WEEK IN REVIEW

Author

Jim Utter
March 01, 2025

Shine brightest with all the dirt from the Car Wash industry

TOGETHER WITH

Let’s Drive More Business Your Way!

👋Good morning! Welcome to the weekend. Each Saturday, we’ll send out a truncated version of the Car Wash Daily News email newsletter, which will include a roundup of the top stories that appeared over the course of the previous week.

👉As a reminder, to give you an idea of what the newsletter has to offer, you can access all of its contents - including the long-form version of stories teased on the newsletter - until later this month. After that, as a paid subscriber, you can maintain full access. Otherwise, only short teasers and summaries will be available in the newsletter and on the Website.

Jim Utter
Director of Journalism/Editor in Chief
CW Daily News

Today's issue is sponsored by The Vita Agency — Let’s Drive More Business Your Way!

👉 We’d like your input! Have a story idea or would like us to receive your company’s press releases on your latest news? Email us at [email protected].

WEEKEND ROUNDUP

A look back at the week’s top stories:

👉Bubble Bath Car Wash, QT celebrate first combined San Antonio site

The merger of Quik Trip and San Antonio, Texas-based Bubble Bath Car Wash is now a visual reality. The partnership between one of the nation’s top convenience store chains and the fast-growing express car wash operator was first announced in 2023, but only last weekend was Bubble Bath able to hold a grand opening celebration of its first combined site. Read more here.

👉Mike's Carwash named one of America's 'Best and Brightest Companies To Work For'

Mike’s Carwash may not be a giant among car wash operators, but it continues to demonstrate why it remains a success since its founding in 1948. The car wash operator founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and based in Loveland, Ohio, was recently named one of America’s “Best and Brightest Companies to Work” by the National Association for Business Resources. Read more here.

👉Whistle Express to acquire Take 5 Car Wash from Driven Brands in $385 million deal

Whistle Express Car Wash has entered into an agreement with Driven Brands Holdings that will more than triple its size and soon make it the largest express car wash company in the United States. The two companies announced on Tuesday they had entered into a definitive agreement which will see Driven sell its U.S. car wash business, Take 5 Car Wash, to Whistle Express Car Wash for $385 million. Read more here.

👉Talking car washes with Champion Xpress CEO Trey Merchant

It was just a few months ago that Champion Xpress hit an important milestone with the opening of its 50th site and just this month entered its sixth state with a location in Maryville, Missouri. Leading the charge is Champion co-founder Trey Merchant, who returned as CEO of the express car wash company last year after serving in the role for its first six years since its founding in 2015. Car Wash Daily News recently spent some time with Merchant discussing several topics regarding the car wash industry. Read more here.

👉More car wash discussion with Champion Xpress Carwash CEO Trey Merchant

Car Wash Daily News recently spent some time with Champion Xpress Car Wash CEO Trey Merchant discussing several topics regarding the car wash industry. Today we present the final part of the interview, tackling issues such as the company’s biggest challenge, what sets Champion apart from its competitors and its keys to successful marketing. Read more here.

TOGETHER WITH THE VITA AGENCY

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*Please see the advertising disclosure at the bottom of this newsletter.

📅WHAT’S COMING UP📅

  • Convenience U CARWACS Show 2025: The Convenience U CARWACS Show – Canada’s largest convenience, gas and car wash industry event is Tuesday and Wednesday at the International Centre Hall 5 in Mississauga, Ontario. More info here.  

  • APEC 2025: The leading conference in North America for power electronic professionals will take place March 16-20, 2025, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. More info here.

  • Heartland Carwash Association 2025: The organization’s annual product and equipment show will take place March 24-26, 2025, at the Mid America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa. More info here.

  • Midwest Petroleum & C-Store Tradeshow 2025: With over 300 exhibitors, “M-PACT” will showcase the latest products, services and technologies April 1-3 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Ind. More info here.

  • Upper Midwest Convenience Store and Energy Convention 2025: UMCS is a collaboration between FUELING MINNESOTA and FUELIowa trade associations and held April 7-9, 2025, in Saint Paul, Minnesota. More info here.

  • ICA Car Wash Show 2025: The ultimate gathering for car wash pros returns to the Las Vegas (Nevada) Convention Center April 26-28, 2025. More info here.

  • Southwest Fuel & Convenience Expo 2025: The premier event for fuel, food and convenience retailers in the Southwest United States is set for June 9-11, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas. More info here.

  • Car Wash Show Europe 2025: The leading car wash trade fair in Europe takes place Sept. 24-25, 2025, at EXPO Greater Amsterdam in the Netherlands. More info here.

  • Northeast Regional Carwash Convention 2025: The NRCC, scheduled for Oct. 6-8, 2025, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, includes educational seminars, keynote speakers, and a large trade show. More info here.

🤝 To advertise with CW Daily News, email [email protected] 

Disclaimer: The authors of cwdailynews.com, LLC are not financial or tax professionals. This email is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. We strongly recommend conducting your own research and consulting with qualified professionals before making any decisions. Our content, which may include affiliate links, reflects personal opinions and should not be used as the sole basis for decision-making. We are not responsible for any losses resulting from the use of this information.