ZIPS Car Wash announces the acquisition of Jet Brite Car Wash, an 11-store mega car wash chain based in Chicago.  This acquisition includes three additional sites currently under development and brings ZIPS into the Chicagoland area further expanding its Midwest presence. This is ZIPS 25th closing transaction for this year, which is a record year of expansion with 61 stores acquired in 2022.  ZIPS Car Wash now owns and operates nearly 275 locations across the country under the ZIPS, Rocket Express and now Jet Brite car wash brands.

“We see this acquisition as an opportunity for both of these great brands to learn best practices from each other,” said Gene Dinkens, CEO, ZIPS Car Wash. “Jet Brite is known for its exceptional operations and extreme focus on a great car wash experience for every customer. We’re confident that we can continue their legacy to faithfully serve Chicagoland residents, and plan to bring their expertise to our growing chain of express car wash operations,” he added.

Jet Brite Car Wash was established in 2000 with one location in Addison, IL.  They have expanded over the last 22 years into 11 locations, now serving customers in Chicago, and several of its western suburbs.  Jet Brite Car Wash is conveniently located and now offers a JetPass™ for unlimited washes. Jet Brite Car Wash is distinguished by its unique tunnel design featuring impressive brushed stainless-steel arches and reliable, easy-to-maintain long-lasting equipment.  Jet Brite is a long-time industry leader and is credited for leading the way in innovation, technology, and customer service with a focused approach to excellence in their business model.

The acquisition gives ZIPS access to the exclusive Shadow Car Wash Equipment Line (Formerly Jet Brite Systems). Shadow Equipment is a premium stainless steel equipment manufacturer. ZIPS has partnered with Shadow Equipment to build several additional Jet Brite locations in 2023 and beyond.  The Shadow Brand has been manufacturing car wash equipment since 2010 and has produced premium equipment for the entire tunnel since 2017.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to join forces with ZIPS, while keeping our core values and the recognition of our brand available to our loyal customers,” said former President, Dave Dalesandro, Jet Brite Car Wash. “Both of these excellent brands began as a single operation and we both know what it takes to build a successful business model. We’ll partner to learn from each other and implement best practices across both brands to better serve all customers,” he added. 

ZIPS will continue to offer the same excellent service Jet Brite customers have come to expect, while also implementing the benefits a brand of its size can bring to the customer experience. Customers will soon be able to access the ZIPSme Portal, which unlocks Partner Perks, online management of unlimited accounts, and exclusive giveaways. For more information, visit www.zipscarwash.com.

Amplify Car Wash Advisors, a national mergers and acquisitions and capital advisory firm, acted as the exclusive advisor to Jet Brite Car Wash on its successful acquisition by ZIPS Car Wash. The transaction involved 11 high-volume sites in the Chicagoland market and three sites in development along with providing ZIPS Car Wash access to Jet Brite Systems’ premier full-tunnel stainless steel equipment line, Shadow Equipment.

Jet Brite Car Wash was established in 2000 and was an early adopter of the express car wash model. Founders Dave Dalesandro and Sam Youssef focused on providing customers with a consistent, affordable, quality car wash while growing to a mega car wash brand across the region. To greater fulfill its commitment to consistency and quality, Jet Brite Systems, Inc. an equipment manufacturing company, was launched in 2010.

“With decades of hands-on experience as operators, when it came time to sell our car wash business who we sold to was important to Sam and me” said Dalesandro, former president of Jet Brite Car Wash. “Chris [Jenks] and the team at Amplify listened to us throughout the entire process. They found the right buyer in ZIPS who would be a good steward of the brand and helped find the best path forward for us where we can continue pursuing our passion for manufacturing high-quality car wash equipment.”

Chris Jenks, chief operating officer at Amplify Car Wash Advisors added, “as a predominant and established player in the Chicagoland market, Jet Brite is known for its operational excellence, high-quality equipment, and strong local brand. Being a Chicago native myself, I have long admired Jet Brite and it has been a privilege and an honor to serve Dave and Sam as they transition to this next chapter where they can continue to focus on innovating and manufacturing best-in-class car wash equipment.”  

Gene Dinkens, CEO, ZIPS Car Wash shared, “we're proud to partner again with Amplify Car Wash Advisors to bring Jet Brite Express Car Wash into the ZIPS portfolio. We're gaining an excellent brand of car washes, expanding into a new market, and will operate these 11 locations with the same excellence customers have come to expect from Jet Brite. ZIPS has experienced the largest expansion in the company's history in 2022 with over 60 car washes acquired this year and we couldn't be more satisfied to have Amplify assist us with this acquisition.” 

Following the completion of this transaction, Amplify Car Wash Advisors has closed on its 54th car wash site in the 3rd quarter alone.