By Jim Utter
Director of Journalism
Two Big Peach Car Wash locations in Macon, Georgia, have closed in a dispute with the landlord of the properties over unpaid rent.
The two sites affected are at 1820 Hardeman Ave. and 965 Gray Hwy. According to a report in the Macon (Ga.) Telegraph, Withco, the company that owns both parcels of land, claimed in a request for seizure that the car wash operator owed rent, late charges, interest and attorney’s fees.
Attorneys for both Withco and the Big Peach locations appeared in Bibb County Superior Court Monday. Following a despite over venue, the judge delayed a ruling on summary judgement and ordered both sides to submit proposed orders by July 28.
If the car washes have to forfeit their assets, it would include more than an estimated $1.3 million in equipment, the newspaper reported.
The car wash owner and Withco reached an agreement in November 2022 to lease the Hardeman Avenue land for five years, with an initial base rent of $30,000 a month and a $30,000 security deposit.
They agreed to lease the Gray Highway land for 10 years, with an initial base rent of $25,000 per month and a $25,000 security deposit.
Big Peach has filed a counterclaim against Withco.
Withco claimed because there was no response to the June 27 request for seizure within five days, it’s entitled to summary judgment, which would allow the judge to order Big Peach Car Wash to forfeit the properties.
The sites are expected to remain closed until the case is resolved.
