Cino Maldonado and Tina Vinson are ready to serve customers at the newly reopened Napa Auto Parts store.

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Tina Vinson flips through pages of a huge book on the long counter of the Napa Auto Parts store in Dixon that was known for years as Central Auto Parts. The store has been closed for nine months after both owners developed medical issues but recently re-opened with corporate ownership. You might recognize some returning faces; Vinson is one of them and has worked there for six years. 

“It is really nice to see the customers all over again,” Vinson said. “When customers started coming in, they said they were waiting for us to re-open because they say we offer better service and lower prices.”

Another familiar face is that of manager Manuel Esquer, known as “Manny.” He was there from the very beginning when Joe and Nita Brown opened the store in 1976, which was later run by their daughter, Karen.

Napa Auto Parts Manager Manuel Esquer is proud of hard working staff, Cino Maldonado and Tina Vinson, in the newly reopened store.

“They needed me and asked me to come back,” Esquer said.

“We cater to farmers and ranchers as much as autos,” Esquer said.

Dixon farmer Tom Nishimura is a long-time customer. 

“Besides cars, it was farming, trucking and industrial stuff,” Nishimura said. “They had hydraulic parts and made hoses plus sold large batteries and industrial batteries that others didn’t. They did a lot of business for both businesses and farming in the surrounding area.” 

Jose Bermudez and Luis Fernandez were the local owners for many years after the Browns but, last year, Fernandez and Bermudez announced that with Fernandez’s medical condition and Bermudez wanting to venture into a different industry venture, the men entered into an agreement with NAPA.

There are some changes with corporate ownership. 

“Now, there is a manager in charge of each store and some changes in the business operations,” Esquer said. “When the Browns started it, it was a franchise, so they had a little more leeway to bring in different merchandise that was more tailored to the business of the area. Ordering has gotten easier but we don’t have the ability to get certain products because we don’t have those vendors yet. Now, the prices are better than franchise but you have corporate rules going on.” 

NAPA Auto Parts now offers an online service where one can peruse listings for the exact part a customer might need and pick up in store or curbside 30 minutes later; he or she can also drop by and get help from friendly staff such as Vinson or new worker Cino Maldonado.

Napa Auto Parts has been a part of the Dixon scene since 1976.

One can use the staff’s expertise to help find the right vehicle battery, brakes, filters, headlights, wipers and other parts needed to get a car job done. Napa Auto Parts also stocks tools, equipment and many other items for cars, some heavy-duty trucks, boats, RVs and tractors, according to its online site. 

“The business is picking up a little at a time and they are going to bring in farm equipment parts and [more] heavy-duty truck parts here,” Esquer said.

NAPA Auto Parts is open seven days a week at 1205 North First St. next to the Veterans Memorial Hall and phone is 707-316-8260.