Tommy’s Express Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs
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 |
Tommy's Express Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
What funding options are available for a Tommy’s Express franchise?
Most franchise buyers in Tommy’s Express’s investment range finance their unit through an SBA 7(a) loan, with some multi-unit operators using SBA 504 loans for real estate. Buyers with rollable retirement funds sometimes use a ROBS structure to reduce debt service. See SharpSheets’ financial model hub for funding guidance.
How long does it take to pay back a Tommy’s Express franchise investment?
Payback periods for franchises in Tommy’s Express’s category typically run 3-7 years, depending on investment level, location performance, and financing structure. Actual payback varies significantly by unit performance and debt service obligations.
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.
SharpSheets Editorial Team | sharpsheets.io | Last Updated: June 2026
Disclaimer
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Research Tommys Express franchise data: For the full FDD cost breakdown, investment tables, and Item 19 disclosures, visit FranchisePayback.com → Tommys Express FDD Review.
