You know that feeling when a landmark you’ve driven past your whole life suddenly has a different name on the sign? It’s jarring. For folks in Erie County, seeing the transition of Walker Brothers Edinboro PA—a staple on Erie Street since the days when the Model T was high-tech—felt like the end of an era.
Honestly, it was an era. We’re talking about a business that survived the Great Depression, the shift from steam to gas, and the digital revolution, only to undergo a massive change in early 2025. If you've been searching for them lately and ended up confused by a new logo, here is the full story on what happened, who they were, and what the landscape looks like now.
The 100-Year Legacy of Walker Brothers Edinboro PA
Most people don’t realize just how deep the roots went. This wasn't just a car lot; it was a multi-generational saga. It started back in 1914. A guy named Floyd D. "Jinx" Walker bought a Ford Model T and basically used it as a taxi. He worked that car so hard he had to overhaul it three times in a single year.
That kind of grit led to his first car sale, and by 1916, he was the official Buick dealer in town. His brother, Russet "Bus" Walker, eventually came back from a teaching gig in Montana to join him. That’s how the "Brothers" in Walker Brothers was born.
For over a century, the dealership stayed in the family. It was third-generation owned and operated, which is almost unheard of in the modern automotive world where massive corporate conglomerates usually snap everything up. They weren't just selling Chevrolets and Buicks; they were the people sponsoring the local Little League and greeting you by name at the service desk.
What Happened in 2025?
Here is the part that caught many locals off guard. In January 2025, Walker Brothers Chevrolet of Edinboro Inc. was purchased in an assets-only acquisition by Rick Weaver Chevrolet.
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The physical location at 700 Erie Street is still there. The service bays are still humming. But the "Walker Brothers" name has officially retired from the storefront. It’s now operating as part of the Rick Weaver group.
This wasn't some fly-by-night closing. It was a formal transition. Sadly, the community also mourned the passing of Richard A. "Rick" Walker in January 2025. Rick was a devoted family man who had worked alongside his father and brothers at the dealership for decades. His passing marked a poignant final chapter for the family's direct leadership of the iconic site.
Why the Name Change Matters
To a computer, a dealership is just a point of sale. To a human in Edinboro, it’s about trust. People went to Walker Brothers because they knew the service advisors. They knew that if their Tahoe was making a weird clicking sound, they wouldn’t get jerked around.
The new ownership, Rick Weaver Chevrolet, has stepped into big shoes. They’ve maintained the service center and continue to handle:
- State inspections and emissions
- Oil changes and tire rotations
- Major engine and transmission repairs
- Collision work (the old Walker Brothers collision center was legendary for turning fender benders into "just a memory")
The "Real Talk" About Their Reputation
If you look at historical reviews for Walker Brothers Edinboro PA, you’ll see a mix—which is how you know they’re real.
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Some customers, like a guy named Gilbert from Erie County, swore by them for decades, praising their knowledgeable technicians. Others had the occasional gripe about service departments being understaffed or communication gaps. That’s the reality of a small-town dealership. It’s personal. When it’s good, it’s like family. When there’s a delay, you feel it more because you expect that personal touch.
Service After the Transition
If you’re a former Walker Brothers customer, you’re probably wondering about your warranty or your "free oil changes for life" type deals. Generally, when an asset-only acquisition happens, the new owners try to retain the customer base by honoring existing relationships, but the legal entity is different.
The current operation at 700 Erie Street is heavily focused on the Chevrolet brand. They’ve integrated a lot of digital tools that the old-school shop might have lacked, like easier online scheduling through CARFAX.
Practical Steps for Local Drivers
If you’ve got a vehicle that was originally purchased or serviced at Walker Brothers, here is what you need to do now:
1. Check Your Service Records
Don't assume the new system has every scrap of paper from 1998. If you have a folder in your glovebox, keep it. If you need historical records for a warranty claim, call the service department at (814) 734-0007 sooner rather than later while the old databases are still accessible to the current staff.
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2. Update Your Contact Info
Since the ownership changed to Rick Weaver, their internal mailing lists might have reset. If you’re used to getting reminders for your PA State Inspection, you might want to drop by or call to make sure you’re still in the system.
3. Visit the New Showroom
It’s still the same spot on Erie Street. If you’re in the market for a new Chevy or a used GMC, it’s worth seeing if the "no-pressure" vibe that the Walker family was known for has survived the transition.
4. Explore CarBravo Options
The dealership has been leaning into the CarBravo platform for used cars. This is basically GM’s way of competing with the big online used car retailers, offering bumper-to-bumper limited warranties even on some non-GM vehicles. It’s a solid safety net if you’re buying used.
The legacy of Walker Brothers Edinboro PA is woven into the history of the town. While the name on the building has changed, the 700 Erie Street location remains the hub for automotive needs in the 16412 area. Transitions are always a little bittersweet, but for a business that started with one guy and a taxi in 1914, it’s been one heck of a ride.
To ensure your vehicle's history stays intact during this ownership shift, visit the service center in person to verify your records are fully migrated into the new system. This prevents any future headaches with warranty claims or service intervals.