---
title: "Tommy’s Express Breaks Ground in Chico"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/f1872d3f-ef56-43c1-b091-177030006e57
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20260714_tommys_express_breaks_ground_in_chico.html
category: "Car wash"
industry: "Automotive"
segment: "Car wash"
published: 2026-07-14T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T22:32:25.012Z
image: https://imgs.franchising.com/brands/social/tommysexpresscarwash.jpg
---

# Tommy’s Express Breaks Ground in Chico

**TL;DR:** Tommy's Express has begun construction on its first location in Chico, California, scheduled to open in 2027. The car wash franchise is a rapidly growing national brand built on the 57-year history of Quality Car Wash.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2026-07-14. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20260714_tommys_express_breaks_ground_in_chico.html).*

## Story

HOLLAND, MI—International car wash franchise Tommy’s Express has begun construction on its first location in Chico, California. The new site, at 2028 Forest Avenue, near Target, is scheduled to open in 2027.

The facility will feature the iconic Tommy’s Express building design and the brand’s most advanced proprietary car wash technology. Large bay windows will give guests a clear view of the wash process as vehicles move smoothly through the system on a dual-belt conveyor designed to accommodate various vehicle types. Guests can expect a high-quality wash experience in under three minutes from start to finish.

Outside the tunnel, free self-serve interior vacuum stations and mat washers will be available for added convenience. Guests will also be able to sign up for the TommyClub Unlimited Wash Membership through the Tommy’s Express mobile app, offering outstanding value and hassle-free service. With advanced license plate recognition technology, members enjoy seamless automatic entry and access to four customizable wash packages designed to fit a range of needs and budgets.

Tommy’s Express is a rapidly growing national car wash franchise built on the 57-year history of Quality Car Wash, founded by Jacob, Sonny, and Tom Essenburg in 1969. The innovative Tommy’s building and equipment—originally developed by Tommy Car Wash Systems—are manufactured in the USA in West Michigan. Tommy’s Express provides franchisees with comprehensive support, including exclusive training, marketing, technical assistance, and access to proprietary, franchise-exclusive advancements in wash products and technology.

Recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine, Tommy’s Express is ranked No. 1 in the car wash category on the Franchise 500 list and is featured among the Fastest-Growing Franchises.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- unit expansion (topic)
- franchise growth (topic)
- Automotive (sector)
- Tommy's Express (company)
- Tommy Car Wash Systems (company)
- car wash technology (topic)
- Quality Car Wash (company)
- Sonny Essenburg (person)
- Tom Essenburg (person)
- Jacob Essenburg (person)
- Chico (location)

---
Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20260714_tommys_express_breaks_ground_in_chico.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/f1872d3f-ef56-43c1-b091-177030006e57).