Super Wash vs Tommy's Express
Super Wash vs Tommy's Express: Super Wash costs $163K–$717K to open; Tommy's Express costs $4.1M–$5.7M. Super Wash has 21 units, Tommy's Express has 52. SBA loan history: Super Wash = 22 loans (27.3% default); Tommy's Express = 58 loans (0.0% default). The franchise with more SBA-funded units, lower default rate, and lower royalty load is the safer financing bet — see the comparison below.
Super Wash vs Tommy's Express — Capital, Scale & Lending Analysis
Data-driven differentiation pulled from FDD filings and SBA 7(a) loan-level data. Each pairing reflects a unique combination of capital intensity, system scale, and financing path.
Capital Intensity
Super Wash requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($163K vs $4.1M for Tommy's Express), a 96% spread. Initial franchise fees come in at $9K for Super Wash versus $50K for Tommy's Express — Super Wash has the lower entry fee.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, Tommy's Express operates 52 units to Super Wash's 21 — roughly 2× the system size. Tommy's Express has been operating 57 years (founded 1969) versus 50 for Super Wash (founded 1976) — a 7-year tenure gap that affects unit-economics maturity and FDD revision history.
SBA Lending Profile
Tommy's Express has the deeper SBA lending track record with 58 historical 7(a) approvals versus 22 for Super Wash. Super Wash's peak SBA year was 1998 (5 loans); Tommy's Express's peak was 2019 (11 loans). Tommy's Express's more recent peak generally indicates fresher lender appetite. Geographically, Super Wash concentrates in IN (5 SBA-funded units) while Tommy's Express leads in FL (9) — pick the brand whose strongest state matches yours for warmest lender introductions. Average SBA loan size on funded Super Wash deals is $471K vs $2.7M for Tommy's Express — useful as a sizing anchor when modeling your own unit.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 27.3% for Super Wash and 0.0% for Tommy's Express — Tommy's Express has the cleaner historical loss profile by 27.3 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 23 (Fair) for Super Wash and 65 (Strong) for Tommy's Express, giving Tommy's Express the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 23/100 | 65/100 |
Health Tier | Limited | Strong |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | Declining |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 22 | 58 |
SBA Volume | — | — |
Default Rate | 27.3% | 0.0% |
Peer Tier | growing | established |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $163K – $717K | $4.1M – $5.7M |
Franchise Fee | $9K | $50K |
Royalty Rate | N/A | 4% |
Ad Fund | N/A | 1% |
Liquid Capital | N/A | $1.0M |
Net Worth Required | N/A | $2.0M |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 21 | 52 |
Franchised Units | 21 | 52 |
Company-Owned | — | — |
Term Length | 10 yrs | 20 yrs |
Brand Information
Year Founded | 1976 | 1969 |
Franchising Since | N/A | 2016 |
Years Franchising | N/A | 10 yrs |
Headquarters | BOONE, IA | Holland, MI |
Category | Car Washes | Car Washes |
Website | ||
FDD Year | N/A | 2026 |
Which Is Better — Super Wash or Tommy's Express?
Lower upfront capital required
Super Wash
Super Wash: $163K starting · Tommy's Express: $4.1M starting
More SBA lender confidence
Tommy's Express
Super Wash: 22 SBA loans · Tommy's Express: 58 SBA loans
Lower historical default rate
Tommy's Express
Super Wash: 27.3% · Tommy's Express: 0.0%
Larger system & brand presence
Tommy's Express
Super Wash: 21 units · Tommy's Express: 52 units
More lender financing options
Tommy's Express
Super Wash: 17 unique lenders · Tommy's Express: 26 unique lenders
Decision matrix uses publicly disclosed FDD and SBA loan data. Not a recommendation — your best franchise depends on capital, market, operating capacity, and risk tolerance.
Need Funding for Super Wash or Tommy's Express?
PeerSense connects you with 500+ SBA lenders and capital sources. Our referral fee is established upfront and paid at closing. No retainers.
SBA Lenders & Capital Sources
Retainers or Consulting Fees
10% Down Franchise Loans
About These Franchises
Super Wash vs Tommy's Express: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing Super Wash and Tommy's Express is about more than brand preference — it's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $163K to $5.7M.
Both brands have active SBA lending histories — Super Wash with 22 SBA loans and Tommy's Express with 58. This means proven lender acceptance and established underwriting paths for franchise buyers.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common franchise funding vehicle, offering up to $5M with as little as 10% down. PeerSense connects franchise buyers with the specific lenders who have approved loans for these brands — not generic referrals, but lenders with actual franchise lending track records.
Data sourced from SBA loan records, Franchise Disclosure Documents, and public filings. Updated regularly. Not financial advice — consult with a lending professional before making investment decisions.