LAST UPDATED: December 2025
FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://greasemonkeyfranchise.com/
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 371
REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $291,320 - $1,972,033
REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $1,116,093 (average net sales, FY 2024)
Grease Monkey is a franchised fast-lube and auto care center (which is a subsidiary of FullSpeed Automotive), providing services like oil changes, battery service, diagnostics and more.
Founded in 1978 in Colorado, Grease Monkey began franchising one year later, and today operates 371 locations in the United States with more than 500 locations internationally in Mexico, China, Colombia and Saudi Arabia. The brand has flourished thanks to a commitment to customer service and innovation.
Mission: Grease Monkey’s mission is to provide fast, friendly and expert oil change and maintenance services while operating with a focus on honesty, building customer trust and ensuring customer convenience, emphasizing quick, hassle-free service without appointments.
Vision: Grease Monkey has set an aggressive goal to double its franchise footprint within three years, modernizing its brand image and operational efficiency through a new store design. This prototype features express lanes for faster 15-minute oil changes, appointment scheduling, clear directional signage and comfortable lounge areas with entertainment.
Grease Monkey is offering franchising opportunities in the majority of the contiguous United States (with the current exceptions of Alaska, Hawaii and New York.
Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a Grease Monkey franchise ranges from $291,320 to $1,972,033. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:
| Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $20,000 | $39,900 |
| Real Estate (3 Months Rent & Deposit) | $16,000 | $40,000 |
| Building Work | $60,000 | $350,000 |
| General Site Work | $0 | $75,000 |
| Due Diligence, Permits, Design & Plans | $500 | $25,000 |
| FF&E Package & Installation | $80,450 | $186,650 |
| Grand Opening Costs | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $25,000 | $35,000 |
| Signs | $20,000 | $40,000 |
| Supplies | $3,000 | $5,000 |
| Initial Training — Travel & Lodging Expenses | $3,300 | $6,000 |
| Computer Hardware & Software | $14,000 | $20,500 |
| Point of Sale Maintenance Fee (3 Months) | $2,070 | $4,000 |
| Prepaid Expenses | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $35,000 | $75,000 |
Initial Franchise Fee: The initial franchise fee for a Grease Monkey franchise is $39,900, which is payable upon signing the franchise agreement. For conversion owners and existing franchisees, this fee is reduced to $20,000.
For qualifying U.S. military veterans and first responders (or their spouses), the initial franchise fee is reduced to $29,900.
Ongoing Fees: Grease Monkey franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing fees, according to the 2025 FDD:
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Royalty | 6% of gross revenues/month |
| Advertising Contribution | 0.5% of gross revenues/month |
| POS Maintenance Fee | $193 - $346/month |
ROI Potential: According to the brand’s 2025 FDD, the 149 Grease Monkey centers operating for the entirety of FY 2024 reported the following net sales:
| Quartile | Average | Median | High | Low |
| Top Quartile (37) | $1,863,739 | $1,677,709 | $3,156,002 | $1,319,926 |
| 2nd Quartile (37) | $1,150,069 | $1,152,030 | $1,302,465 | $1,009,417 |
| 3rd Quartile (37) | $904,838 | $909,751 | $1,006,842 | $801,481 |
| Bottom Quartile (38) | $560,735 | $555,354 | $779,412 | $271,889 |
| Total (149) | $1,116,093 | $1,006,842 | $3,156,002 | $271,886 |
Grease Monkey reviews a prospective site for your Grease Monkey Center and reviews the final lease or purchase contract. The franchisor provides site criteria and advice in identifying a suitable location and offers flexible construction and design plans.
Grease Monkey provides comprehensive training to its franchisees through a structured program designed to ensure successful center operations. The franchisor provides an initial training program for you or your principal owner, and also offers additional training, seminars and continuing development programs
Franchisees benefit from a dedicated marketing team, sophisticated campaigns and national brand strength. The brand provides dedicated franchise support directors, available 24/7, to help franchisees with questions and operations, business management, accounting, equipment, inventory, POS systems and national account purchasing
Grease Monkey requires the use of an approved Point-of-Sale (POS) system, software and other technology that meets its specifications.
Potential franchisees need to be energetic, good with people and committed to being actively engaged — even if an absentee owner — and must also have a clean criminal history.
Operating a Grease Monkey center typically requires a full-time manager and about eight to 10 employees for a standard-size location. Owners rely on brand training — including FullSpeed University courses, Pit Crew certification and a week at New Franchisee Training School — plus ongoing field support to maintain consistent operations.
Semi-absentee ownership is an option, but it is not hands-off. Owners are expected to stay engaged by overseeing a trained manager, setting targets, reviewing performance and using the brand’s 24/7 support and operational checklists while day-to-day duties occur on site.
