Staff Reports
The car wash industry continues to expand and innovate with acquisitions, new openings, and renovations. Here’s a roundup of the latest news from around the industry:
Charlotte, North Carolina-based Links Car Wash continues its expansion in Florida with the opening of a second Tampa location at 14504 Basswood Ave. To celebrate, Links Car Wash will host a “Free Wash Weekend” at the new location June 21-22, inviting the local community to enjoy a complimentary Ultimate Wash. Links Car Wash is focused on acquiring and revitalizing car wash locations with a modern approach. Amenities include complimentary vacuums, mat cleaners, towels, and window cleaners.
Fentanyl was seized from King’s Car Wash in Providence, Rhode Island, last week after the Drug Enforcement Administration served a federal search warrant. A report from ABC6 News said multiple people were detained at the scene when the warrant was served. A spokesperson for the DEA said the investigation is ongoing and the agency would have no additional comment. The car wash remains closed for now.
AquaShine Express Car Wash celebrated the grand opening of its newest location last Friday in Sarasota, Florida. Despite early-morning thunderstorms in the area, the site provided nearly 250 free car washes and matched donations made to the local non-profit All Star Children’s Foundation. The grand opening was also featured on a 4½ minute segment on ABC7’s “Suncoast View” show.
A new Club Car Wash location recently opened in Sussex, Wisconsin. Club features different options for car washes such as scented soap, tire shine or foaming bath options. It also has an unlimited membership option where people can pay a monthly price for unlimited car washes and no contract. Club Car Wash opened its first location in Columbia, Missouri, in 2006 and now has more than 150 locations across 13 different states.
A new Platinum Car Wash location at 1251 Farmington Ave. is nearing completion in Bristol, Connecticut, with an expected grand opening in late July. The site will feature 18 vacuum stalls and a 130-foot hybrid model wash tunnel, which employs both friction-based and touchless washing. The site also uses eco-friendly Simoniz products and a state-of-the-art water treatment system. The second Bristol location will be the company’s fifth, all of which are in Connecticut.
Gentle Wave Car Wash opened late last month in South Bend, Indiana, and recently celebrated its grand opening. The site, which was designed by Car Wash Pro Designers and built by New Path Construction, features 30 vacuum stations and broke ground in June 2024.
