Waves Car Wash opens in Lewes
In the days following the Cape Region’s first heavy snowfall, the crew at the new Waves Car Wash on Savannah Road was put to the test.
Owner Mike Anthenelli said his new car wash is designed to handle a busy workload by using an efficient setup that swiftly moves cars through quicker than his competitors.
“It’s just a whole new concept,” said Anthenelli, who owns the business with his wife Danni. “This is a needed asset to the community.”
Waves follows a flex-serve business model, focusing on efficiency and getting customers in and out faster than traditional car washes. At Waves, Anthenelli said, customers need not exit their vehicles unless they pay for a full-service package that includes interior cleaning. Interior vacuuming and window and dash cleaning take place at the end to speed up the process for those who want only exterior washes.
“We’re able to get cars through more efficiently and get through more cars in a shorter amount of time,” Anthenelli said. “It also allows customers to receive whatever services they need that day, not necessarily a one-size-fits-all approach.”
Waves offers three exterior washes, each using super soft cloth foam - The Shorebreak for $10, The Pipeline for $15 and The Big Kahuna for $20. Full-service treatment, including interior cleaning, can be added to any package for an additional $7. Treatments from other packages can also be added to any wash a la carte.
Memberships are also available for customers who plan to visit the car wash at least twice a month. For $29.99 per month, Wash Club members will receive unlimited visits for The Pipeline wash. For $54.99 per month, VIP Club members get unlimited use of the car wash for The Big Kahuna wash and the full service add-on. An added perk for club members is their own dedicated lane at the entrance. Additional cars get a 20 percent discount.
“The unlimited options are so nice because you only have to come twice a month and it’s paid for,” Anthenelli said.
Wash books offer customers two free washes when buying five. Gift cards are also available.
Anthenelli said he’s been determined to open a car wash in the Lewes area for the last 10 years. He’s traveled to several conventions and shows to learn the nuances and intricate details involved in running a high-quality car wash.
“From getting the chemicals right to adjusting the pressure, there’s so much involved in washing a car properly,” he said.
He also did a lot of homework. He talked to many car wash operators who have been in business for decades, learning what works well and what they might do differently. He took all he learned and worked with a well-respected car wash architect to develop a plan for an environmentally friendly car wash that would meet the needs of the Cape Region.
Anthenelli is proud to call Waves a green business. About 90 percent of the water is reclaimed, and 278 solar panels on the roof supply about 70 percent of the electric.
“I’m a surfer, and I love the beach,” he said. “When we were building this, we wanted to make sure we kept the environment in mind as much as possible because it’s very important to minimize the impact to the bays and ocean.”
Waves Car Wash is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday. Hours will extend in the summer. For more information, call 302-200-9007, go to www.wavescarwash.net, and follow the business on Facebook and Instagram.
