QuikTrip Sets Car Wash Sights on Kansas

TULSA, Okla. -- QuikTrip has chosen Wichita, Kansas to start its car wash business, with two conveyor-style car washes currently being built at locations there.

This marks the second phase of QuikTrip's car wash test marketing campaign to determine whether there is a market for an upscale car wash program across the convenience store chain, the Wichita Eagle reported. Although these are the first QuikTrip car washes in Kansas, the program could be the first of many if enough customers are found.

The first phase of the car wash program was built two years ago in Glenpool, Okla., and has been a "tremendous success," QuikTrip spokesman Mike Thornbrugh told the Eagle.

Both locations will sport brushless car wash systems, but also have a conveyor-stye upscale car wash manned by QuikTrip employees. Also included are free vacuum services and free air for tires. Yet another feature is that the car washes are guaranteed, according to Thornbrugh.

"That's us," he told the paper. "We're methodical. We study an issue. We watch what our customers want, and then we decide whether to proceed. We've spent quite a long time doing our research into the kind of equipment we think people want, the concepts they want."

Construction has started at one of the sites, which is expected to open in February. Bids have not begun at the other site, where officials hope for an April opening, Thornbrugh said.

Once completed, QuikTrip officials will monitor the car washes use. If successful, the concept will expand to other company stores in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Iowa, Arizona and Georgia, according to the Wichita Eagle.
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