Longview-based Automotive Super Center is now a part of Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers, which is headquartered in St. Louis.
“We are thrilled to welcome Automotive Super Center to the Dobbs family as we expand our footprint into Texas,” Dustin Dobbs, CEO of Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers, said in a statement. “This acquisition is a significant step forward in our strategy to build a best-in-class platform that delivers exceptional automotive services and superior tire sales growth. With the addition of ASC, Dobbs is well-positioned to continue growing in key markets across the country.”
With the acquisition, Dobbs now has 50 locations in Missouri, Illinois and Texas, employing more than 700 associates. Chris and Eric Gordy, co-owners of Automotive Super Center, will continue to serve in key leadership roles, supporting the expansion of Dobbs’ local operations in Texas, Dobbs said.
“Partnering with Dobbs was a natural choice for us,” Chris Gordy, co-owner of Automotive Super Center, said in a statement. “We share a common vision of growth and the opportunity to be part of a platform that is set to lead the industry’s consolidation efforts.”
Engineering firm expands
San Antonio-based Pape-Dawson Engineers has acquired KSA Engineers.
KSA was founded in 1978 in Longview and now consists of 170 team members across 11 offices in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. The firm offers a variety of professional services, including municipal engineering, aviation planning and design, architecture and surveying.
“KSA has earned a strong reputation in Texas over the years,” said Trey Dawson, Pape-Dawson Engineers executive vice president, in a statement. “We are thrilled to join forces in our home state, bringing added capabilities and capacity to Texas project teams. We look forward to building new relationships in Louisiana and Oklahoma as we continue to expand into new markets.”
Mitchell Fortner, president/CEO at KSA, will continue as the leader of KSA, and his role will expand to an executive and shareholder of Pape-Dawson Engineers.
“We’re excited to join the Pape-Dawson family. Our combined expertise is underscored by shared values and a commitment to building stronger communities,” Fortner said.
“I am confident that this partnership will bring added value to our clients and project teams as well as new opportunities for our hard-working employees. Our ability to make an impact will be greater together.”
Anytime Fitness is proposing to build pickleball courts next to its facility on Gilmer Road. (News-Journal Photo)
Pickleball plans
Longview’s Planning and Zoning Commission has given its approval for Anytime Fitness, on Kate Street at Gilmer Road, to build pickleball courts next to the gym.
In September, the commission tabled a vote on a specific use permit to allow the courts at that location. The delay allowed the city to facilitate a meeting with the business and property owners in that area to address concerns about the potential effect the project could have on a nearby neighborhood.
City Planner Angela Choy told the commission that meeting resulted in an agreement that includes directing lights away from the neighborhood with downshields and for drainage to direct away from the neighborhood. The proposal must now go before the City Council.
Tamalocos Mexican Food, at 1809 W. Loop 281, Suite 110 in Longview, is serving traditional Mexican hot drinks now that cooler temperatures have arrived. (Courtesy Photo)
Cold weather drinks
Tamalocos Mexican Food has introduced traditional cold-weather drinks at its restaurant in the Pinetree Centre at Loop 281 and Gilmer Road in Longview.
Sugey Garcia and her husband, Andres Hernandez, opened the restaurant about a year ago. They’ve since expanded their services to include catering for all kinds of events
They have announced the addition of four new drinks Garcia said are popular during the cooler weather.
The beverages include Champurrado, which she described as “a perfect blend of chocolate, masa, piloncillo (a type of sugar), milk, water. Rich and creamy.”
She said Chocolate Abuelita is “the classic you grew up with, warm and nostalgic. Mexican Hot Cocoa version.” Atole de Nuez is a “smooth, nutty delight to comfort your soul,” which is made of maizena (similar to a cornstarch thickener), walnut and milk.
Atole de Piña is “sweet, fruity and oh-so-unique,” she said. It’s made of maizena, pineapple, milk and water.
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