Around the Industry - April 2015 - Professional Carwashing & Detailing

Around the Industry – April 2015

A compilation of news around the car care industry.

Jacksons takes over Danny’s Family Car Wash

PHOENIX — Danny’s Family Car Wash is now part of Jacksons Food Stores, according to KPHO.com.

Jacksons recently purchased Danny’s 13 washes, 11 convenience stores and other car care facilities.

Cory Jackson, president of Jacksons, says in the article his company is investing millions to upgrade the facilities, including adding new equipment. It will also honor all coupons, gift cards and vouchers from Danny’s.

Daniel Hendon, the former owner of Danny’s Family Car Wash, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of identity fraud in 2014. The plea came after federal investigators discovered the wash was employing unauthorized workers at the business.

Thirteen managers also admitted their involvement in the scheme. Hendon was sentenced to one year in prison and one year of home confinement.

 

QuikTrip adds fast food concept to stores

DES MOINES, Iowa — QuikTrip’s QT Kitchens has launched in 17 area locations, according to CSPnet.com. The concept features a made-to-order menu.

The full-service counter is open from 6 to 10 a.m. each day. Customers can choose from sandwiches, pizzas, flatbreads, smoothies, coffee drinks and more.

Chuck Barton, the company’s vice president of marketing and convenience store sales, notes in the article QuikTrip is getting into the fast food business. It will install the full-service counters in more than 700 locations across the U.S.

Eight of QuikTrip’s 11 markets have received the restaurants. Phoenix, Dallas and Atlanta will receive the eateries next.

“I recognize there is a stigma about food in convenience stores, and we really have gone above and beyond and made sure we are using the best quality ingredients that we can,” says Nick Powell, QuikTrip's corporate chef, in the article.

 

 

Autobell’s 2014 charity program raises more than $730,000

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Autobell Car Wash’s Charity Car Wash Program helped nonprofits raise $730,653 in 2014, according to a press release.

The program supports charities, schools and other organizations in North Carolina, Virginia and Georgia. Since its founding in 1998, the program has raised nearly $7 million.

Autobell provides 501(c)(3) organizations with carwash tickets to be sold by the nonprofit at full price. The tickets are custom-printed with the nonprofit’s name and are honored at all Autobell locations. Participating organizations keep half the proceeds from all ticket sales.

“We're happy to offer this simple and effective way for so many worthy nonprofits to reach their fundraising goals,” shares Autobell President and CEO Chuck Howard in the release. “There's no need for organizers to plan and execute a parking lot carwash or other large-scale fundraiser, worry about rain dates or incur any upfront cost.”

Interested nonprofits should go to Autobell.com or call 800-582-8096.

Autobell has 67 locations throughout North and South Carolina, Virginia and Georgia. It is privately held and family operated.

 

Rough winter weather contributes to busy season

PORT CHESTER, N.Y. — Rough winter weather has given US 1 Brushless Car Wash its busiest winter season in 15 years, according to The Daily Voice.

Owner Hope Klein’s mother opened the wash in 1980, and it has some of the lowest prices in the area. A basic wash costs $9, while it’s $12 for an undercarriage spray and a wax job.

The wash remains open unless the wind chill drops to around zero degrees Fahrenheit.

Other washes in the region have also experienced steady business. Diamond Car Wash in Mamaroneck has been getting customers through in 10 minutes despite its long lines. Its washes start at $13.

Dip In Car Wash ran specials starting at $8. It also extended its operating hours.

 

U.S. c-stores experience growth in 2014

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS)/Nielsen Industry Store Count says c-stores grew to include 152,794 stores as of Dec. 31, according to Vendingtimes.com.

Convenience stores experienced a one percent growth. The stores make up 33.9 percent of all retail outlets in the U.S., more than drugstores, supermarkets and dollar stores.

“Our continued growth, even during a sluggish economy, shows that our core offer of convenience resonates more than ever with our customers, whether they visit us for a fuel fill-up, quick snack or drink, or stop by for fill-in groceries or healthy, take-out meals,” says NACS chairman Steve Loehr, vice president at Kwik Trip, in the article.

