Jacksonville-based Hanania Automotive Group added its 18th dealership June 20 with the acquisition of Atlantic Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in St. Augustine.
The dealership is on about 5 acres at 2330 U.S. 1.
Hanania owner and CEO Jack Hanania said the dealership is next to Jack Hanania Buick GMC at 2250 U.S. 1 and across the street from Jack Hanania Chevrolet at 2255 U.S. 1.
Through H5 St. Augustine LLC, Hanania paid $8 million for the Atlantic Dodge dealership property, according to the deed recorded with the St. Johns County Clerk of Court.
He bought it from its owner of 50 years, Phil Lowe, who at age 87 wanted to sell the business.
“With our history and presence, he felt like we would continue the quality and service he provided for 50 years,” Hanania said.
Hanania said the negotiations took about six months.
He said the name, operating hours and 48 associates remain the same.
“It’s going to be a smooth transition,” he said.
Hanania said the dealership will carry more inventory on some of the fastest-moving vehicles as well as pre-owned cars and trucks.
He said the business could expand its operating days and hours if customers desire. “We are open to our clients’ needs,” he said.
Hanania Automotive has dealerships in Jacksonville and Orange Park and one dealership each in Miami, Estero and Pittsburgh.
Brands include Acura, Audi, Honda, Hyundai, Genesis, Infiniti, Buick, GMC, Chevrolet, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Subaru and Volkswagen.
It also has collision centers in Jacksonville and Orange Park.
“We like North Florida,” said Hanania, a Jacksonville native.
“North Florida is growing and expanding and we want to be part of the growth.”
He said it will be Hanania Automotive’s third dealership in St. Augustine and it means Hanania represents seven brands there.
“We invested strong money because we feel like St. Johns County and the St. Augustine area is a very strong market and we’ve done very well with Chevrolet and Buick GMC and we want to be there,” he said.
“We’re invested heavily in strong brands.”
Hanania said the group’s 19th dealership will open in mid-2025 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It will be a Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram dealership.
Hanania Automotive Group’s executive offices are based in the 10-story Hanania Place building at 1200 Riverplace Blvd. on the Downtown Southbank.
Through Hanania Riverplace LLC, Hanania paid $20.67 million for the former Stein Mart headquarters building and six-level garage in August 2021.
This story has been updated with the sales price