Prestige Hand Car Wash on Milpas Street Closes Unexpectedly

The Prestige Hand Car Wash located at 524 N. Milpas Street in Santa Barbara has closed down unexpectedly, leaving employees and customers surprised.

The car wash, opened in 1999 under previous ownership as Zipp Car Wash, was shut down just before Christmas on December 23rd. The 26 employees, including popular detailer “Woody,” were apparently not informed that it was their last day of work until the end of their shifts.

The business is owned by one of the daughters of original owners Frank and Catherine Phalen, who have both passed away in recent years. It remains unclear why the lease was not renewed by the landowner, who also owns the adjacent La Pachanga bar.

Local businesses and the Milpas Eastside Business Association have expressed surprise and disappointment at the abrupt closure. Some customers were seen driving to the now chained-off car wash entrances after having purchased gift cards, unaware that the business had shut down. It is unknown if these customers will receive reimbursement.

Rumors that developer John Price may have interest in the property were dismissed by Price himself in an email statement, though surveyors had recently been spotted doing underground soil testing there. Price believes the landowners plan to build housing on the site. His company just broke ground on a new 36-unit upscale complex on nearby Haley Street.

The closure has sparked extensive discussion online, particularly on community site Nextdoor. Commenters have focused on the lack of notice given to employees before the holidays and the outstanding car wash gift cards that customers are left holding.