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
