SANDPOINT — Although it's now known by its new name, Gription Tire Pros is still the same, locally-owned shop it has always been.

"The whole crew is still the same," said Jose "Gomie" Gomez. "Nothing has really changed."

The one thing that has changed is that Gomez, a long-time employee of what used to be Little's Tire Pros, recently purchased the shop, following the retirement of former owner Jeff Little.

Gomez said he worked with Little for more than 20 years, going back to their Arizona roots when they worked for Little's father. Little moved to Sandpoint and bought the shop about 17 years ago, and Gomez said he moved to the area to work with Little nine years ago. 

"He has not only been my boss, but has also been my best friend," Gomez said.

Gomez took over ownership of the shop on May 1, changing the name to Gription — a blend of the words grip and traction.

Before purchasing the business, Gomez said he made sure he could continue with the Tire Pros franchise to maintain customer warranties, and they still carry all major brands as before.

A grand opening celebration is scheduled for Friday in conjunction with the Lost in the '50s car parade. The "infamous" Gomie's Taco cart will be in the parking lot of the shop as is tradition, Gomez said, and they will be handing out free tacos beginning at around 4 p.m. The parade commences from the Sandpoint High School parking lot at 6 p.m., so Gomez said people are invited to grab their lawn chairs and coolers, watch the parade and have some tacos.

The shop itself will close a little early, around 3 p.m., to give Gomez some time to get the taco cart set up. Regular hours for Gription Tire Pros is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 431 S. Division Ave.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.