AUTO SALES • SERVICE • TOWING
26 LAKE STREET
PEABODY, MA
978.535.1600
Fax: 978.535.1619
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Site Last Updated
Monday, September 21, 2009
Longtime family-owned business plants roots in West Peabody
Business is bustling at 26 Lake St. the new home of R & A Automotive, a full-service gas and automotive repair shop.
For the past few years, the prime location abutting the 7-11 convenience store had been shuttered leaving many area residents in the lurch without a nearby service station. But that has changed in a big way.
Since opening in September, the new R & A Automotive has attracted many Peabody customers, but has fast become known on the North Shore for selling gas at the most competitive prices of the day.
The station boasts 3 service bays for automotive repair work in addition to full-service gas. R & A also offers free towing for vehicles towed within Peabody to be serviced at the station – a perk not offered by competitors.
Father and son team, Tony and Joseph Salvaggio, both reside in West Peabody and are the owners and operators of the new R & A Automotive. The auto repair business is in the Salvaggios’ blood, going back 40 years. Anthony Salvaggio, Joe’s son, is currently an apprentice in the business, bringing the family involvement to three generations.
R & A originated in 1966 in East Boston when Tony Salvaggio joined forces with his brother-in-law Rocco Ferrante and founded R & A Jenny Gas in the Orient Heights section on Bennington Street. The full-service gas station changed names in 1969 when it became R & A Citgo. Following 9 years of building a successful business and a trail of loyal customers, Salvaggio and Ferrante in 1975 decided to expand.
R & A Automotive was born when the duo purchased land on Boardman Street in East Boston and built a 4-bay brick automotive repair and body work center. Salvaggio’s son, Joseph, assisted his dad as a youngster and came on board full-time after graduating from St. John’s Prep in 1985.
The family continued to build on a well-respected reputation and many customers from neighboring Winthrop, Revere and Chelsea brought their vehicles to R & A. The staff at R & A were known for their ability to “fix anything,” following failed attempts by competitors who were stumped.
In November 2006, the Salvaggios opted to close the Boardman Street business to develop the prime real estate. Today, 12 luxury townhouses, known as Boardman Place, sit on the former R & A Automotive property in East Boston.
Tony and Joseph Salvaggio are longtime antique car collectors and are noted for their talents in classic car restoration. Many of their meticulously maintained antique vehicles are on display at the Lake Street location.
The staff at R & A Automotive is uniquely qualified to repair all vehicles, American or foreign and pride themselves on being a reliable dealer alternative. R & A will provide loaner cars at no charge for customers, another example of their commitment to stand out amongst competitors.
Their pre-owned car sales compliments their repair service. Each car is fairly priced and has undergone a complete inspection and part replacement as required. All cars are inspection ready.
The station provides seasonal snow plowing services. Prices vary per job.