Grease Monkey does not offer direct or indirect financing to franchisees. However, the brand notes it has preferred relationships with several banks and financial institutions that provide SBA and conventional loans to qualified candidates.
“Everybody is different. Some operators are very good with marketing. Some are very good with operations. Some are good with keeping teams accountable. The important thing isn’t your background. It’s your ability to keep your energy high, maintain a positive environment and let other people on your team excel in the areas where you need help. Personally, I love operations and team building and operating, but I’m uncomfortable with sales consultations. But Grease Monkey has a great management training course and they spend a lot of time on how to present recommended services to customers. I send guys to that course, and they text me back that it was awesome, and when they are back at their centers, I see an uptick.”
- Tyson Daniels, Multi-Unit Franchisee — Colorado, Nevada, Idaho, Utah and Wyoming
“We weathered well through COVID. Our revenue is probably going to be up 30-40% this year. It was a lot of hard work and following procedures.”
- Clinton Brown, Multi-Unit Franchisee — Colorado
Within the next nine years, the global market for oil changes is expected to reach a valuation of nearly $15 billion, with expected growth of about 6%.
Almost 2,000 new oil centers opened around the world last year with franchise expansion leading the way. Diversification of services offered is also on the rise with nearly half of the new shops established going beyond the delivery of oil changes via an embrace of services like tire rotations and more.
Overall, the franchised oil change sector presents promising opportunities for growth and investment, driven by increasing demand and the critical importance of dependable services delivered fast.
Grease Monkey distinguishes itself in the franchised oil change realm via its focus on quality, transparency and quickly delivered services (usually in about 15 minutes) with no appointment required.
In terms of competition, Grease Monkey faces several notable players in the franchised oil change and car service sphere, including Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers, Take 5, Midas, Firestone Complete Auto Care, Jiffy Lube, Pep Boys, Service King and AAMCO Transmissions.
However, while these institutions offer various early franchised oil change opportunities, Grease Monkey’s unique focus on delivering quality quickly amidst a diversified array of offered services sets the franchisor apart despite a crowded marketplace.
Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our Power Rankings to read more on brands making moves.
Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.
All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.
Franchisor Stories
Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Grease Monkey stands out as a strong investment for entrepreneurs seeking a proven, scalable, recession-resistant model in the essential automotive service sector.
LAST UPDATED: December 2025
FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://greasemonkeyfranchise.com/
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 371
REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $291,320 - $1,972,033
REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $1,116,093 (average net sales, FY 2024)
Grease Monkey is a franchised fast-lube and auto care center (which is a subsidiary of FullSpeed Automotive), providing services like oil changes, battery service, diagnostics and more.
Founded in 1978 in Colorado, Grease Monkey began franchising one year later, and today operates 371 locations in the United States with more than 500 locations internationally in Mexico, China, Colombia and Saudi Arabia. The brand has flourished thanks to a commitment to customer service and innovation.
Mission: Grease Monkey’s mission is to provide fast, friendly and expert oil change and maintenance services while operating with a focus on honesty, building customer trust and ensuring customer convenience, emphasizing quick, hassle-free service without appointments.
Vision: Grease Monkey has set an aggressive goal to double its franchise footprint within three years, modernizing its brand image and operational efficiency through a new store design. This prototype features express lanes for faster 15-minute oil changes, appointment scheduling, clear directional signage and comfortable lounge areas with entertainment.
Grease Monkey is offering franchising opportunities in the majority of the contiguous United States (with the current exceptions of Alaska, Hawaii and New York.
Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a Grease Monkey franchise ranges from $291,320 to $1,972,033. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:
| Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $20,000 | $39,900 |
| Real Estate (3 Months Rent & Deposit) | $16,000 | $40,000 |
| Building Work | $60,000 | $350,000 |
| General Site Work | $0 | $75,000 |
| Due Diligence, Permits, Design & Plans | $500 | $25,000 |
| FF&E Package & Installation | $80,450 | $186,650 |
| Grand Opening Costs | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $25,000 | $35,000 |
| Signs | $20,000 | $40,000 |
| Supplies | $3,000 | $5,000 |
| Initial Training — Travel & Lodging Expenses | $3,300 | $6,000 |
| Computer Hardware & Software | $14,000 | $20,500 |
| Point of Sale Maintenance Fee (3 Months) | $2,070 | $4,000 |
| Prepaid Expenses | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $35,000 | $75,000 |
Initial Franchise Fee: The initial franchise fee for a Grease Monkey franchise is $39,900, which is payable upon signing the franchise agreement. For conversion owners and existing franchisees, this fee is reduced to $20,000.
