National car wash brand expands into Huntley
Huntley — A national car wash brand known as Tommy’s Express has announced its new location on Lot 8 of Huntley Crossings-Phase II, which is just off Route 47 and Regency Parkway next to O’Reilly Auto Parts.
According to a press release from the car wash brand, their location in Huntley will be the second Tommy’s Express Car Wash in the state of Illinois, with one more in development.
The Village Board first reviewed conceptual plans for the construction of the 4,551 square-foot car wash back in December 2021, where trustees recommended a few changes to the initial plans, which the petitioners agreed to make.
The Plan Commission reviewed the petitioner, Christianson Companies’, request for the construction of the Tommy’s Express Car Wash on March 14, where they recommended the approval of the petitioner’s plan by a vote of five to zero.
At the March 24 Village Board meeting, Christianson Companies once again came before trustees to present their final plans.
Owner and Operator of the Huntley Tommy’s Express Keith Zimmerman took the opportunity to explain to the board what made their car wash so different than the ones already located in the surrounding area.
“So, currently the Tommy’s Express system is the industry-leading system in the entire car wash industry for the express wash. It is the most eco-friendly, lowest water use by about half of what the normal tunnel wash system uses. Most of them are in the mid-40s to close to 50 gallons [of water]. We use about 22 [gallons],” Zimmerman told trustees back in March.
All the trustees in attendance at that meeting had favorable responses to the car wash and chose to unanimously approve the petitioner’s motion for the construction of the Tommy’s Express.
The car wash company was officially able to break ground on Aug. 22, with the company stating that future Huntley customers should expect quick service even at peak hours, a three-minute travel down the car wash tunnel, and an excellent menu of products and services with free floor mat washers and vacuum stations on-site.
Customers will additionally have the opportunity to sign up for the TOMMY CLUB, which provides individuals with an unlimited car wash membership and will be available for purchase via the Tommy’s Express app leading up to the site’s grand opening.
Unlimited Club members can wash their vehicles as often as they want at any Tommy’s Express location. Membership fees will start as low as $21.99 per month, stated the company.
“Tommy’s Express represents the best car wash industry has to offer, from our commitment to customer experience to the custom, proprietary equipment we pioneered to give you the finest car wash result possible,” explained Tommy’s Express Company President Ryan Essenburg. “We are excited to continue our growth in the state of Illinois and look forward to serving the community of Huntley.”
Individuals who download the Tommy’s Express app will have the ability to put in their vehicle’s information such as the license plate number and the make and model of the car. They can also choose the car wash package they want for their car.
Those who do not wish to use the app can approach the first lane of the car wash entrance which will have a cashier in place for customers who want to pay upfront.
“Most of our users will use the other two lanes, which are all automated. So, you pull in, license plate reader will read your vehicle, recognize what you’re set up for, and load you in the queue,” stated Zimmerman. “We know what size your vehicle is, what the wheelbase is, what the overhangs are. If you’re a pickup [truck], we know if the box is empty or closed. We know all the dimensions of the vehicle and the wash is set for that specific vehicle which is why we stay efficient.”
Zimmerman also told trustees that the biggest difference that makes Tommy’s Express stand out from other car washes is the fact that they use a 24-inch-wide rubber conveyor belt system instead of a chain and roller that is attached to car wheels at other car wash companies.
“No wheel damage whatsoever, but that’s also what enables us to take through people with Jeeps with oversized tires or things that they want to deal with. We can take dually pickup trucks through so we can do a lot of commercial vehicles the standard washers cannot do,” said Zimmerman. “So, in that regard, it’s a very different, unique wash, and from a project [prospective], we bring you a very premium building and a very premium experience.”
Huntley’s Tommy’s Express Car Wash has not given a date as to when they plan to open for business.
