All American Muffler & Brake is celebrating 50 years in business in 2024. Bobby Whitehouse currently owns the shop, which he said prides itself on quality and superior customer service. That, along with the witty marquee signs that generate laughs on Triplett and 4th Streets and even occasionally go viral on the internet.
Most locals will recall, “A car’s weakest part is the nut holding the steering wheel,” or “Pumpkin spice brake fluid sold here.”
Byron Williams launched the business in 1974 and sold it to long-time employee Joe Higdon in 1986. Higdon introduced the sign for multiple reasons.
“I refused to put up boring stuff like ‘Mufflers for $25.99.’ Our business isn’t one they need often; I wanted to put a smile on their face,” Higdon said. “We don’t have much of an advertising budget…I wanted people to talk about us in a positive way.”
Whitehouse has continued the tradition of the sign, often fielding phone calls from folks just expressing their appreciation. And even though it’s generated excitement, Whitehouse hopes it’s the attention to detail and friendly service that keeps them busy.
Like Higdon, Whitehouse racks his brain at times to create a catchy new phrase. As the years passed, he discovered that the more witty and even risque the sign, the more attention it created.
“People will see stuff and suggest it. We’ll see stuff, and we’ll think of stuff and just tweak the words and make it fit and work for a muffler shop,” he said. “The customers love it.”
A massive patriotic mural accents the side of the shop, also catching the attention of passersby. The mural has been around for more than 20 years and requires a brief touch-up at times.
All American is located at 710 East 4th Street and specializes in exhaust, brakes, and suspension work.
“We’re not mechanics, so we don’t do oil changes or A/C,” Whitehouse said. “Instead, we like to do what we’re really good at. And we stay covered up with it, so we never venture too far outside of it.”
He added that the shop’s longevity can also be attributed to the community’s longstanding support.
“We’re staying busy, and we definitely owe that to the community’s support,” he said. “It’s Owensboro, so it’s always about word of mouth. If you aren’t doing something right, they will let you know about it.”