Stores with single-store operators account for 63 percent of all c-stores and 85.3 percent of growth.

The five states with the most c-stores are Texas, California, Florida, New York and Georgia, respectively.

 

Wash supports veterans organization

COPPERAS COVE, Texas — The Car Wash Barn has supported Star Group-Veterans Helping Veterans with a $3,000 donation, according to kdhnews.com.

The wash has sponsored the organization’s annual picnic with free carwashes for several years.

Ian Streckel, marketing coordinator for the wash, says in the article Star Group asked the company for donations, and then invited it to the meetings.

“We first came in September or October, and we really liked what they were about,” shares Streckel in the article. “We started talking about doing sponsorships and finally got around to it in January.”

Car Wash Barn owner Curtis Emmons states in the article the donation fits in with the company’s goals.

 

Officials investigate illegal oil dumping

GOODNA, Australia — Surveillance footage at Goodna Car Wash shows a driver illegally dumping oil at the wash, according to qt.com.

Video shows a driver of a Brisbane-based dealership van dumping oil down the pits and vacuum area of the business.

The wash operators discovered the oil the next day, and they are seeking restitution from the offender to cover the cost of having a company remove the oil from the pits.

“Environmental vandals like this deserve to be jailed because business owners and the community have to pick up the cost,” says councilor Paul Tully in the article.

Individuals who dump illegally can be charged finds of up to $5,500. Corporations may have to pay up to $15,000.

Tully shares in the article action can be taken against the vehicle’s owner if the driver isn’t identified.

 

Remodeled wash increases efficiency with loyalty program

FOND DU LAC, Wis. — Jet Stream Car Wash has remodeled with new equipment and technology, according to Fdlreporter.com.

The renovation added free self-service vacuums, a new computer system and technology to support more sustainability and efficiency.

The wash also introduced its Unlimited Monthly Exterior Wash Plan. The plan improves speed of service for all customers since plan subscribers use a dedicated lane when they visit.

Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology is used to manage the loyalty program.

Equipment was also added to emphasize water and electrical conservation.

“We've been known as a full-service carwash for over 50 years, and we'll continue to be a full-service carwash,” says Jet Stream owner Walt Tack in the article. “However, there's a whole population of people out there who only want a high-quality exterior carwash, and they want it fast. Now they have that option.”

 

Pet wash open 24 hours

FUQUAY-VARINA, N.C. — Pet Wash 24 allows pet owners to wash their animals 24 hours a day, according to newsobserver.com.

Customers can use a variety of pet shampoos and conditioners at the business. They can pay $9 for 15 minutes of bath and dry time with either cash or a credit card.

Owner Harley Dietrich got the idea for the facility when his car broke down in front of a carwash with a pet wash attached. Dietrich had been looking for something to do after retiring from the Army, and he hopes the pet wash business will allow him to help other veterans.

“I want to build these facilities, make them successful and either lease them or sell them to veterans so they can have a business of their own,” he says in the article.

Dietrich has a Facebook page to promote the business. The site sees about 300 washes each month.

The business is open 24 hours a day, with the door locked from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. Customers can enter the wash during these times when they swipe their credit cards for a $5 charge.

 

Wawa to modernize older stores with remodel program

WAWA, Penn. — Wawa Inc. has launched its Wawa Remodel Program to modernize older stores and reflect the company’s new design and food service offering, according to a press release.

The effort will involve a remodel of 40 existing stores in one year, the most remodels Wawa has ever done in that time period. Features to be added include:

  • Diesel pumps
  • Hand-spun milkshakes
  • Coca-Cola Freestyle®
  • New graphics and signs.

Store layouts will also be improved to aid in efficiency and the expansion of the food and beverage offering.

“This effort is extremely meaningful to all of as at Wawa, as it will enable us to share the most up to date Wawa brand features with more people in more places than ever before,” states Chris Gheysens, Wawa president and CEO, in the release. “Through this massive remodeling effort, we will enhance the customer and associate experience in our stores and begin to bring our older stores up to date by featuring our latest offer and design.”

Stores undergoing remodels will close for about three weeks during construction. A list of locations and dates of closings are listed on www.Wawa.com.

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