Car WashWhat’s that big red building going up in my town? (Probably Tommy’s Express)
If you’ve driven past a construction site lately and thought, “what in the world is that big red building going up by the highway?” you’re not the only one. It’s one of the most common questions we hear, whether it’s a neighbor texting a photo to the group chat or someone stopping a team member in the parking lot to ask.
There’s a good chance the answer is the same one we hear all the time at Tommy’s Express: yep, that’s us. The red one.
Why do people call it “the red car wash”?
Ask anyone who works at Tommy’s Express what happens when they tell people where they work, and you will hear some version of the same story:
“Oh, is that the red one?”
It’s become a kind of shorthand. You don’t always need the name, the color does a lot of the talking.
That’s exactly how “the red car wash” started becoming a local way to describe it. People don’t typically search for company names first. They describe what they see. In this case, it’s hard to miss.
Why are car washes popping up everywhere lately?
Express car washes, the kind with monthly memberships and a wash that takes just a few minutes, have become one of the fastest-growing retail categories in the country. Tommy’s Express has been part of that growth in a big way, expanding from a handful of locations to hundreds of sites across the U.S. in just the past several years.
So when you see a big red structure going up near a highway exit, shopping center, or gas station, it just might be part of that expansion.
That growth traces back to 1969, when brothers Jun and Sonny Essenburg opened their first car wash in Holland, Michigan. What started as a single hometown wash eventually grew into Tommy’s Express, the modern express car wash brand you see today.
Today, those same red buildings going up in your town are part of a growing network of locations across the country. As new sites open, they often bring a familiar pattern with them, including a grand opening celebration, free washes for the neighborhood, and a little extra excitement as the wash officially joins the community.
Over time, that’s how “the red car wash” became something people recognize before they even know the name.
What to expect once the doors open
If you’re watching one of these builds go up near you, here’s a quick preview of what’s usually waiting:
- A fast, express exterior wash. A Tommy’s Express wash takes less than 3 minutes from entry to exit.
- Free vacuums and mat washers* for all TommyClub members to complete the clean.
- Flexible membership options. Choose between unlimited washes for one flat monthly price or only pay when you wash with PayPerWash.
- No sticker or manual payment needed. With license plate recognition, your membership is tied to your plate. Just pull up, and once the gate arm lifts, you’re on your way to a clean car.
- Modern equipment, including high-powered drying systems and quality detergents designed to protect your vehicle’s finish.
So, is the red building in your town a Tommy’s Express?
If it’s got that signature arched red exterior and sits near a busy road or shopping center, there’s a good chance you’ve already found your answer. The next time someone asks where you get your car washed, you can skip the explanation entirely and just say what everyone else does:
“You know, the red one.”
Curious if a Tommy’s Express is coming to your neighborhood? Check our locations page to see what’s open now and what’s on the way.
*At participating locations only.