A franchise of Christian Brothers Automotive, a Houston-based car repair and maintenance company, intends to build a location in Bartram Village in South Jacksonville.
The city is reviewing a permit application for construction on 1.1 acres at 13918 Village Lake Circle, off Old St. Augustine Road west of Interstate 95, at an estimated cost of $950,000.
A spokesperson for Christian Brothers said the franchisee prefers not to be identified. Franchises are sold by territory, meaning that each shop draws customers from a defined area of service.
Christian Brothers Automotive has expanded to more than 245 locations across 30 states.
In Florida, there are 10 shops open in the Tampa, Brandon, Melbourne, Land O’ Lakes, Lakeland, Clermont, Riverview and Apollo Beach areas with seven locations in development around Jacksonville, Orlando and Sarasota.
The Jacksonville shop will be the last of the seven planned Florida locations to open, said the spokesperson. It is in the early stage of development.
The building plans show Christian Brothers Automotive Corp. as the property owner. ID Studio 4 LLC of Irving, Texas, is the architect.
The estimated initial investment for a Christian Brothers Automotive franchise ranges from $454,250 to $582,400, with 82-83% of the investment typically financed over a 10-year period using Small Business Administration loans, said the spokesperson.
Christian Brothers Automotive is a partner of the VetFran program, which provides franchise opportunities to veterans. Approved candidates receive 10% off of the total franchise fee.
“Christian Brothers is continually on the lookout for exceptional properties that allow it to be near where its customers live, work and shop. The company also leads the site selection, acquisition, development and construction of each property it then sub-leases to its franchisees,” said the spokesperson.
The company said that it is built on the idea that having a car serviced should be easy.
“Christian Brothers Automotive offers free shuttle service, educational estimates and complimentary courtesy inspections for guests. From simple upkeep such as an oil change to more involved repairs and engine diagnostics, Christian Brothers Automotive addresses automotive issues as soon as they’re found, that could otherwise require expensive repair or replacement down the line,” said the spokesperson.
Christian Brothers was founded in Mission Bend, Texas, in 1982.
