NU Chapter:Katz is Closing His Tire and Auto Repair Business

Bob Katz, owner of Nu-Tread Tire and Auto Service in East Boston, is closing up his store today,  concluding his distinguished 46-year career in the industry.

Katz, a 2017 inductee in New England Tire and Service Association (NETSA) Hall of Fame, said he is in the process of selling his property located at 1 Boardman St.

“I would like to thank all my customers, vendors, and everybody with whom I’ve done business for the 36 years that I’ve been running this place,” said the 70-year-old Katz, a Winthrop resident.

The store, which was originally owned by Bob’s father, the late Irving Katz, opened in 1933 in Day Square, East Boston, before moving to Bennington Street. Nu-Tread has been in its present location since 1954. Interestingly, Irving Katz will be inducted posthumously in to the NETSA Hall of Fame in April.

Bob Katz started at Nu-Tread Tire in 1960 as a youth working after school at his father’s store. At the suggestion of his father to learn more about the automotive end of the business, he took a position at Goodyear Tire. He became the owner of Nu-Tread Tire in 1982.

Universally respected in the industry, Katz has helped residents in East Boston, Revere, and Winthrop with vehicle repairs and new tire installations for the past 36 years. Katz estimates he had more than 50,000 customers walk through the doors of his store. For six of those years, he also operated a store in Revere.

“I’ve had customers for generations,” said Katz. “I’ve served grandfathers, fathers, and sons.”

Tony Conigliaro, the former Red Sox star who played in the East Boston Little League, was a Nu-Tread customer.

“I used to road test Tony’s car,” recalled Katz. “It was a Corvette and he had “TC” on his license plate. He later drove an Oldsmobile Toronado.”

Conigliaro’s Sox teammates, Ken Brett and Sparky Lyle, were also customers.

Nu-Tread has truly been a family affair for Katz. His sons, Mark and Joel, have worked at the store. He also has a daughter, Emily. Mark (Salem State) and twins Joel (Northeastern) and Emily (Suffolk) are all college graduates.

Looking back at his career, Katz said he is proud of the business and its reputation for excellent service.

“It’s been a great ride,” said Katz, who hopes to do some traveling and play some golf in his retirement.