For qualifying U.S. military veterans and first responders (or their spouses), the initial franchise fee is reduced to $29,900.
Ongoing Fees: Grease Monkey franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing fees, according to the 2025 FDD:
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Royalty | 6% of gross revenues/month |
| Advertising Contribution | 0.5% of gross revenues/month |
| POS Maintenance Fee | $193 - $346/month |
ROI Potential: According to the brand’s 2025 FDD, the 149 Grease Monkey centers operating for the entirety of FY 2024 reported the following net sales:
| Quartile | Average | Median | High | Low |
| Top Quartile (37) | $1,863,739 | $1,677,709 | $3,156,002 | $1,319,926 |
| 2nd Quartile (37) | $1,150,069 | $1,152,030 | $1,302,465 | $1,009,417 |
| 3rd Quartile (37) | $904,838 | $909,751 | $1,006,842 | $801,481 |
| Bottom Quartile (38) | $560,735 | $555,354 | $779,412 | $271,889 |
| Total (149) | $1,116,093 | $1,006,842 | $3,156,002 | $271,886 |
Grease Monkey reviews a prospective site for your Grease Monkey Center and reviews the final lease or purchase contract. The franchisor provides site criteria and advice in identifying a suitable location and offers flexible construction and design plans.
Grease Monkey provides comprehensive training to its franchisees through a structured program designed to ensure successful center operations. The franchisor provides an initial training program for you or your principal owner, and also offers additional training, seminars and continuing development programs
Franchisees benefit from a dedicated marketing team, sophisticated campaigns and national brand strength. The brand provides dedicated franchise support directors, available 24/7, to help franchisees with questions and operations, business management, accounting, equipment, inventory, POS systems and national account purchasing
Grease Monkey requires the use of an approved Point-of-Sale (POS) system, software and other technology that meets its specifications.
Potential franchisees need to be energetic, good with people and committed to being actively engaged — even if an absentee owner — and must also have a clean criminal history.
Operating a Grease Monkey center typically requires a full-time manager and about eight to 10 employees for a standard-size location. Owners rely on brand training — including FullSpeed University courses, Pit Crew certification and a week at New Franchisee Training School — plus ongoing field support to maintain consistent operations.
Semi-absentee ownership is an option, but it is not hands-off. Owners are expected to stay engaged by overseeing a trained manager, setting targets, reviewing performance and using the brand’s 24/7 support and operational checklists while day-to-day duties occur on site.
Grease Monkey does not offer direct or indirect financing to franchisees. However, the brand notes it has preferred relationships with several banks and financial institutions that provide SBA and conventional loans to qualified candidates.
“Everybody is different. Some operators are very good with marketing. Some are very good with operations. Some are good with keeping teams accountable. The important thing isn’t your background. It’s your ability to keep your energy high, maintain a positive environment and let other people on your team excel in the areas where you need help. Personally, I love operations and team building and operating, but I’m uncomfortable with sales consultations. But Grease Monkey has a great management training course and they spend a lot of time on how to present recommended services to customers. I send guys to that course, and they text me back that it was awesome, and when they are back at their centers, I see an uptick.”
- Tyson Daniels, Multi-Unit Franchisee — Colorado, Nevada, Idaho, Utah and Wyoming
“We weathered well through COVID. Our revenue is probably going to be up 30-40% this year. It was a lot of hard work and following procedures.”
- Clinton Brown, Multi-Unit Franchisee — Colorado
Within the next nine years, the global market for oil changes is expected to reach a valuation of nearly $15 billion, with expected growth of about 6%.
Almost 2,000 new oil centers opened around the world last year with franchise expansion leading the way. Diversification of services offered is also on the rise with nearly half of the new shops established going beyond the delivery of oil changes via an embrace of services like tire rotations and more.
Overall, the franchised oil change sector presents promising opportunities for growth and investment, driven by increasing demand and the critical importance of dependable services delivered fast.
Grease Monkey distinguishes itself in the franchised oil change realm via its focus on quality, transparency and quickly delivered services (usually in about 15 minutes) with no appointment required.
In terms of competition, Grease Monkey faces several notable players in the franchised oil change and car service sphere, including Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers, Take 5, Midas, Firestone Complete Auto Care, Jiffy Lube, Pep Boys, Service King and AAMCO Transmissions.
However, while these institutions offer various early franchised oil change opportunities, Grease Monkey’s unique focus on delivering quality quickly amidst a diversified array of offered services sets the franchisor apart despite a crowded marketplace.
Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our Power Rankings to read more on brands making moves.
Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.
All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.
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