About Vanity Car Wash & Ice Cream
Tom and Victoria Burke designed and built the Vanity Car Wash & Ice Cream businesses located at 214 S. Broad Street in Hillsdale, Michigan in 1994. This was the second wash the Burkes built and was featured in Professional Carwashing and Detailing Magazine. Their son Corey is the president and manages both operations.
Car washing is generally the busiest in the fall and winter months, therefore to maximize the use of the property, the design included an adjoining ice cream business which is open during the warmer months. This arrangement has been fantastic and allows the opportunity to cross market services and promotions between the car wash and the ice cream store. The customers love it!
The building is attractive; veneered with cultured split field stone and a pitched roof which allows easier inside access to hoses for maintenance. The lot size is approximately 151 feet by 330 feet. The carwash has 3 self-serve bays, and a touchless automatic was installed in 2003. The layout of the facility is designed for vehicles to enter from the back where there is ample space for cars to stack while waiting or to vacuum.
A unique feature of this car wash is the EXPRESS KEY. It is a key with a computer chip in it. The Key replaces money. One feature of the EXPRESS KEY is to “Prepay” it from $5.00 to $50.00 and money can be added to it up to 50 more times. This key is automatically debited while the key is inserted in the wash bays or vacuum. A green light will flash letting the customer know when there is $1.00 or less left on the key and the customer can come to the office to add money to the key for more time.
Another great feature of the EXPRESS KEY system available to businesses is the “Billing” EXPRESS KEY. Many businesses including UPS have a Billing Key account because they can provide themselves and employees each with a key and receive a detailed itemized invoice showing the date, and amount of washing time. It provides the business owner with a record for tax purposes. The EXPRESS KEY is convenient and can save the customer money. The EXPRESS KEYS make great gifts and employee incentives.
The ice cream store is designed for walk-up service and outside seating with room to expand. There is great parking and ample room for school buses. The glass front provides customers the opportunity to watch their ice cream order being made and see how neat and clean the store is kept.
The store features both premium quality soft serve and hand dipped ice cream plus a special product for people who are diabetic or lactose intolerant. The menu offers a variety of treats including cakes, assorted novelties and a small hot food menu to please everyone, including four legged furry friends.
The ice cream store is proud to support the community by offering discounts to ball teams, emergency service personnel, firefighters, and police.
Vanity Car Wash & Ice Cream
214 South Broad Street
Hillsdale, MI 49242
(517) 437-0003