P&G To Sell Car Wash Franchises

Cincinnati.com:

The Procter & Gamble Co. today said that it plans to expand its Mr. Clean Performance Car Wash concept throughout Ohio and Kentucky through franchising.

That would be a rare foray into retail for P&G and would be the first time the company, known for building iconic consumer products brands, has ever allowed franchising of one of its businesses.

Executives said that they have already identified two potential franchisees in the Cincinnati area and are seeking more who could pay the $35,000 franchise fee and meet other requirements to open up locations.

“As we look at Cincinnati, we think there’s space for multiple franchises here,” said Nathan Estruth, vice president of P&G Future Works, the division that developed the car wash concept.

Already there are two company-owned Mr. Clean locations in Cincinnati, and a third, limited-service location opened last month inside the Fountain Square garage downtown.