Lyon Car Wash Celebrates 50 Years in Business

Lyon Car Wash, a local family-owned car wash, announced in October that they are celebrating their 50th anniversary. The car wash, which opened its first location in 1967 before Darien was officially established as a city, provides both self-serve and touchless automatic car wash options to its loyal customers whom they’ve now been serving for half a century.

“I am so honored and excited that I could carry on the legacy that my father, Jack Lyon, began in the 60s,” stated Dean Lyon, youngest son of the Lyon Car Wash founder and now owner. “So much has changed since this business saw its opening day back in 1967, but one thing has remained consistent; Lyon Car Wash carries on the small-business spirit by treating its customers like family and continues to support the Darien community.”

Lyon Car Wash, originally founded as L&M Car Wash by Jack Lyon and son-in-law Ed Miller, saw its beginnings in Darien as a 25 cent, four bay self-serve wash located just behind a now defunct Dog N’ Suds on Plainfield Rd. and Cass Ave. Over the years, Lyon Car Wash saw such growth in its customer base that it slowly began expanding by adding more self-serve bays and eventually touchless automatic washes. Since his teenage years, Jack’s son Dean began working with his father and caring for the business, eventually completely taking over in the early 90s. Additional locations began popping up, from Crest Hill to Yorkville, alongside the original location.

“It was so impactful to have grown up watching my grandfather and dad work so closely together as entrepreneurs and small-business owners,” Dean’s daughter, Becca shared. “They taught the entire family the value of hard work and determination, and to now see their business has been so successful that they are celebrating 50 years is inspiring. I know my grandpa would be proud.”

Lyon Car Wash plans to hold a year-long celebration, which will include monthly specials, fun giveaways and a 50th year close-out BBQ and car show. For more information and to receive updates on 50th anniversary events, follow Lyon Car Wash on Facebook.

Media contact: Becca Lyon