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- EST. 1946 -

THOMAS CAR WASH BLOG

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By Kristina Thomas Car Wash 10 Jan, 2024
When our family first started Thomas Car Wash, no one really understood why. "Carwashing? Who would want to do that? You want to clean cars for a living?" However, our family pushed forward. Little did they (and we) know of what would come. The first carwash in Louisville. In Kentucky. In the Southeast. And one of the first in the United States. All started by 3 brothers who decided to do something no one else wanted to do. Fast forward 78 years, and we have become the oldest carwash business in the United States , right here in Louisville, Kentucky. Over the years, we've had more fun times, memories and stories than we can remember. Some of our favorites: 1. Uncle Nick (Nick Thomas) closing up shop when it rained and then playing cards with the crew for hours; 2. Planning the region’s first Haunted Carwash - bringing in people from as way away as Chicago and Atlanta; 3. Throwing team events at Churchill Downs, TopGolf and more to celebrate their hard work; 4. Hearing stories of current customers who’s grandparents washed with us back in the day; 5. Building washes all throughout Louisville, serving millions of customers throughout the years. And so many more. Throughout this time, we've put our blood, sweat and (sometimes) tears into this business. Family events were always planned around the wash hours, with many working holidays, weekends, late nights and more. As Eli, Mike and Alex get older, the more they realize how precious and short our time here on life is. After much thought and consideration, the Thomas family has decided to take a break. We will be retiring the "Thomas Car Wash" name & Louisville locations starting January 10th, 2024. Why? Because Eli & Mike want to *actually* retire this time; Alex wants to spend time with his growing family; And most importantly, we know how proud Tom, Nick & Eli Thomas would be to see everything we've accomplished because of them and would want us to enjoy making memories outside of the wash. So, what's going to happen? 1. Thomas Car Wash Louisville locations will be transferred to new owners - Whistle Wash - effective January 10th, 2023. While our name will remain on buildings for up to 6-12 months, we will no longer own these businesses after the 10th. Our Bardstown Road location will remain closed indefinitely. 2. Every one of our crew will have the opportunity to stay with Whistle Wash. We have told everyone that works with us. Absolutely no layoffs have happened under Thomas management. 3. All customers plans will transfer to Whistle Wash ownership after January 10th, 2023. All single-wash tickets & gift cards with "Thomas Car Wash" marketing will be accepted at our current locations until 12/31/2024. 4. Eli, Mike, Alex and the Thomas family will catch up on some much-needed time together. 5. Carwashing is still in our blood. Who knows what we'll end up doing later on - stay tuned on that one! To our crew who has become our family: Words cannot accurately express how much we love and appreciate each and every one of you. From late nights to early mornings, and all the crazy weather in-between, being able to work with some of the most kind, hard-working people Louisville has to offer has been amazing and we are so grateful. We have no doubt we have the best crew in the state, and know that each one of #TeamThomas will do great things. We cannot wait to see it all unfold, cheering you on from the sidelines. We love you all. To all our customers who have become our family: We want to personally thank you for your support. From just driving to wash with us, to telling your friends and family to "Take it to Thomas" - we would not even be writing this if it wasn't for you all. Getting to see and talk to our regulars throughout these years is something so rare nowadays. We are forever grateful for the laughs, the stories, and the quick "Hey how you doing!?" While we know how bittersweet this ending is, please know this isn't a final goodbye, it's a "see you later.” From all of us at Thomas Car Wash, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for choosing to #WashLocal.  Love, -Eli, Mike, Alex, and the Thomas Family
By Kristina Thomas Car Wash 08 Mar, 2023
Why does Louisville have so many car washes? And why are more coming?
By Kristina Ellis 16 Jan, 2023
Want to get a detail for your vehicle? Book online with us instantly!
20% off Detailing Services for all Unlimited Wash Members!
By Kristina Ellis 06 Dec, 2022
Yet another reason to activate an Unlimited Wash Plan, 20% off any and all detailing services through Thomas!
Launching Business Plans with Thomas Car Wash
By Kristina Ellis 06 Dec, 2022
We are excited to announce this latest offering for businesses around the Louisville area, of any size! Now you can wash your business vehicles as often as you like, with one simple monthly payment!
Thomas Car Wash 2022 Holiday Hours
By Kristina Ellis 06 Dec, 2022
Thomas Car Wash 2022 Holiday Hours - stay up to date during this busy holiday season and know our hours so you can best keep your car looking nice & clean!
Thomas Car Wash Newsletter Sign-Up
27 Nov, 2022
Thomas Car Wash Newsletter Sign-Up - stay up to date about everything that goes on at Thomas Car Wash by subscribing to our newsletter.
By Kristina Ellis 10 Aug, 2022
🎉 Two years in a row - WE WON! 🎉
car going through express tunnel at thomas  car wash in KY
17 May, 2022
Nothing feels as good as the Spring & Summer months approaching! The warm weather brings relaxation and vacation mode to a lot of people. We often prepare our vehicles for those harsh winter months, but what about when the summer heat comes? How can you protect your vehicle during the summer? Find out below!
car going through an express tunnel car wash
11 Apr, 2022
When choosing a car wash, it’s important to consider several factors in order to select what type of car wash that is best. Do you wash your car often? Have you waxed your car recently? Are you a solo traveler with a strict no-food-in-the-car policy or do you consistently have snacks, kids or pets roaming around in the backseat? At Thomas Car Wash, we strive to provide the best experience to our customers by offering a variety of options for routine car care.
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