, Inc, 2026 filing, page 85

Locations opened and closed

2024
462 (+2)
2025
461 (−1)
2026
470 (+9)
YearFranchisedCompany-owned
2024462 (+2)0
2025461 (−1)0
2026470 (+9)0

Closed or left counts terminations, non-renewals, locations bought back by the franchisor and locations that stopped operating.

Source: Big O Tires, Inc, 2026 filing, page 90

Source filing (2026, PDF)

How Big O Tires compares

Of the 10 auto repair franchises on this site, Big O Tires is the 8th cheapest to open and the 6th largest by number of locations.

MeasureBig O TiresTypical auto repair
Cost to open, low end$544K$318K
Change in franchised locations, 0 yrs+2.2%+13.9%
Shares earnings figuresYes10 of 10

Typical is the median across the 10 brands in auto repair franchises.

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Big O Tires franchise questions

How long does it take to open a Big O Tires?

3 to 18 months after signing, according to Big O Tires's 2026 filing. Finding a site, permits and build-out are what usually stretch it.

Does Big O Tires help with financing?

Yes, in some cases. Big O Tires may finance part of the cost, such as the franchise fee, for qualified buyers; terms are in its filing.

Do Big O Tires franchisees get a protected territory?

Partly. You get some protection, but not an exclusive territory.

How long is a Big O Tires franchise agreement?

The initial term is 10 years. Renewal is usually possible if you're in good standing, often for a fee and a remodel.

How does Big O Tires compare with other auto repair franchises?

Of the 10 auto repair franchises here, Big O Tires is the 8th cheapest to open (low end $544K against a $318K median) and the 6th largest by number of locations.

Does Big O Tires say how much franchisees make?

Yes: it reports 2025 average annual gross revenues for U.S. franchised stores open the full year. Your results can differ; the filing explains which locations are counted.

Where is Big O Tires based?

Big O Tires, Inc is based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and the brand has sold franchises since 1980.