Detail Garage Continues a Massive Development Streak With at Least 25 New Stores Set To Open

Detail Garage, the 80-unit retail store for car care enthusiasts, passionate car owners and detailing professionals, is crossing the mid-year mark on a high note. The automotive industry proved to be uniquely resilient against the COVID-19 pandemic, and Detail Garage’s popular consumer offering and streamlined operations helped it see an impressive 28% increase in year-over-year sales in 2020. Now, the brand’s winning business model is catching the eye of business-savvy entrepreneurs, with 25 franchises sold so far in 2021. 

“We have an incredible amount of franchisee interest and growth leading into 2022,” said John Mansfield, chief revenue officer for Detail Garage. “In addition, it is exciting to see our existing franchisees continue to scale their portfolio as we support them in every aspect of the business.” 

So far this year, Detail Garage has welcomed seven new franchisees to the brand, including multi-unit owners in Warwick, Rhode Island; Culver City, California; Lincoln, Nebraska; Gresham, Oregon; Prosper, Texas; Newnan, Georgia; and Farmington, Connecticut. 

In addition to signing new owners, Detail Garage has also expanded with a whopping 22 existing franchisees all over the country in 2021 — a tell-tale sign of a thriving business model. 

California-based, multi-unit owner Gil Gonzalez, for example, is the brand’s very first franchisee but has continued to grow steadily since signing on. Gonzalez started as an employee with Chemical Guys — Detail Garage’s parent manufacturing company — 14 years ago. Gonzalez worked his way up through the company and held different roles on the team. In 2015, Gonzalez discovered Detail Garage and realized it would provide a great opportunity to achieve his dream of starting his own store. 

The following year, Gonzalez opened the first franchised Detail Garage store in Montclair, California. Since then, he has opened two more stores across the state and now has plans for opening three more after seeing his strongest sales year yet despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Detail Garage corporate team was there for me 100% during COVID-19,” said Gonzalez. “Within less than a month, they had set up an e-commerce platform for whomever wanted to get involved with curbside pickup. Usually, a project like that takes a long time, but the team made it a priority and helped us drive sales and keep customer loyalty up. In addition, we’ve seen a lot of people more interested in our professional classes because many people are starting to think about opening their own detailing business. Overall, this has been one of our strongest years so far in terms of sales.”

Detail Garage positions owners like Gonzalez for success by offering a robust support infrastructure and continuous training, which covers everything from operations and staffing to technology and marketing. Additionally, franchisees are able to focus on building long-lasting customer relationships through community outreach events. After hosting in-store events, franchisees typically see three times higher sales from attendees than an average customer. Other benefits include the brand’s low-cost business model with franchise opportunities ranging from $150,975 - $260,450, beloved consumer offering and massive social media presence. 

Now, as the brand looks to expand their reach to 100 open units this year, followed by 50 locations added to the system each year after, the team has received hundreds of franchise leads and is quickly becoming one of the most exciting opportunities in the franchising world. Looking ahead, the team has identified the Sunbelt, from California to Florida, as well as New York, New Jersey and the Midwest as prime markets for growth, and it is actively seeking qualified franchisee candidates in those markets.

“This has been a strong growth year for the Detail Garage brand, and we are proud of our franchisees who are expanding and excited to partner with new franchisees coming onboard,” said Chad Zani, director of business development. “With so much momentum, the time has never been better to join our brand, and if you want to jump in the driver's seat and start your own automotive business, you'd be hard pressed to find an opportunity with as much potential and as loyal of a consumer following as Detail Garage.”

ABOUT DETAIL GARAGE  

Started in 2008 by professional auto detailers, Detail Garage was born out of a need for the ultimate playground and community for car care enthusiasts. It is the country's go-to retail car care store for passionate car owners and detailing professionals. With over 80 locations already in operation around the world, the Detail Garage team is looking to reach 100 units open this year, followed by 50 locations added to the system each year following. 

ABOUT CHEMICAL GUYS

Driven by adventure, a passion for shine, and a love for the road ahead, Chemical Guys is a worldwide leader in automotive detailing products for car care enthusiasts and professionals. From exclusive small-batch waxes to cutting-edge ceramic coatings and specialty cleaners for exteriors and interiors, Chemical Guys sets the industry standard when it comes to product innovation, technological advancement and education. Based in Southern California, Chemical Guys has evolved from a handful of passionate car fanatics to a global lifestyle brand with the largest digital library of automotive detailing "how-to" content available. Learn more and join the Chemical Guys family at ChemicalGuys.com.