Birmingham Says Goodbye to a Beloved Institution
Birmingham, the heart of Alabama, has recently faced a bittersweet moment as the Etheridge Senior Car Wash, a cherished business nestled in the historic downtown Fourth Avenue Business District, has officially closed its doors after an impressive run of 31 years. Located at 1600 Third Ave. North, the car wash shut down its operations on October 25, leaving not just empty stalls but also a deep sense of nostalgia among loyal customers.
A Family Legacy Ends
April Pritchett-White and Ashley Pritchett, the co-owners of the car wash, made the difficult announcement through a heartfelt statement posted on their social media. “After 31 wonderful years, we regret to announce that we will be closing our doors,” they shared. The duo cited the evolving economy and significant hiring challenges as major factors behind the decision.
“I’m thankful for all of our loyal customers who have supported our family and business throughout the years,” said Ashley, reminiscing about the relationships formed over the decades. “This has been in my family since I was young, and I will always cherish those memories.” Her sister, April, echoed these sentiments, expressing her sadness over the closure. “I will miss the customers and serving the community, especially helping people who were just getting back on their feet,” she said.
A Community Favorite
As the news spread, many longtime customers flocked to the car wash for one last wash, hoping to relive the experience one more time. Daijah Bell, who has been a customer for about a decade, reflected on the quality she had come to trust. “Every time I left, my car looked brand new. There was consistent attention to detail,” she said, adding that she will miss the communal spirit that often blossomed there.
Another local, Anita Davis, was left at a loss for options after the closure. “What are we going to do?” she lamented. “They do such a good job; it’s like you just bought your car off the showroom floor.” Many customers shared feelings of uncertainty as they faced the search for a new car wash that could measure up to the standards set by Etheridge Senior Car Wash.
A Bit of History
The car wash was established in 1993 by the sisters’ grandfather, Willie T. Etheridge, a prominent figure in Birmingham’s business community. Under his guidance, the Etheridge family grew a diverse business portfolio that included five barbershops, beauty salons, and a catering facility. After his passing in 2003, his daughter, Felecia Etheridge-Dovi, stepped in to lead the business until her untimely death in 2017. That’s when April and Ashley took over, determined to keep the family legacy alive.
Challenges Over the Years
Operating the business became increasingly challenging, particularly during the pandemic, which saw a steep decline in employees. Ashley explained that their staff dwindled from 14 to just two loyal employees before the closure. “We had to adjust our hours,” she noted, recalling the difficult decisions made to keep the business afloat. “Sometimes I would wash 25 out of 30 cars myself because of our staffing shortages.”
Looking to the Future
As they close this chapter, both sisters are taking steps to prioritize their own well-being. Ashley, who also works at the UAB, has returned to her studies for nursing, while April has a stable job at Blue Cross Blue Shield. They shared that they would miss the daily grind but are eager to explore life outside the business.
A Fond Farewell
The closure of Etheridge Senior Car Wash not only marks the end of a family legacy but also signals a significant loss for the Birmingham community. Even the Mayor of Birmingham, Randall Woodfin, expressed his sadness, stating that he had always been impressed with the thoroughness and quality of service provided by the car wash.
As Birmingham bids farewell to a beloved institution, it holds tight to the wonderful memories created over the years. Ashley and April leave behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and, most importantly, a community that will always cherish the relationships forged at Etheridge Senior Car Wash.
