Downtown Westport just lost another gas station.
But the east end of town has gained some great automobile mechanics.
The latest station to yank its tanks is J&J Car Care Center. Nestled between the Westport Country Playhouse and Saugatuck Congregational Church, it opened in 1940 as a Tydol. From 1987 through late 2011 it was a Getty station. Then — in a small guys-vs.-big oil company dispute — owners Jay Oestreicher and John Fisher went independent and unbranded, which they remained until last month.
The former site of J&J Car Care, on Post Road East.
Now they’ve pulled up stakes, to a less expensive location a couple of miles away. Their new location is 1590 Post Road East. It’s next to Furniture on Consignment, across from the Westport Inn.
The transition has been almost seamless. Jay, John and their crack crew of Charlie and Chris are servicing cars as excellently as before.
With one exception: They no longer sell gas. All they do is mechanical work.
The money, Jay says, is not in gas for small operators. So they’ll concentrate on getting your car running, and leave the fill-ups to others.
No word on whether someone new will take over the old Getty spot — which, because it’s so close to the Post Road, must be full-serve only — or if that station will join the old Hallowell station on Main Street, and the one across from the old post station (Finalmente) as one more answer to a future Westport trivia question.
John & Jay, Westport’s answer to Click & Clack. Best of luck in the new location!
I give J&J (and C&C) a “thumbs up.”
Best of luck in your new location! These Guys rock and are so honest and get the job done.
We will see you soon John and Jay!
We’ve used J&J since 1997…these guys are great.
My whole family has used Jay and John, and the rest of the guys at Westport Getty for years to care for and repair our cars. Their work has always been exceptional – and what can I say about them as people? They’re interested in us personally, besides our cars, and have become very good friends. We wish them the best and will follow them to their new location.
Jane Sherman, Alden Sherman — and the rest of us.
Jay and John are akin to the best Medical Doctors treating cars in the area. They have kept our cars healthy and safe since they took over the station. If there is a problem with a car owned by Sarah or Josh Margolis, the come to Jay and John even though they live in New Jersy and Brooklyn.
There is no one we trust more to diagnose the problem and fix it!
We are grateful they found a new home in Westport. Thank you, Jay and John, for all your years of great work. I could not live without you!
Estelle Margolis
And in addition to great car care, they will drive people to the Westport Library while the car owner waits for repairs–even from the new location.
John, Jay, Charlie & Chris are the best! I hope that wonderful antique rolodex didn’t get misplaced in the move!
1959 – Location of the first attempted burglary I ever investigated as a rookie patrolman on WPD. Byron Latimer was the owner then and after he sold out, he ended up as a Special officer and maintenance guy with WPD himself. He helped Eddie Grant, then worked with Cobby Tedesco on street lights, signs and painting lines, did many hours of patrol and marine patrol and shellfish officer. – Dick Alley WPD Retired
John and Jay go the extra mile, and so will we.
Alden Sherman
Jay is even a greater neighbor – one of Westport’s “good guys”. Best of luck John and Jay at your new location. Lou
I would trust Jay and John with anything on wheels – honest, reliable, great to work with. We have known them for years and consider them lifelong friends
Good luck to Jay and John and the rest of the crew. This is the only place to take your car, in my opinion. You won’t find more honest, hardworking and knowledgeable car experts. They sell cars too! Look for them right across the street from The Westport Inn.