Case Study: Papa Bear Car Wash

Papa Bear Car Wash is a fast-growing, customer-focused operation in Anderson, South Carolina known for its commitment to providing a one-of-a-kind wash experience. With an emphasis on creativity and innovation, the team at Papa Bear has embraced a dynamic approach to car wash presentation, using every element of the facility to elevate the brand and delight customers. Central to this strategy is a fully customizable lighting setup powered by G&G. With vibrant RGBW displays that can shift seamlessly between seasonal themes and special event color schemes, Papa Bear has transformed its tunnel into a high-impact visual experience that surprises and engages visitors. What started as a simple enhancement has become a core part of the business’s identity, helping fuel dramatic membership growth and customer loyalty in a competitive market.

LOCATION: Anderson, SC
DISTRIBUTING PARTNER: Sonny’s The Car Wash Factory
MARKET/APPLICATION Car: Wash & Detail

 

Challenge

When Papa Bear Car Wash opened its doors, the tunnel lacked any dedicated lighting—a missed opportunity to create visual impact and set the tone for a premium customer experience. In a competitive market with two car washes just down the road, Papa Bear needed a way to elevate their brand and justify their higher price point. With customers expecting more than just a basic rinse, the team sought a solution that could deliver both aesthetic value and long-term reliability. The goal wasn’t just to add light, but to build a dynamic, engaging atmosphere that would turn a routine wash into a memorable experience and keep customers coming back.

“The installation process was super easy. They provide a complete layout showing exactly where each LED light should go. You simply put up the clips, click in the lights, connect the jumper cables, and you’re done—they’re ready to go.”

BJ Davis, General Manager

Papa Bear Gallery

Solution

Papa Bear turned to G&G’s cutting-edge ColorWash® PLUS lighting system to bring their vision to life. Designed specifically for the intense demands of car wash environments, ColorWash® PLUS drenches the tunnel in high-output color, creating immersive, brand-driven experiences that captivate customers from entry to exit. Engineered with a seamless, chemical-resistant copolyester shell and IP68 waterproof rating, these low-profile RGBW fixtures are built to thrive under high-pressure washdowns.

With G&G’s intuitive ColorWash app and plug-and-play control system, Papa Bear can sync and customize vivid, synchronized light shows across the entire tunnel—whether it’s setting the scene for a holiday, celebrating local sports teams, or simply reinforcing their signature color palette. The DMX 512-compliant system and modular 2″ design allowed for a straightforward install, even within the tunnel’s existing framework. Today, G&G’s ColorWash® PLUS doesn’t just light the way—it sets the tone, defines the mood, and delivers the wow-factor that makes every Papa Bear wash unforgettable.

Result

G&G’s ColorWash is a key component of the Papa Bear Car Wash brand. Since installing the lighting system, Papa Bear has seen dramatic growth—membership has skyrocketed from just over 350 to more than 6,000 active members, and monthly car wash volume has climbed from 4,000 to 22,000 vehicles. The lighting has become more than just a visual enhancement; it’s a powerful driver of customer engagement and brand loyalty. The ability to tailor lighting themes has allowed Papa Bear to continuously refresh the customer experience and stand out in a crowded market. With a durable, low-maintenance system that delivers consistent performance, G&G has helped Papa Bear turn a dark tunnel into a revenue-generating showpiece.