After failed attempts to establish new car washes in the area, another company is now making a bid for a prime spot next to Walmart in Sebastian.
Earlier this year, the Sebastian City Council approved permits for two car washes that eventually did not materialize. Now, Big Dan’s Car Wash hopes to succeed where others have not.
“All the other car washes that were approved fell through, including the Dirty Dog Car Wash in the county,” Sebastian Councilman Chris Nunn said.
Dirty Dog was intended to open last fall on US-1 north of Roseland Road but remained silent last year. This property is located within the county and not within the city limits. Sebastian Daily never received a response from the company when asked why it didn’t open in the fall of 2023.
The City Council had also approved a special use permit for Mr. Clean Car Wash at 203 Sebastian Blvd, and shortly after, for Take 5 Express Car Wash at the former World Bank building next to Walmart. The plans for these two car washes were abandoned, leaving the properties vacant.
However, last week, the Planning & Zoning Board approved a special use permit for Big Dan’s Car Wash at the same coveted location next to Walmart. This recommendation will soon be presented to the City Council in a future meeting for final approval. There is a council meeting this Wednesday, but this item wasn’t added to the agenda.
The consensus among local residents suggests the city already has enough car washes, with establishments like Pelican Express on U.S. 1, Sebastian Car Wash across from Riverview Park, and City Suds on CR-512 already serving the community.
Despite this, Big Dan’s Car Wash wants to tap into Sebastian’s market. They claim to provide top-notch customer service while offering employment and career opportunities. They have several locations throughout Orlando and Tampa.
