Tommy's Express Car Wash logo

Tommy's Express Car Wash

Car washes

Investment

$4,976,759

Initial Franchise Fee

$50,000

Units

271

Growth Rate

+67.3%

Overview About Investment Territories Support Operations Ranking History

Overview

Industry Automotive
Founded 1969
Franchising Since 2016
Parent Company Tommy's Express LLC
Leadership Ryan Essenburg, President & CIO
# of Employees at HQ 650

Units and Growth Chart

Obfuscated data

Want to see the full picture? Log in to unlock premium data and detailed growth charts.

About Tommy's Express Car Wash

Tommy's Express Car Wash is a team of car wash professionals working towards creating an opportunity for potential franchisees interested in the car care industry. The company has enhanced its franchise system to ensure that its franchisees can grow their car wash locations in their territories. 

Tommy's Express Car Wash was founded in 1969 in Holland, Michigan. Since beginning to franchise in 2016, the company has grown to become one of the fastest-growing car wash chains in the United States. There are now over 65 locations nationwide. The brand has been operating for more than 50 years with its proven and tested business model and processes.

Why You May Want to Start a Tommy's Express Car Wash Franchise

An ideal franchisee is someone who enjoys working outdoors, serving their community, and of course, cleaning cars! Additionally, Tommy's Express Car Wash has been ranked in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500. This ranking is based on an evaluation of more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability.

By opening a Tommy’s Express Car Wash franchise, you get the opportunity to start a business modeled around superb customer service. Tommy's Express Car Wash franchise locations are characterized by a striking architectural design and the latest car wash equipment. To help promote customer traffic, franchise locations are fitted with a dual belt conveyor system and a license plate recognition-enabled membership program based on a mobile app.

What Might Make a Tommy's Express Car Wash a Good Choice?

To be part of Tommy's Express Car Wash team, you should make sure you're financially ready for an initial investment made up of a franchise fee and other startup costs. In addition, you should prepare yourself for ongoing fees that will include advertising fees and royalty fees. Franchisees will also need to meet the company's set net worth and liquid capital requirements. Tommy's Express Car Wash may require additional investments for a multi-unit development.

Coupled with a good reputation and a considerable market segment, opening a Tommy's Express Car Wash franchise may have a more predictable outcome than investing in a completely new brand that may struggle to thrive in an already competitive industry.

How To Open a Tommy's Express Car Wash Franchise

As you decide if opening a Tommy's Express Car Wash franchise is the right move for you, make sure you take time to explore the opportunity. Research the brand and your local area to see if a Tommy's Express Car Wash franchise would do well in your community. While competition is healthy, too much of it may not allow for the most possible growth.

Before making any financial commitment or signing an agreement, you must perform your due diligence and establish if this is the right opportunity for you. As part of your due diligence, you may want to speak to existing franchisees and ask the Tommy's Express Car Wash franchising team questions. 

If you are seen as a good fit for the brand, you may be invited to tour Tommy's Express Car Wash headquarters in Holland, Michigan. Here, you may have the opportunity to speak with brand executives as you determine your interest in the brand. 

Investment Details

Initial Franchise Fee $50,000
Initial Investment $4,976,759 - $8,522,378
Cash Requirement
8kfMFIm7xt
Royalty Fee
L5
Ad Royalty Fee
DU
Term of Agreement
CNlX4Q7d
Is Franchise Term Renewable?
CuR
Financing
H7qmgprGs3d

Get complete financial details. Log in to unlock cash requirements, fees, and financing terms.

Available Territories

Franchising opportunities available in the following regions

United States

Want to see available territories? Log in to unlock territory availability and expansion opportunities.

Training & Support Programs

Comprehensive training and ongoing support to help you succeed

Training

On the Job Training
OEm
Classroom Training
anW

Ongoing Support

Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Lease Negotiation
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform

Get complete training details. Log in to unlock training programs, support services, and marketing assistance.

Operations & Requirements

Key operational details and requirements for running this franchise

Is absentee ownership allowed?
qx
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit?
p0
Can this franchise be run part time?
Wh
# of employees required to run
I3
Are exclusive territories available?
3pq
Veterans program
CIXhc1DvGL7hlWYKyiHgbUsUs

View operational requirements. Log in to unlock ownership options, staffing needs, and territory details.

Ranking History

Tommy's Express Car Wash performance in the Franchise rankings over recent years

Sign Up for Our Franchise Newsletter

Stay up to date on the latest news and trends affecting the franchise industry.

Related Franchise Content

Catch up on the latest franchise news, trends, and more.

Franchise

What Smart Franchise Buyers Know Before They Ever Step Into Confirmation Day

With such a big decision on the line, you must be prepared to walk in to make the best possible decision for your future.

Franchise

What Two Adopted Puppies Taught Me About Breaking Through the Noise

One simple shift — from building a booth to creating a real emotional moment — turned passing foot traffic into meaningful conversations and lasting brand connections.

Franchise

Beware the Timing Trap — Is There Ever a Right Time to Start a Franchise?

Waiting for the "right" time to start a franchise often delays action, when success depends more on preparation and execution than perfect timing.

Franchise

How to Balance Passion and Practicality When Exploring a Business Opportunity

Passion can work for or against you in a business model. Your goal? Make it work for you.

Franchise

The Biggest Mistake Franchises Make With Their SEO Strategy — and How to Get Real Results in 2026

I've scaled SEO across dozens of locations. Here are the systems that franchise brands need to win in 2026.

Franchise

This Simple Blueprint Can Help You Sell More Franchises

If you're struggling to sell, it may be time to stop and take a hard look at whether you have all the pieces in place.

See more franchise content
Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any particular franchise or business opportunity by Entrepreneur Media. Our listings and rankings are solely research tools you can use to compare opportunities. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing in a franchise or business opportunity. That should include reviewing the company's legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant, and talking to former and current franchisees/licensees/dealers.
Updated: December 12th, 2022