The state’s first Tommy’s Express Car Wash is under construction at 7048 Forest Hill Ave. in Richmond. (J. Elias O’Neal)
As part of its drive for nationwide expansion, a growing franchise brand is setting up shop in South Richmond, with a local accountant and investment adviser behind the wheel.
The state’s first Tommy’s Express Car Wash location is in the works in Richmond at 7048 Forest Hill Ave. Local franchisees Rob and Courtney Worrell are behind the ownership group that’s investing an estimated $5.5 million to overhaul the 0.81-acre site.
Tommy’s is taking shape on the site of the former Fancy Asian Gourmet restaurant building, which was razed last spring to make way for the 5,500-square-foot car wash.
The new venture is slated to open in early January. Ashland-based M.L. Bell Construction is the general contractor on the project.
Jim Ashby, a broker with Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer, represented the franchisees in their purchase of the land.
Launching Tommy’s is a far cry from the Worrells’ day jobs.
Courtney is a CPA and Rob has worked in the bond division for Richmond-based investment banking firm Davenport & Co. While Courtney will remain in her role as a CPA, Rob will oversee and manage operations at the site.
Roband Courtney Worrell with children Robert, Forster and Steele. (J. Elias O’Neal)
While the Worrells are financing 50 percent of the project, Rob said five additional investors are ponying up 10 percent each to bring the car wash to the region.
“When we decided to invest in a car wash, we knew that it had to be one of a kind, and it had to be a concept that was going to be a good fit for that area,” Rob said. “When we came across the Tommy’s Express, we knew it would be an ideal fit for this area.”
Based in Michigan, Tommy’s Express has a handful of franchise locations open in California, Texas, Florida, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Michigan, according to its website. And it appears to be in growth mode, as its map shows more than a dozen additional locations in the works.
The chain specializes in several automatic wash features. At its peak, the car wash is designed to handle more than 200 cars in an hour, Rob said.
“The entire design is based on the automatic model,” Rob said. “Each wash is curtailed to the vehicle size and shape to help conserve water, but to also make sure the vehicle is getting the proper wash that it needs.”
Patrons’ vehicles will be pulled through a glassed building via a dual belt conveyor.
“Having the glass versus an actual wall was an important part of the design for this car wash,” Rob said. “It’s curb appeal for us since people driving along will be able to see the cars being washed, but it’s also a comfort tool for the driver because the glass will let in natural light, so they won’t feel claustrophobic while inside.”
Once complete, the 130-foot car wash tunnel will be able to service more than 200 vehicles and hour. (Tommy’s Express)
Tommy’s also will include a free vacuum area and tire shine, Rob said, and will offer wash packages that include hot wax or UV protection. Patrons also can download the Tommy’s Express app, where they can pay a monthly fee for unlimited washes.
“The location will have license plate reader technology that scans the license plates of our monthly members to grant them access to the car wash,” Rob said.
The car wash, which will employ 14 workers, will be located across the street from the Shops at Stratford Hills, which is anchored by Publix and Target. Rob said finding the right location was pivotal given this is Tommy’s entry into the market.
“Having a Publix across the street was a big draw for us,” Rob said. “Being near Publix is going to give us the visibility we need to help establish this location.”
Opening Tommy’s is more than just a career change for the couple – it’s a way of life and legacy for their family.
“This is a family business. This is a business we want to pass down to our children,” Rob said.
Once the Forest Hill Avenue location is operational, Rob said they are looking to open two additional locations in the region, with the where and when to be decided.
“We have some places in mind,” Rob said. “But our main priority is perfecting this location before opening others.”
The state’s first Tommy’s Express Car Wash is under construction at 7048 Forest Hill Ave. in Richmond. (J. Elias O’Neal)
As part of its drive for nationwide expansion, a growing franchise brand is setting up shop in South Richmond, with a local accountant and investment adviser behind the wheel.
The state’s first Tommy’s Express Car Wash location is in the works in Richmond at 7048 Forest Hill Ave. Local franchisees Rob and Courtney Worrell are behind the ownership group that’s investing an estimated $5.5 million to overhaul the 0.81-acre site.
Tommy’s is taking shape on the site of the former Fancy Asian Gourmet restaurant building, which was razed last spring to make way for the 5,500-square-foot car wash.
The new venture is slated to open in early January. Ashland-based M.L. Bell Construction is the general contractor on the project.
Jim Ashby, a broker with Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer, represented the franchisees in their purchase of the land.
Launching Tommy’s is a far cry from the Worrells’ day jobs.
Courtney is a CPA and Rob has worked in the bond division for Richmond-based investment banking firm Davenport & Co. While Courtney will remain in her role as a CPA, Rob will oversee and manage operations at the site.
Roband Courtney Worrell with children Robert, Forster and Steele. (J. Elias O’Neal)
While the Worrells are financing 50 percent of the project, Rob said five additional investors are ponying up 10 percent each to bring the car wash to the region.
“When we decided to invest in a car wash, we knew that it had to be one of a kind, and it had to be a concept that was going to be a good fit for that area,” Rob said. “When we came across the Tommy’s Express, we knew it would be an ideal fit for this area.”
Based in Michigan, Tommy’s Express has a handful of franchise locations open in California, Texas, Florida, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Michigan, according to its website. And it appears to be in growth mode, as its map shows more than a dozen additional locations in the works.
The chain specializes in several automatic wash features. At its peak, the car wash is designed to handle more than 200 cars in an hour, Rob said.
“The entire design is based on the automatic model,” Rob said. “Each wash is curtailed to the vehicle size and shape to help conserve water, but to also make sure the vehicle is getting the proper wash that it needs.”
Patrons’ vehicles will be pulled through a glassed building via a dual belt conveyor.
“Having the glass versus an actual wall was an important part of the design for this car wash,” Rob said. “It’s curb appeal for us since people driving along will be able to see the cars being washed, but it’s also a comfort tool for the driver because the glass will let in natural light, so they won’t feel claustrophobic while inside.”
Once complete, the 130-foot car wash tunnel will be able to service more than 200 vehicles and hour. (Tommy’s Express)
Tommy’s also will include a free vacuum area and tire shine, Rob said, and will offer wash packages that include hot wax or UV protection. Patrons also can download the Tommy’s Express app, where they can pay a monthly fee for unlimited washes.
“The location will have license plate reader technology that scans the license plates of our monthly members to grant them access to the car wash,” Rob said.
The car wash, which will employ 14 workers, will be located across the street from the Shops at Stratford Hills, which is anchored by Publix and Target. Rob said finding the right location was pivotal given this is Tommy’s entry into the market.
“Having a Publix across the street was a big draw for us,” Rob said. “Being near Publix is going to give us the visibility we need to help establish this location.”
Opening Tommy’s is more than just a career change for the couple – it’s a way of life and legacy for their family.
“This is a family business. This is a business we want to pass down to our children,” Rob said.
Once the Forest Hill Avenue location is operational, Rob said they are looking to open two additional locations in the region, with the where and when to be decided.
“We have some places in mind,” Rob said. “But our main priority is perfecting this location before opening others.”
Looking forward to using it but only users will be able to see into big glass windows on the side of the building. It is tucked back and is not parallel to Forest Hill Avenue.