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.
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Tommy’s Express Franchise Initial Investment
It costs on average between $4,589,000 – $7,897,000 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 | $4,589,208 to $7,432,912 |
| 110-foot Tommy Scope of Work | $4,781,111 to $7,705,894 |
| 130 foot Tommy Scope of Work | $4,953,684 to $7,896,861 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a 90-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 (for 90 foot Tommy Scope of Work) |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fees1 | $50,000 |
| Soft Cost Total | $75,750 – $913,000 |
| Construction Costs | $1,893,725 – $3,336,202 |
| Architectural Services | $48,000 – $80,000 |
| Building Structure | $707,200 – $784,700 |
| Building Components | $176,619 – $189,505 |
| Lighting | $51,790 – $51,790 |
| Signage | $82,810 – $117,669 |
| Conveyor | $137,350 – $138,130 |
| Car Wash Equipment | $196,660 – $215,211 |
| Cloth | $20,952 – $22,931 |
| Drying System | $128,556 – $139,889 |
| Support Equipment | $239,771 – $284,280 |
| Guardian Wash Controls | $134,376 – $161,068 |
| Vacuum System | $128,397 – $180,738 |
| Point of Sale System | $72,186 – $89,500 |
| Accessories | $27,718 – $118,985 |
| Tommy’s Express Kit | $29,790 – $31,285 |
| Install | $152,208 – $168,529 |
| Insurance | $12,000 – $36,000 |
| Total | $4,589,000 – $7,433,000 |
Tommy’s Express Franchise Average Revenue (AUV)
A Tommy’s Express franchised facility makes on average $1,825,000 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. Below are 10 Tommy’s Express competitors as a comparison:
The most profitable franchises to own in 2025
We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
Tommy’s Express Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Tommy’s Express locations are there?
As of the latest data, Tommy’s Express Car Wash operates 259 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 $4,589,000 to $7,433,000 for the 90-foot Tommy Scope of Work model.
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 $1.05 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $1.05 million yearly revenue can result in $157,500 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.
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