If
your set of wheels is looking a little worse for the wear, you could
probably use a good car wash. Well, Chicago boasts a couple new locales
where drivers can spiffy up their cars and trucks in style! 190 North's
Lou Canellis scouted them out!
For most of us, the coolest part about visiting the car wash used to be watching your car get lathered up and go through the tunnel, but not anymore. Having a spotless set of wheels just got a lot more fun, thanks to places with a comfy waiting room, kids' corner and even massages while you wait.
Call it canine inspiration or simply filling a need, but a furry guy was the reason Nicole Kloiber began brainstorming about a new business.
"I was visiting car washes left and right because he shed like crazy and I’ve been in a neighborhood and wasn't happy with what I saw, so I decided to open up a new car wash," said Nicole.
The name of the Lincoln Park spot is Simon’s Shine Shop. It seems only fitting that a place inspired by a 110-pound Alaskan Malamute, now bears his name and when you come, you can even expect to see the adorable Simon.
"He greets customers, talks to them, says hello, lays on his back for a belly rub," said Nicole.
But the furry greeter at the front door isn't the only thing that makes this place unique. While your car gets a little pampering in the hand-wash, drivers also get some TLC in the trendy lounge.
"We have a lot of neat things in the waiting room for customers. We have coffee, tea, candy and hot chocolate. We have a kiddie corner with books and toys. People are here for about 20-30 minutes, so we wanted to make it as good an experience as possible for them," said Nicole.
It's a concept that instantly caught on with customers, Phil Burnstein has been coming since the start.
"You sit back, get some coffee, piece of candy, read a paper and by the time you’re done, your car is ready," said Nicole.
If you go over the weekend, you can relax and unwind with mini neck and back massages -- not a bad way to wait.
And all of the perks come with the basic price of a wash, which costs about 10-bucks, if you buy the Simon's 10-wash package.
"It's just a little something extra for our customers," said Nicole.
Nicole is even thinking about tossing in a few more extras soon. How about Manicure Mondays? In the meantime, she’s got her prized pooch to thank for a cool, new concept in clean cars.
If it's the thrill of engines revving and cars speeding around the track that you love, you might want to check out Deerfiel's Grand Prix Car Wash. While your own set of wheels gets shined up, you get to immerse yourself in all things racing in a mini-museum of sorts!
"We have TV's that are mounted on the walls that are continuously running interviews of Andretti and track-side crews. You’re also gonna see memorabilia as you walk down our main highway. You’re gonna see nose cones from actual race cars, tires and racing suits,” said Juli Jacobs.
The guys making your car sparkle are dressed like your very own pit crew. Juli Jacobs launched the themed car wash about four years ago. She has another similar locale in Buffalo Grove. The theme and the top-notch service keep the customers lining up.
"My car is my home away from home and I like a clean home. I come here a minimum of 3 times a week, maybe four," said Lester.
"I have 2 six year-olds and a four-year-old so they love cars and they love racing and the whole theme, walking through and seeing on the TV’s, the race cars, the love the whole theme," said Seth.
“We give fans a show, as well as a clean car," said Juli.
The best part is after a really fun visit to Grand Prix or Simon’s Shine Shop,
you get to pull away in a car that looks like new again!
For more information:
Simon's Shine Shop
1439 West Shakespeare Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 348-2000
Grand Prix Car Wash
766 Robert York Avenue
Deerfield, IL 60015
(847) 444-8600
Or try their other location:
1701 North Weiland Road
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
(847) 808-8600
