Tommy’s Express Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)

Tommy’s Express Car Wash, founded in 1969 and based in Holland, Michigan, is a leading name in the car wash industry. The company began franchising in 2016, leveraging over 50 years of experience.

Tommy’s Express stands out with its high-tech car wash systems and comprehensive franchisee support, including training, marketing, and cutting-edge equipment.

The franchise operates with an efficient, low-labor model, requiring only about twelve full-time employees per location. This emphasis on automation helps reduce operational costs, aligning with modern business trends of minimal labor.

Initial Investment

How much does it cost to start a Tommy’s Express franchise? It costs on average between $4,977,000 – $8,522,000 to start a Tommy’s Express franchised facility.

This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of model you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property. Tommy’s Express offers 3 types of franchises:

Tommy Scope of Work	Initial Investment Range
90-foot Tommy Scope of Work	$5,205,184 to $6,786,542
110-foot Tommy Scope of Work	$4,976,759 to $7,930,608
130 foot Tommy Scope of Work	$5,096,490 to $8,522,378

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a 130-foot Tommy Scope of Work franchise. For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

Type of Expenditure	Amount
Initial Franchise Fees	$50,000
Soft Cost Total	$107,563 – $582,000
Total Construction Costs	$2,056,978 – $3,930,750
Architectural Services	$43,500 – $45,600
Building Structure	$803,411 – $853,190
Building Components	$176,787 – $200,299
Lighting	$65,734 – $67,257
Signage	$116,542 – $117,480
Conveyor	$197,312 – $252,659
Car Wash Equipment	$218,505 – $257,130
Cloth	$27,517
Drying System	$150,564 – $157,236
Support Equipment	$273,184 – $297,312
Guardian Wash Controls	$140,301 – $201,568
Vacuum System	$173,605 – $387,811
Point of Sale System	$72,090 – $89,500
Accessories	$67,616 – $132,157
Tommy’s Express Kit	$38,163 – $39,318
Install	$164,468 – $168,094
TCWS Scope of Work Total	$2,729,299 – $3,294,128
Insurance	$6,500 – $78,000
Business Permits & Licenses	$350 – $5,500
Office Equipment and Supplies	$800 – $10,000
Furniture and Fixtures	$2,500 – $17,000
Training Expenses	$17,500 – $20,000
Grand Opening Marketing	$15,000
Grand Opening Mailer	$10,000 – $20,000
Additional Funds	$100,000 – $500,000
Other Costs Total	$152,650 – $665,500
Total Costs	$5,096,490 – $8,522,378

Average Revenue (AUV)

How much revenue can you make with a Tommy’s Express franchise? A Tommy’s Express franchised facility makes on average $1,567,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.

Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:

This compares to $1,047,000 yearly revenue for similar car wash franchises.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Tommy’s Express locations are there?

As of the latest data, Tommy’s Express Car Wash operates 216 locations in total, with most of these being franchise-owned​.

What is the total investment required to open a Tommy’s Express franchise?

The total investment required to open a Tommy’s Express franchise ranges from $4,977,000 to $8,522,000.

What are the ongoing fees for a Tommy’s Express franchise?

For a Tommy’s Express franchise, the ongoing royalty fee is 4% of gross sales, and the marketing fee is 3% of gross sales towards the national brand fund​.

What are the financial requirements to become a Tommy’s Express franchisee?

To become a Tommy’s Express franchisee, you need a minimum net worth of $2 million and at least $1 million in liquid assets. These financial requirements ensure that franchisees have the necessary resources to develop and operate their business successfully.

How much can a Tommy’s Express franchise owner expect to earn?

The average gross sales for a Tommy’s Express franchise are approximately $1.57 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $1.57 million yearly revenue can result in $236,000 EBITDA annually.

Who owns Tommy’s Express?

Tommy’s Express is owned by Tommy Car Wash Systems, a company that has been involved in the car wash industry for several decades. The company is based in Holland, Michigan, and is operated by the VanderBunt family, who have a long history in the car wash business.

Tommy’s Express Car Wash was established as a franchise in 2016, building on the success and innovations of the original Tommy Car Wash Systems.

Disclaimer

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