EDINA, Minn. — CarHop's network of buy-here, pay-here dealerships now includes five near Chicago, as well as the company's first venture into California.

This week, CarHop unveiled its 50th rooftop since beginning with its first store operation 16 years ago. The company now has a dealership in Hayward, Calif., at 22220 Mission Blvd.

Also, CarHop expanded its footprint in the Chicago market to five dealerships, rolling out a lot at 207 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights.

Furthermore, CarHop's website indicated it plans to add more stores in yet another state — Wisconsin. The company intends to reveal rooftops in Madison and Milwaukee.

For now, company executives described their enthusiasm about the two newest stores in a network that began with a single lot in Lincoln, Neb.

"We're now in 13 states nationwide and very excited to be in California," stated Mike Anderson, CarHop's vice president of sales.

"And we're really looking forward to offering our services to Hayward, Oakland and the entire Bay area," Anderson continued.

"Many customers tell us we change their lives and lend a hand when they need it the most. That is a tradition we are proud of and will never outgrow," he added.

Meanwhile, CarHop's new Chicago Heights store is designed to run in tandem with rooftops in Aurora, Burbank, Edgewater and Franklin Park.

"People in the Chicago Heights area who have credit issues will now have an opportunity to get driving again," Illinois district manager Peter Desouza insisted.

"And we will do everything we can to get them approved, provide customers with a chance to improve their credit and change their lives for the better," Desouza continued.

CarHop explained that it can offer potential buyers same-day financing decisions with little down and low monthly payments. Furthermore, the company includes an 18-month, 18,000-mile limited warranty on all of their vehicles.

"It's really great that we have the opportunity to offer our program to a new market," California district manager Bea Swanson surmised.

"We can't wait to show people who we are, and how we can help them drive. We'll do everything we can to get them approved, provide customers with a chance to improve their credit and change their lives for the better," Swanson went on to say.

And Chicago Heights store manager Jim Arvia is eager to get started, too.

"I'm really excited about the new location. Chicago has really welcomed CarHop with open arms," Ariva declared.

"The Chicago Heights store will help serve our customers' needs by being in a more convenient location for people who live in that area of Chicago, and people who live near the border of Indiana and Illinois," he concluded.