Construction Continues on New “Auto Spa” on Dubuque’s West End

As somebody who frequents Asbury Plaza quite frequently, be it for a Hy-Vee grocery shopping trip or another delicious meal at Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, I've been able to see progress being made on a new business on Dubuque's West End. Back when it was nothing more than foundation, I was as mystified as everyone else on what it could be.

It was the Telegraph Herald that confirmed that the ongoing construction at 2451 Northwest Arterial was going to be the home of Tidal Wave Auto Spa, a premier car wash that currently has several Iowa locations: including ones in Cedar Falls, Coralville, and Cedar Falls.

Tidal Wave is a Georgia-based company, which started all the way back in 2004. It grew from a local car wash operation to presently having around 100 locations all across the country. The building permit Tidal Wave received from the City of Dubuque to build the new location next door to Freddy's reports that the total cost of construction is $1 million.

Since moving to the Tri-States, there's a running joke I've heard. There are three types of businesses to come to Dubuque: chain restaurants, credit unions, and car washes. The "three Cs" if you will. Tidal Wave does indeed fit the bill, but they have stiff competition in the area between Miracle, Clean Getaway, and others.

Time will tell in terms of how they succeed in a crowded market. That said, there is no timetable for when Tidal Wave will be open for business. The Dubuque location is likely to employ 10-12 workers, according to the company's chief marketing officer, and its hours of operation will be limited upon opening.

Find out more about Tidal Wave Auto Spa on their website.