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FRANCHISE RESALES

Buy a Tommy’s Express Car Wash Franchise

Tommy’s Express Car Wash is a high-volume express tunnel car wash franchise built around app-based unlimited memberships and a fast, fully automated wash experience. Customers manage payments, wash plans and multiple vehicles through the Tommy’s Express app, and license plate recognition lets unlimited members drive in without stopping at a pay station.

The franchise grew out of Tommy Car Wash Systems, a West Michigan car wash equipment and technology company with roots dating to 1969. Tommy’s Express began franchising in 2016 and has expanded to more than 270 sites open or in development across North America. Its recognisable red buildings, dual-belt conveyors and proprietary equipment give locations a consistent look and operating standard.

The model is built for low labour and carries no perishable inventory, with sites typically run by small teams. Membership-led revenue, technology-driven operations and the backing of a vertically integrated equipment maker set Tommy’s Express apart from independent and lower-tech car wash operators.

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Why buy a Tommy’s Express Car Wash Franchise?

Buying a Tommy’s Express franchise gives an owner an established express-wash brand in a category that has shifted toward recurring membership revenue and proved resilient across economic cycles. The unlimited-wash subscription model supports predictable cash flow, while low staffing needs and the absence of perishable stock keep day-to-day operations relatively simple.

Owners benefit from the brand’s vertical integration with Tommy Car Wash Systems, which supplies the dual-belt conveyors, detergent management systems and proprietary point-of-purchase technology, alongside real-time business analytics and a national membership base. National and regional marketing campaigns, a dedicated in-house guest services team and continued education through Tommy University support units well after they open.

Tommy’s Express Car Wash Franchise Costs & Information

Based on 2024 data reported in the 2025 FDD

  • Brand Profile

    • Year Founded

      1969

    • Franchising Since

      2016

    • New Startup Cost

      $4,976,759 – $8,522,378

    • Avg. Resale Price

      Contact us for details

  • Franchise Fees

    • Initial franchise Fee

      $50,000

      for new territories

    • Transfer Fee

      $10,000

    • Royalty Fee

      4%

      of Gross Revenue

    • Marketing Fee

      1%

      of Gross Sales

  • Unit Performance

    • Total Units *

      216

    • New Units Opened *

      42

    • Units Transferred *

      2

    • Avg. Unit revenue *

      $1,647,523

    * Based on 2024 data reported in the 2025 FDD

Tommy’s Express Car Wash – Additional  Information

  1. Training & Support

    Franchisees receive initial training of 60 hours of classroom instruction and 180 hours of on-the-job training, with ongoing education delivered through Tommy University. Each location is paired with a Franchise Business Consultant and a Franchise Marketing Coordinator, backed by an in-house guest services team, national and regional marketing campaigns, and technology spanning the membership app, proprietary point-of-purchase, detergent management and real-time analytics. Resale buyers should confirm with Tommy's Express what transfer training and system access are provided to incoming owners and existing staff when ownership changes.

  2. Ideal Owner

    Tommy's Express suits business-minded owners and investors comfortable running a technology-driven, asset-heavy operation rather than a hands-on trade. No prior car wash experience is required, as the franchisor provides full training. The model rewards operators who can manage a small team, drive membership growth and customer retention, and stay engaged with their local market. With several ownership structures available, it also appeals to those planning to build multiple sites and run the business as a scalable, more passive investment.

  3. Recognition & Awards

    Tommy's Express ranks #35 overall and #1 in the car wash category in Entrepreneur's 2026 Franchise 500, a list it has placed in for several consecutive years (including #1 in category in 2021). It was also named to Inc.'s 2026 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the Midwest. The brand is recognised for its technology-led, automated wash model and rapid expansion across North America. For resale buyers, brand-level recognition should be weighed alongside the specific location's reputation, including local reviews, membership base and community visibility.

  4. Industry / Market

    The North American car wash market was valued at about USD $16.4 billion in 2025 and continues to grow steadily (Mordor Intelligence). Conveyor-based washes account for roughly half of industry revenue, with exterior-only express formats taking a rising share. Demand is driven by the move to unlimited monthly memberships, convenience-focused consumers and the recurring revenue those subscriptions create. The category is generally resilient, as quick, low-cost washes stay affordable across economic conditions. For resale buyers, local traffic, membership penetration and nearby competition shape each site's performance.

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