Al's Automotive

About this location

A few stories people tell about this place

1. At Al’s Automotive, every morning begins with an unexpected announcement over the intercom: ‘Ladies and gentlemen, please note that today is National Do Not Honk Your Horn Day.’ The mechanic jokes that it never fails—by noon someone always forgets. One day, a delivery driver pulls up in his truck, clearly frustrated. He mutters under his breath as he gets out, then stops mid-step when he hears the intercom again. 'Today,' it says, 'is also National Keep Your Cool While Waiting for Service Day.' The driver takes a deep breath, smiles sheepishly, and walks into Al’s, leaving behind a cloud of steam from his honking horn.

2. At Al’s Automotive, a delivery driver always arrives around lunchtime, carrying a mysterious brown paper bag. No one knows what’s inside until he opens it and starts handing out free cookies to everyone in the shop. One day, an elderly neighbor stopped by after receiving a cookie, smiling broadly. ‘You know,’ she said, ‘I thought those were just ordinary cookies… but they’ve been making my car run smoother ever since!’ Everyone burst into laughter, realizing that maybe Al’s secret recipe was more magical than mechanical.

3. At Al’s Automotive, every afternoon at precisely 3:17 PM, a faint whiff of fresh-baked cookies wafts through the workshop. No one knows where it comes from or who is responsible, but everyone agrees: it makes even the most mundane oil change feel special. One day, an elderly delivery driver walked in, complaining that his truck was making strange noises. After fixing it, Al asked him if he’d like some cookies. The man replied, ‘I don’t eat those things!’ But then, just as he opened his mouth, a cookie appeared right next to him—obviously meant for him. To this day, locals joke that Al’s secretly training invisible elves.’

4. At Al’s Automotive, there’s a curious habit among customers. Every Tuesday, exactly at closing time, a neighbor stops by and asks, ‘Al, why do you keep your toolbox locked like that?’ Al smiles and replies, 'Oh, heck, it’s just my secret stash of donuts.' The neighbor nods knowingly and takes one, then whispers to the next customer, ‘That’s why Al never closes on time!’