OLD GREENWICH, Conn.
Eric Birdsall, owner and operator of Birdie’s Auto Spa, is offering mobile steam cleaning services to Fairfield and Westchester County residents to help “take the burden and hassle of vehicle maintenance out of the picture,” according to Greenwich Time.
The 2015 Urban Mobility Scorecard reported that the average commuter in Fairfield County spends approximately 49 hours stuck in traffic each year.
In 2011 Birdsall opened his business as a brick and mortar store in Rye, New York, and soon realized it wasn’t a practical model for steam carwashing, which can take 45 minutes to three hours compared to 15 to 30 minutes for a traditional carwash. In 2014 Birdsall changed his approach and transformed his steam wash into a mobile business.
Steam carwashing utilizes only one gallon of water per car on average and doesn’t require soap. It also cuts down on the environmental impact compared to a traditional wash which uses an average of 43 gallons of water per car.
By going mobile, Birdsall can better serve his existing customers and has expanded his customer base.
WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J.
QuickChek Corp. announced the opening of three new convenience stores and the creation of 85 new jobs throughout New Jersey, according to CSPnet.com.
The business opened a c-store in Fairfield in October, followed by new locations Morganville, a section of Marlboro Township, and in Lakewood.
In addition to the creation of new jobs, the new stores will each generate approximately $1 million in tax revenue.
With the launch of the three c-stores, QuickChek has opened 32 new locations and hired around 1,200 additional workers in the past eight years.
The new stores brings the company’s total number of c-stores to 143, which serve New Jersey, New York’s Hudson Valley and Long Island. Of these locations, 11 include pharmacies and 50 offer fuel.
The new c-stores are open 24 hours a day and feature QuickChek’s fresh food and beverage program, which offers customers the ability to create “custom-made oven-toasted subs, sandwiches, wraps and salads.”
SOUTHGATE, Mich.
Wheeler’s Complete Auto Care, located in Lincoln Park, is expanding and relocating to another property in Wyandotte, according to The News-Herald.
Lee Rudd, owner of the auto shop, said his business has outgrown its current location, which features two bays.
At the new site across the street, Wheeler’s Complete Auto Care will feature seven bays and will expand from 1,600 square feet to approximately 5,000 square feet.
In addition to the extra space inside, the new location will feature a gated, secured lot for cars that need to stay overnight.
Wheeler’s Complete Auto Care launched in February 2013 and is named after Rudd’s maternal grandmother.
The shop offers mechanical and electrical repair services, including front-end work, brake replacement, exhaust repair and more.
The business is master state-certified and master ASE-certified; and its employees have 60 years of experience. Rudd has 30 years of experience as a mechanic.
MIDDLETOWN, Del.
A new Greenhill Car Wash is expected to open on Main Street in Middletown, which will mean four carwashes and one detail shop within the town’s limits, according to the Middletown Transcript.
Chris and Cathi McQuaide, owners of Diamond Car Wash, and other carwash owners in the area feel that carwashing is “good business” as more people move to Middletown.
The McQuaides started their business in 2005 “when the construction boom in the area was nearing its peak,” and during that time only two carwashes were located in the area.
The McQuaides moved from Elkton, Maryland, and opened Diamond Car Wash. “We love our customers; they’re like family to us,” said Cathi McQuaide. “Customers see that there is a sense of urgency on our part when they bring their cars to us. We really do look after them well.”
For David Shepherd, co-owner of Greenhill Car Wash, the growth in Middletown was a “green light to allow for the expansion of his business to a new area.”
Shepherd will open a new Greenhill Car Wash location at the former MOT Car Wash, which served the community for more than 30 years.
The carwash will be renovated into a state-of-the-art facility with new and environmentally friendly equipment and will feature round-the-clock customer service and vending machines carrying car care products and accessories.
CINCINNATI
A carwash chain recently opened its eighth location in the Cincinnati area in Green Township, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Founded in 1948, Mike’s Carwash has grown to have 15 locations throughout Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.
The grand opening for the latest location took place this fall, and all washes were free. Donations were accepted during the opening event for the Elder Athletic Boosters.
Greg Ries, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Mike’s Carwash, said that the carwash was purchased this past summer, and the staff has renovated the facility.
The business also purchased another existing carwash location in West Chester.
LOCUST, N.C.
Earp’s, based in Mint Hill, is planning to expand, according to The Mint Hill Times. Earp’s Express will feature diesel fuel, a convenience store and a state-of-the-art touch-free carwash.
Chad Earp, owner, said the business is expected to open this December.
Earp, a third-generation operator, currently has three other locations, with two sites in Mint Hill and one in Charlotte.
In 1952 his grandfather opened the first location which is still in operation.
LONGMONT, Colo.
Owners and operators of Main Street Car Wash in Longmont, Jody and Emily Rouse, have sold their business to Breeze Thru Car Wash for $1.4 million, according to BizWest.
The Rouses, who have operated the 3,443-square-foot carwash since 1998, sold the business through their company, EMR Holdings LLC, to John Agnew of Fort Collins, “who used the entity BTLMS LLC.”
The Agnew family currently owns four other Breeze Thru Car Wash locations in Longmont, Fort Collins and Greeley, Colorado, and Cheyenne, Wisconsin.
In 2013 Agnew opened the automated Breeze Thru Car Wash in Longmont. “The company’s concept features an automated tunnel carwash, through which vehicles pass while drivers are inside,” adding that the locations also provide free vacuums.
Agnew will run Main Street Car Wash with its current system until next summer when he plans to upgrade the facility.
