Details combines a car wash with country club amenities
When Michael Krabbe was a teenager, he was the one who washed the family car before buying and caring for his own.
After graduating from Purdue University with a degree in hospitality, he worked in the industry, most recently as general manager and chief operating officer at Hillcrest Country Club in Long Grove.
Krabbe combined country club service and car washing in creating Details Car Wash at 2347 Hicks Road in Palatine, at the southwest corner of Hicks and Lake Cook roads.
"It's an upscale car wash," Krabbe said. "This is something I've always dreamed of."
A brick building, landscaping, a patio overlooking a tree-lined waterfront setting and all the latest state-of-the-art washing equipment are some of the amenities. Three computers with free Internet access and an area for children to help wash cars is coming soon.
"We want to make an environment that's comfortable for our customers and their children," said Krabbe, 36.
Taking the best features from other car washes, he started the process of building the business three years ago. For example, the vacuum cleaners are placed at the end of the wash in an effort to shorten the amount of time customers wait in line.
Flex serve is offered so patrons can have just an exterior wash, which sells for $6, while the premium service is $19.95. An array of options at prices in between is also available.
The business, which opened last week, is in the process of installing high pressure water guns that children can spray through the glass. "This is called 'Daddy's Little Helper,' " Krabbe said. He saw this feature at a Wheaton car wash.
Krabbe, the majority owner, has five silent partners. He is hosting an opening weekend special today through Sunday where all wash services will be half price.
Detail services are also offered at the three-bay facility. In addition to traditional detailing, Krabbe offers windshield repair, wheel rim repair and micro paint repair for scuffs. "We do this at a fraction of the cost seen at other places," he said.
The shop also offers mobile detailing services. Krabbe explained that they go to country clubs, offices or homes to make detailing more convenient. All the detailing equipment, water and electricity is brought to the customer in a trailer. Convenience is key, Krabbe said.
The car wash and the mobile units are environmentally friendly utilizing a water re-claim system.
An express detail that includes an exterior wash or carpet shampoo is also available an can be done while the customer waits. It takes about 20 minutes and costs $39.95.
"I'm trying to take the private club experience into a car wash," the owner said. This can be seen by the flowers planted out front to the upscale coffee products served.
Krabbe and his wife, Laina, are raising two children in Long Grove. Faith is 5 and Austin is three months old.
The car wash is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call (847) 776-9393.