This year marks 50 years since Dixie Auto Parts opened its doors on Highway 72 in Athens. The locally owned auto parts store has evolved throughout the decades and now carries one of the largest selections of Toro lawnmowers in the country.

Store manager Jake Petersen is thankful to the Athens-Limestone community for supporting Dixie Auto Parts for so many years, and believes that excellent customer service has elevated the business.

“We have people here are willing to help you, whereas you go to the box stores, they might not want to help you or know a whole lot about the product they are selling. Plus, we work on what we sell, right here. At the box stores, they aren’t going to work on it. Here, we work on it right here and don’t have to send it off,” Petersen said.

He added, “We take care of what we sell. We have the parts to back out what we sell and we take care of all the warranty stuff here.”

Besides auto parts, Dixie Auto Parts carries lawn mowers, chainsaws, weed eaters, blowers, pressure washers, generators and more outdoor power equipment.

“We also make hydraulic hoses for farm equipment and stock hydraulic oil for the farm equipment and a wide selection of tools,” Petersen said.

Behind the retail center, Dixie Auto Parts has a service center with three mechanics working on riding lawn mowers and other equipment. They also provide pick up and delivery service with the fee waived during the winter months.

No huge celebration is planned as Dixie Auto Parts hits the 50-year mark, but Petersen is hopeful that they keep growing strong along with Athens and Limestone County.

“It amazes me every year how many mowers we sell. I thought that we sold so many the last year that nobody will buy this year, but they keep surprising me every year,” Petersen said. “The area is just growing so much.

Petersen has a message for the customers who have supported Dixie Auto Parts for five decades. He said, “Thank you for supporting us for long and I hope you keep coming back. We will continue take care of you the best we can.”