
Tommy's Express Car Wash
Car washes- 2023 Franchise 500 Rank
-
#90 Ranked #148 last year
- Initial investment
-
$5.3M - $7.2M
- Units as of 2022
-
116 544.4% over 3 years
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.
Company Overview
About Tommy's Express Car Wash
- Industry
- Automotive
- Related Categories
- Car-Wash Services
- Founded
- 1969
- Parent Company
- Tommy's Express LLC
- Leadership
- Ryan Essenburg, President
- Corporate Address
-
240 E. 8th St.
Holland, MI 49423
Business Overview
- Franchising Since
- 2016 (7 years)
- # of employees at HQ
- 150
- Where seeking
-
This company is offering new franchisees throughout the US.
This company is offering new franchisees in the following international regions: Australia/New Zealand, Europe (Western), Canada
- # of Units
- 116 (as of 2022)
Information for Franchisees
Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in opening a Tommy's Express Car Wash franchise.
Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees
Here’s what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.
- Initial Franchise Fee
- $50,000
- Initial Investment
- $5,296,471 - $7,166,726
- Net Worth Requirement
- $2,000,000
- Cash Requirement
- $1,000,000
- Veteran Incentives
- $20,000 off franchise fee
- Royalty Fee
- 4%
- Ad Royalty Fee
- 1%
- Term of Agreement
- 20 years
- Is franchise term renewable?
- Yes
Financing Options
Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.
- Third Party Financing
- Tommy's Express Car Wash has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory
Training & Support Offered
Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.
- On-The-Job Training
- 180 hours
- Classroom Training
- 60 hours
- Ongoing Support
-
NewsletterMeetings & ConventionsToll-Free LineGrand OpeningOnline SupportSecurity & Safety ProceduresLease NegotiationField OperationsSite SelectionProprietary SoftwareFranchisee Intranet Platform
- Marketing Support
-
Ad TemplatesNational MediaRegional AdvertisingSocial MediaSEOWebsite DevelopmentEmail MarketingLoyalty Program/App
Operations
Additional details about running this franchise.
- Is absentee ownership allowed?
- No
- Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit?
- No
- Can this franchise be run part time?
- No
- # of employees required to run
- 12
- Are exclusive territories available?
- Yes
Interested in ownership opportunities like Tommy's Express Car Wash? Request a free consultation with a Franchise Advisor now.
Franchise 500 Ranking History
Compare where Tommy's Express Car Wash landed on this year’s Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.
Additional Rankings
Curious to know where Tommy's Express Car Wash ranked on other franchise lists? Find out below.
Want to stay updated on the latest franchise news?
Never miss a beat when you sign up to receive our newsletter.
We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy
Related Franchises
Are you eager to see what else is out there? Browse franchises that are similar to Tommy's Express Car Wash.

Hommati
Related Franchise Content
Catch up on the latest franchise news, trends, and more.
The Anatomy Of A Franchise Disclosure Document
Here's a break down your most tedious -- and valuable -- franchise research tool so you understand the ins and outs before signing.
Panera Bread Is Testing a Sci-Fi-Esque Amazon Payment System — and Privacy Concerns Abound
The tech's already been pulled from one major Colorado venue after pushback.
6 Questions to Ask Before You Begin Your Franchise Search
When exploring franchises to buy, there are some crucial factors you should consider.
The 5 Items in Your Franchise Disclosure Document That Can Make or Break a Real Estate Deal
This document helps potential franchisees make informed decisions about investing in the franchise.
The Pros and Cons of Franchising Your Business
Before you take the leap to turn your business into a franchise, review the advantages and disadvantages of franchising.
Gen Alpha Loves Eating McDonald's, Watching YouTube and Disney+, and Telling Their Parents What to Buy at the Store
With birth years starting in 2013, Generation Alpha is already the most plugged-in generation of children yet, developing some strikingly powerful brand affinities before they reach age 9.