Earnhardt to open Queen Creek location on Monday, original franchise owner’s birthday

PHOENIX — Earnhardt Auto Centers will be celebrating two special occasions on Monday — the grand opening of a Queen Creek Earnhardt Chevrolet location and what would have been the 94th birthday of franchise founder, Tex Earnhardt.

The Ellsworth and Chandler Heights property, which first opened for business in early November, will treat community members to special remarks from Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley, Earnhardt family members and Chevrolet representatives.

Proceedings are scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. and the opening speeches are set for 11:30 a.m.

Derby Earnhardt, dealer principal and Tex Earnhardt’s grandson, said in a release that Dec. 9 is always special for him and his family.

“So, the day is a natural fit for a celebration also marking the movement of our franchise — and grand opening — of Earnhardt Chevrolet, here in Queen Creek,” Derby Earnhardt said in the release.

Additional festivities at the event include a ceremonial ribbon cutting by store owners, town dignitaries and Chevrolet representatives and photography opportunities for attending media.

Earnhardt Chevrolet is one of 17 dealerships under the founder’s name, the newest location being the second in Queen Creek.

“When we first acquired this Chevrolet franchise in 2016, my dad was so proud,” Hal Earnhardt, son of Tex Earnhardt, said in the release. “It was very special to him because it was a reminder of how far we’d all come.”

Tex, who died in April 2020, was only 20 years old when he started the company in 1951 and became famous for his “No Bull” sign-off in TV commercials over seven decades of service.

The East Valley-based dealership is open 8 a.m.-9 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays.

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