Business & Tech
El Cerrito Plaza Neighbor Offering Gas, Towing, Auto Repair Since 1994
Harjit Singh talks about his family-run business, R&R Auto Service, located in El Cerrito on Fairmount Avenue adjoining El Cerrito Plaza next to the BART tracks.
Business:
Employee: Harjit Singh, 27, manager
On our visit to R&R Towing, we found a couple of mechanics hard at work in the garage and out front, rigging tow trucks and working on various models of cars. A customer came in to drop off a Chevy Blazer and Singh took his time to patiently explain the services. The customer left in good spirits, and we took that opportunity to find out more about this long-standing local business near the El Cerrito Plaza.
Find out what's happening in El Cerritofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
R&R has been here for how long? In this location since 1994, in business since 1986.
Were all the previous locations in El Cerrito as well? One location was by del Norte BART, one was in San Pablo. We’ve been here since the old Plaza was around.
Find out what's happening in El Cerritofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Do you remember the old Plaza? I do. I used to work here at that time—not much...
Are you local to the area? Not that local, Rodeo.
Is that a hard commute? In the morning it’s bad.
What does your job look like during the day? Sometimes it’s crazy.
You’re a gas station, but you also do auto repairs? And smog, and towing.
How is El Cerrito treating you? I’ve never had any problems, yet. It’s a nice quiet town. Everyone from around the area knows us. Regular customers from the Plaza–and when people drop off their cars they take BART to work in the mornings.
What do you do for fun when you’re not working? I go out with my friends, play pool, watch soccer and basketball. (I like to) hang out watching sports.
Is there anything else I should know about R&R? It’s family-owned, from the beginning.
Where are the owners from? India. The owners are both my uncles.
How did you start working here? After high school. I went into automotive school and Alameda College for a couple of years, and then I went to a private place for six months.
Do you work on cars at all? No, I usually handle things from here (the front counter), and talk to the mechanics about what to do.
You’re the face of R&R. Yeah. (laughs)
To see other installments of our "Who's Who in Local Business" series, click .