R/T Speed Shop Closes After 33 Years in West Bend

Longtime auto shop owner Ray Carlson relocates his business after over three decades at the same location.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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After operating his R/T Speed Shop in West Bend, Wisconsin for 33 years, owner Ray Carlson has decided to relocate his business to a new location. The shop, which specialized in automotive repairs and customization, had been a fixture at 459 N. Main Street since 1988.

Why it matters

The closure of R/T Speed Shop marks the end of an era for the West Bend community, as the shop had become a beloved local institution over its three-plus decades of operation. The relocation highlights the challenges small businesses can face in maintaining a long-term presence in a changing retail landscape.

The details

Carlson cited a desire for a fresh start and new opportunities as the primary reasons for the relocation. The shop had developed a loyal customer base over the years, known for its expertise in performance upgrades and custom work on a variety of vehicles.

  • R/T Speed Shop opened at 459 N. Main Street in West Bend in 1988.
  • Carlson announced the shop's relocation in April 2021 after 33 years at the same location.

The players

Ray Carlson

The owner of R/T Speed Shop, which he operated in West Bend for 33 years before deciding to relocate the business.

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The takeaway

The closure of R/T Speed Shop after over three decades in West Bend serves as a bittersweet reminder of the challenges faced by small, independent businesses in maintaining a long-term presence in their local communities. However, Carlson's decision to relocate the shop also represents an opportunity for new beginnings and growth, underscoring the resilience of entrepreneurial spirit.