Tommy's Express Car Wash Franchise Costs, Fees and Profit 2026

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: A technology-driven express car wash franchise backed by a national brand, proprietary systems and more than 50 years of industry experience.

Franchise overview

Tommy’s Express Car Wash is a car wash franchise built around an express tunnel model, recognizable site design and technology-forward customer experience. The brand offers app-based memberships, license plate recognition, proprietary point-of-purchase systems, detergent management, real-time business analytics and other tools designed to support a modern car wash operation.

Tommy’s Express Car Wash started in 1969, when Jun and Sonny Essenburg launched the first Quality Car Wash in Holland, Michigan. Over the following decades, the company expanded its operations, equipment systems and site designs while developing what would become Tommy Car Wash Systems.

In 2016, Tommy’s Express Car Wash was launched as a franchise brand supported by Tommy Car Wash Systems. The franchise combines the company’s proprietary equipment package, operational systems and the distinctive Totally Tommy building design.

Mission: Tommy’s Express aims to provide a fast, convenient and high-quality car wash experience supported by innovative technology and proven operating systems.

Vision: The brand seeks to continue expanding its national footprint while delivering a consistent car wash experience across North America and beyond.

• App-based membership program

• License plate recognition technology

• Multi-lane membership and cashier entry options

• Proprietary retail app

• Distinctive red building design and architecture

• Natural-light tunnel design

• Stainless steel wash equipment

• Advanced drying systems

• High-throughput tunnel model designed for efficiency

• Consistent clean, shiny and dry vehicle experience

• Backed by more than 50 years of car wash operating experience

• Nationally recognized and rapidly growing brand

• Ongoing support from development through operations

• Dedicated marketing and social media support

• Access to Tommy University training programs

• Proprietary technology and reporting systems

• National purchasing power and supply chain advantages

• Low-labor operating model

• Franchise business consultant and marketing coordinator support

• Real estate and site selection assistance

Tommy’s Express reports more than 270 sites open and coming soon throughout North America. Prospective franchisees can contact the brand directly to learn about available territories and expansion opportunities.

Investment costs

Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a Tommy's Express Car Wash franchise ranges from $3,482,389 to $4,163,279 for a World Model Tunnel and $9,135,438 to $11,846,697 for a Flex Model Tunnel. The 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:

Tommy’s Express also offers a 90’ Model Tunnel ($5,244,264 to $6,638,930), a 110’ Model Tunnel ($5,112,819 to $6,971,565) and a 130’ Model Tunnel ($5,308,564 to $7,529,460).

Initial Franchise Fee: Tommy's Express charges a $50,000 initial franchise fee for first-time franchisees and $40,000 for each subsequent location. The fee is due in a lump sum when the franchise agreement is signed.

The company also offers honorably discharged U.S. military veterans a $10,000 discount on the initial franchise fee.

Ongoing Fees: According to the 2026 FDD, Tommy's Express Car Wash franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:

ROI Potential: According to the 2026 FDD, the 197 outlets open for at least 12 months reported the following annual gross sales for 2025:

The franchise process begins with a discovery webinar and location tours. Franchisees receive support from Tommy’s real estate team during site selection and land acquisition. During development, franchisees work alongside a dedicated project manager and gain access to preferred contractor resources.

Tommy’s Express trains franchisees through Tommy University, the company’s learning platform. Tommy University includes more than 40 videos, lessons and certifications focused on operations and safety. The company reports more than 380 Tommy University graduates in 2025.

Franchisees receive support throughout development and operations, including:

• Franchise business consultant guidance

• Franchise marketing coordinator support

• Equipment installation and calibration assistance

• Soft opening and grand opening support

• National and regional marketing campaigns

• Ongoing education opportunities

• Equipment and maintenance support teams

• Guest services support

Tommy’s Express provides franchisees with a proprietary technology suite that includes:

• License plate recognition systems

• Advanced point-of-sale technology

• Dashboard and manager applications

• Retail mobile app

• App-based membership platform

• Detergent management systems

• Real-time business analytics

• Reporting and operational tools

Franchise requirements

• Liquid Assets: $500,000 to $2 million, depending on model

• Net Worth: $2 million to $5 million, depending on model

Tommy’s Express does not require prior car wash experience. The brand looks for franchisees who can meet its financial requirements and are willing to follow its operating model, complete the necessary training and build a team capable of running the business day to day.

Tommy’s Express is a low-labor operating model. A typical location is designed to operate with approximately 12 full-time employees.

Tommy’s Express does not offer direct or indirect financing to franchisees.

"We immediately felt that the Tommy's Express leadership team's core values were aligned with ours. We were also impressed with their commitment to quality, customer experience, and ongoing research and development. Their franchise model allows us to benefit from the half a century of experience Tommy's Express has in the car wash industry."

• Tamara Davis, Franchisee — Kansas, Oklahoma, Alaska

Visit the Tommy’s Express franchise website for more franchisee testimonials and success stories.

The U.S. car wash market is expected to reach $1.4 billion in 2026 and grow to approximately $2.1 billion by 2033, representing a 5.8% compound annual growth rate during the forecast period. Growth is being fueled by rising consumer preference for professional car wash services, the continued expansion of membership-based wash clubs and technology that makes the customer experience faster and more convenient.

Tommy’s Express competes by combining a recognizable national brand, proprietary technology, advanced equipment systems and more than five decades of industry expertise.

Primary competitors include Mister Car Wash, Take 5 Car Wash, Club Car Wash, Quick Quack Car Wash and ZIPS Car Wash.

1. Discovery: Prospective franchisees begin by attending a Tommy's Express franchise webinar. During this stage, both parties learn more about one another and determine whether the opportunity is a good fit. Candidates then review and sign the FDD, tour Tommy's Express locations in West Michigan and, if approved, sign the franchise agreement.

2. Site Selection: After signing the franchise agreement, franchisees work with Tommy's Express' real estate team to identify and secure a suitable site. The team assists with land selection and closing. Tommy's Express notes that the goal is often to identify multiple strong opportunities within a market rather than focus on a single location, helping franchisees pursue market saturation strategies.

3. Project Development: During development, franchisees engage a general contractor with assistance from Tommy's preferred contractor network. Tommy's Express assigns a project manager to help oversee the process and address challenges as they arise. Franchisees are also introduced to their dedicated Franchise Business Consultant and Franchise Marketing Coordinator. Equipment is installed and calibrated, and pre-opening marketing efforts begin as the location prepares to launch.

4. Operational Launch and Growth: Once the location is ready to open, Tommy's Express provides soft opening and grand opening support. Franchisees also receive ongoing national and regional marketing assistance, continued education through Tommy University and operational guidance designed to support long-term growth. The company notes that many franchisees eventually prepare to develop additional locations as they expand within their markets.

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