Grease Monkey
Grease Monkey franchises offer oil changes and preventive maintenance services. Known for quick, reliable auto care, Grease Monkey operates in the automotive service industry.
Grease Monkey franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment to open a single Grease Monkey Center ranges from $708,057 to $2,284,321. This includes an Initial Franchise Fee of $39,900 and additional costs for establishing and operating the center [p.1, p.17].
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for a single Grease Monkey Center is $39,900. This fee covers the right to develop and operate one center, includes pre-opening assistance such as an initial training program, and offsets some of GMF's expenses related to franchisee recruitment [p.17, p.25]. For multi-unit franchises, additional fees apply: a $20,000 fee for the second center and $15,000 for each subsequent center [p.139, p.146].
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
The franchisee must pay a nonrefundable royalty fee of 6% of their total monthly 'Gross Revenues' to GMF on a monthly basis. This royalty supports the use of the Marks and other intellectual property, as well as GMF's ongoing support. Additionally, royalties include contributions to advertising funds, which are calculated based on net sales reported by franchisees and recognized when franchise sales occur [p.256, p.292].
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
The initial franchise agreement term isn't specified in the excerpts. However, renewal options are available; you have the option to renew for an additional 15-year term or a series of five-year terms with automatic extensions, subject to certain conditions [p.97].
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
According to the FDD, you can sell or transfer your franchise, but there are conditions. If you were an Existing Franchisee as of April 30, 2022, and meet the Grandfather Conditions, you may sell your franchise with a 5 percent royalty. However, if you fail to satisfy these conditions, any sale would require a 6 percent royalty [p.23]. Additionally, good cause must be provided by the franchisor for refusing to permit such transfers [p.5].
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The provided FDD excerpts primarily detail the conditions under which a franchisee can terminate the agreement or be terminated by the franchisor, but do not specify the grounds for termination by the franchisor.
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
This isn't specified in the excerpts.
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
No, you do not receive an exclusive or protected territory. Multi-Unit Franchisees can locate their Grease Monkey Centers in any location, subject to prior written approval from the company based on their criteria [p.27, p.34]. You may face competition from other franchisees and brands controlled by the company [p.42].
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides pre-opening services including training, market research, and site selection. Additionally, there is ongoing support provided through the term of the franchise agreement. [p.250, p.286, p.291]
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
As of December 31, 2025, there were 233 franchisee-owned Centers. Five franchisee-owned Centers closed during the year 2025 [p.57].
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor, GMF, does not make any financial performance representations except for the possibility of providing actual records of an existing Center if a prospective franchisee is purchasing one. [p.59] Additionally, GMF does not authorize its employees or representatives to make such representations. [p.59] However, if you are considering buying an existing Center, they may provide actual records from that Center. [p.59]
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are required to sell only those services and products that meet or exceed the franchisor's standards and specifications [p.49]. You must purchase 90% of all products from approved vendors, which may change based on availability and pricing [p.80]. Additionally, you need to obtain written approval from the franchisor before purchasing any products, equipment, supplies, or services not previously approved [p.30].