GREASE MONKEY
Grease Monkey franchises operate quick-service automotive centers that provide oil changes, preventive maintenance services including fluid checks and fills, brake services, and select automotive products to the general public, targeting car and truck owners in urban, suburban, and smaller city areas. The business model revolves around a proprietary system with drive-through bays, no-appointment service under the Pit Crew Guarantee™, and franchising to single-unit, multi-unit, or conversion owners who adhere to brand standards. Centers compete in a highly competitive market against other quick-lube chains, garages, and big-box retailers.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
6% royalty + 0.5% ad fund + $193-$346/mo POS maintenance fee
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Data Based On: 149 franchisee-owned Centers for fiscal year 2024, in operation for more than one year, operated the entire calendar year 2024, and provided complete Profit and Loss Statements.
* Weighted average gross revenue calculated from Chart I using (6 units * $323,437 + 16 units * $504,063 + 16 units * $706,395 + 34 units * $896,005 + 77 units * $1,487,347) / 149 total units = $1,116,093. Weighted average gross profit calculated from Chart I using (6 units * $231,122 + 16 units * $367,908 + 16 units * $519,136 + 34 units * $662,785 + 77 units * $1,119,074) / 149 total units = $834,113. Weighted average EBITDAR calculated from Chart I using (6 units * $(37,064) + 16 units * $26,594 + 16 units * $128,748 + 34 units * $166,882 + 77 units * $336,179) / 149 total units = $226,999. EBITDAR margin calculated from weighted average EBITDAR / weighted average gross revenue = 0.203. Median gross revenue taken from the Median Performer of the Third Quartile ($1,152,030) as the 75th unit (median of 149 units) falls into this quartile. Revenue top quartile is the Average Net Sales for the Top Quartile from Chart II. Revenue bottom quartile is the Average Net Sales for the Bottom Quartile from Chart II. Best guess profit range (low and high) are derived from the lowest and highest EBITDAR reported for individual performers in the quartile data (Bottom Quartile, Low Performer: $(192,566) and Top Quartile, High Performer: $809,833).
Extracted Item 19 Section
How GREASE MONKEY Compares to Other Automotive Repair & Maintenance Franchises
Key Insights
- Higher investment than 93% of Automotive Repair & Maintenance franchises
- Top 10 largest franchise system in Automotive Repair & Maintenance
- One of the lowest SBA loan default rates in Automotive Repair & Maintenance
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
GREASE MONKEY Current | $291K - $917K | $40K | 6.0% | 209 |
| JIFFY LUBE | $232K - $520K | $35K | N/A | 1,721 |
| Tire Pros | $111K - $266K | $7K | N/A | 605 |
| BIG O TIRES (BUSINESS FORMAT FRANCHISE) | $326K - $1.3M | $18K | 5.0% | 461 |
| Fix Auto | $55K - $850K | $10K | 3.0% | 212 |
| PRECISION TUNE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT | $182K - $478K | $25K | N/A | 209 |
Automotive Repair & Maintenance Average 14 franchises | $167K - $747K | $33K | 7.4% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 14 Automotive Repair & Maintenance franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2024)
Outlets by state across the United States
+19 more states
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for GREASE MONKEY franchisees (2010 - 2025)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
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Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
No litigation involving franchisees reported in the FDD.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
No bankruptcy history reported in the FDD.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a GREASE MONKEY franchise?
The total initial investment to open a GREASE MONKEY franchise ranges from $291,320 to $917,050. This includes a franchise fee of $39,900. Ongoing royalty fees are 6.0% of gross sales.
How much revenue does a GREASE MONKEY franchise make?
According to the 2025 FDD, the average gross revenue for a GREASE MONKEY franchise is $1,116,093. The median revenue is $1,152,030.
How much profit can you make with a GREASE MONKEY franchise?
Based on the financial performance data in the FDD, estimated profit for a GREASE MONKEY franchise ranges from $-192,566 to $809,833 per year. Actual results vary based on location, management, and market conditions.
How many GREASE MONKEY franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, GREASE MONKEY has 209 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 1978.
Can you get an SBA loan for a GREASE MONKEY franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for GREASE MONKEY franchises. Historical data shows 102 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for GREASE MONKEY franchisees, with an average loan amount of $867,418. The historical default rate is 0.0%.
Is GREASE MONKEY a good franchise to buy?
GREASE MONKEY shows several positive indicators: established brand with 209+ locations, transparent financial performance data (Item 19), low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
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