Octopus sells last of its stations to car wash giant Mister Car Wash

• Mister Car Wash's new Farmington stations are located at 2609 E. 20th St. and 1309 W. Main St.
• The family-owned Octopus Car Wash had more than 30 car washes throughout the U.S. over the course of decades.
• Mister Car Wash also bought the Octopus Car Wash in Albuquerque, famous for being featured in "Breaking Bad."

FARMINGTON — Farmington’s Octopus Car Wash stations are under new ownership, making them a part of the largest car wash chain in the country.
 
The Tucson, Ariz.-based Mister Car Wash bought the two Farmington car washes and a third in Pueblo, Colo., from Octopus Car Wash in June, according to a press release from Mister Car Wash.

The change in ownership was made official over the past few weeks as the Octopus signs were replaced with blue and yellow signs at two locations — 2609 E. 20th St. and 1309 W. Main St.

Octopus Car Wash has operated more than 30 car washes over the course of decades, according to its website, but the owners, the Jurkens family, decided to sell “their remaining three locations (in) Farmington, New Mexico, and Pueblo, Colorado.”

“After being in business for over 60 years, we have decided now is the time to spend more time with our families,” the Jurken family said on the Octopus Car Wash website. “It’s a business we have truly enjoyed and in which we have dedicated our working lives. We are turning over the reins to Mister Car Wash, who will take great strides to continue to service all the customers that were so dedicated to Octopus Car Wash.”

Services at the car washes will generally be the same, according to Ciera Lopez, marketing specialist for Mister Car Wash. Some slight changes were made — for example, the vacuum stations have moved to the other side of the lot at the 20th Street location.

The car washes offer interior detailing and exterior cleaning services. The chain's "tunnel experience" offers surface conditioners, hot waxes, water repellent washes, wheel polish, under-body washes and sealants, according to its website. There is also an unlimited car wash club.

Mister Car Wash is a national operation, with 232 car washes in 21 states, including several locations in Albuquerque and Las Cruces, according to its website.

The company also bought six Octopus Car Wash locations in Albuquerque in 2014, including the car wash featured in the TV show “Breaking Bad,” according to the Albuquerque Journal. The show’s main character, Walter White, worked as a cashier at the Octopus Car Wash at 9516 Snow Heights Circle NE in the popular series.

Megan Petersen covers business and education for The Daily Times. Reach her at 505-564-4621 or mpetersen@daily-times.com.