ZIPS Car Wash Expands Renovations Across Knoxville, Strengthening Community Ties
Just weeks after announcing the re-grand opening of five upgraded locations in Knoxville, ZIPS Car Wash is once again making headlines in East Tennessee. The car wash chain, one of the fastest-growing in the U.S., revealed that four additional Knoxville locations have completed renovations and will reopen with a community celebration next Tuesday, September 16. To mark the occasion, ZIPS will offer free car washes, host a ribbon-cutting ceremony in partnership with the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, and continue its mission of giving back by recognizing local military families with academic scholarships.
The re-opening ceremony will take place at 2935 Miller Place Way in Knoxville at 11:00 a.m. Attendees can expect not only to see the improved facilities firsthand but also to participate in a celebration that underscores ZIPS’ growing role in the Knoxville community.
Honoring Service Through Education
As part of the event, ZIPS will recognize Lily Marie Schnupp, a Knoxville resident and sophomore at Johnson University, with a $500 academic scholarship. Lily is the daughter of Master Sgt. Michael James Schnupp, who proudly served more than 20 years in the U.S. Air Force. His career spanned multiple deployments, including missions in the UAE, Iraq, and Qatar. Master Sgt. Schnupp specialized as a recruiter and traffic management journeyman before being disabled in the line of duty.
ZIPS emphasized that the scholarship represents more than financial assistance—it is a gesture of appreciation for the sacrifices made by service members and their families. By highlighting Lily’s story, ZIPS underscores the human side of its community-focused initiatives, reminding the public that behind every car wash promotion or ribbon-cutting is a broader commitment to people.
A Renewed Focus on Customer Experience
While the ceremonial elements capture attention, the real transformation lies in the upgrades themselves. According to ZIPS CEO Pete Nani, the Knoxville renovations go far beyond new paint and modernized exteriors.
“Along with improving the exterior and interior of nine of our sites in Knoxville, we’re making a significant upgrade to our customer experience by implementing improved training, enhanced features for ZIPS Unlimited members, and a renewed investment back into the community,” Nani shared.
This customer-first philosophy has been central to ZIPS’ expansion strategy. The upgrades include:
- Enhanced wash technology designed to deliver a faster, more effective clean while using water more efficiently.
- Streamlined member features, ensuring that ZIPS Unlimited subscribers enjoy even smoother entry, payment, and service experiences.
- Refreshed facilities, with brighter interiors and exteriors that create a more inviting, modern look for customers.
- Staff training programs aimed at ensuring every customer interaction reflects ZIPS’ commitment to service excellence.
For Knoxville drivers, these improvements mean more than just a clean car—they represent convenience, efficiency, and a feeling of being valued.
Investing Back Into the Community
ZIPS has long positioned itself not just as a business, but as a community partner. Its latest Knoxville upgrades are accompanied by continued investment in local organizations, schools, and nonprofits. A cornerstone of this commitment is ZIPS’ partnership with Folds of Honor, a nonprofit dedicated to providing scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members.
In 2024, ZIPS customers and employees helped raise more than $92,000 for Folds of Honor families. That impact extended across hundreds of households, turning routine car washes into meaningful contributions to education and opportunity. For 2025, ZIPS has set an ambitious target: $100,000 in donations.
To help reach this milestone, all of ZIPS’ 215+ locations nationwide are participating in the annual “Patriot Weekend” initiative, running from September 11–14. During this event, customers receive discounted car washes while ZIPS donates a portion of every retail wash purchase directly to Folds of Honor.
This model of linking customer perks with charitable giving allows ZIPS to involve the community directly in its philanthropic efforts. Customers leave with more than a clean car—they leave knowing they’ve contributed to a cause bigger than themselves.
Knoxville as a Strategic Market
Knoxville has quickly become one of ZIPS’ most important regional markets. The decision to renovate nine sites in the city within just a few months demonstrates not only confidence in the local economy but also recognition of Knoxville’s vibrant, community-driven culture.
Each reopening is more than a business milestone—it’s an opportunity to engage with customers and show appreciation for their loyalty. Knoxville residents benefit from state-of-the-art car wash services, while ZIPS deepens its roots in the community through initiatives like scholarships, partnerships, and charitable giving.
By synchronizing infrastructure upgrades with community investment, ZIPS ensures that growth is sustainable and welcomed by the people it serves.
Leadership That Blends Growth and Giving
CEO Pete Nani’s leadership has emphasized a dual focus: aggressive expansion paired with social responsibility. Under his guidance, ZIPS has invested heavily in both physical upgrades and people-focused initiatives. This includes better training for employees, consistent support for nonprofits, and strategic partnerships with organizations like local chambers of commerce.
This leadership style is proving effective. As the company grows its footprint across the United States, it also strengthens its reputation as a brand that genuinely cares about its customers and communities. Knoxville’s re-openings are just the latest example of how ZIPS is turning corporate values into visible action.
