New car wash open, another Starbucks coming

Countryside, a local family-owned business specializing in national food brands, gas, retail and car wash ventures throughout Kern and Tulare counties, has significantly contributed to Shafter's growth over the past decade, bringing the town its first Subway, Taco Bell and Starbucks. Last week, they opened their first Countryside Car Wash in the area, providing an efficient express wash experience.

The team also announced that it will be bringing another Starbucks to town as early as next year.

With the launch of their second Countryside Car Wash, the other located in Taft, co-owner Neetu Jhaj explained, "We are an express exterior wash, not a detailed wash. The goal is to provide a quality, express experience so customers do not have to wait 30 to 45 minutes or even an hour for a hand wash and wax. Once a customer is on the conveyor, they're out in less than 4 minutes, which our customers tell us is a remarkable savings in time and efficiency."

Countryside's new location features Shafter's first-of-its-kind tunnel, conveyor system and express automatic wash. "Our tunnel equipment and technology are very high quality. We made sure to work with a supplier rated one of the best in the country to bring the best of the best to Shafter," Neetu added. "Our deluxe member experience offers customers options like triple foam, rain repel, wheel cleaner, tire shine, deluxe wash, premium ceramic coat, and underbody wash, which many other car washes don't offer."

For the first month, Countryside offers a deluxe wash membership for first-time customers at over 50% off, costing $14.99 a month – less than 50 cents a day. "Our customers appreciate that," Neetu noted. "The second month is $36.99, still a great deal at just $1.23 a day."

Neetu expressed gratitude for the community's support, saying, "We feel really blessed and grateful for the positive response from the City of Shafter, the Police Department and the community. They have been sharing their positive experiences and excitement with us about utilizing the wash."

In line with their commitment to Shafter, Countryside plans to open a second Starbucks next to the car wash, on a site allocated for a drive-thru restaurant. "Our goal is to break ground at the end of the first quarter next year, with an expected opening in 2025," co-owner Rick Jhaj said.

The first Starbucks location near Taco Bell and McDonald's saw so much demand from traffic between Wasco and Shafter, coming through Highway 43 and Lerdo Highway, that a second location is needed to keep up. "It's such a busy area that we're opening a second location to meet demand," he added.

Reflecting on the family's 30-year history in Bakersfield, he said, "We're excited to keep developing in Shafter and to bring national brands to Shafter and Wasco."

Countryside Car Wash, 650 Central Valley Hwy., is open Monday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For information, call 661-292-7220.