Closed Sign Emerges At Car Wash In Vernon

VERNON, CT — The acquisition of the Mr. Sparkle car washes by Valvoline has thrown a cloud of uncertainly over at least one of the outlets in Vernon, a leading town official said.

A giant closed sign has been in front of the 21 Winsor Ave. location for several days. Smaller signs are directing customers to the larger car wash at 373 Talcottville Road.

Both are on state Route 83.

Even what form the Talcottville location would take is up in the air, Vernon Economic Development Coordinator Shaun Gately said. Valvoline would ideally "co-locate" oil change centers with the car washes, but that might not work at the Talcottville site, he said.

Gately said he has had no input on the Rockville site.

The Valvoline-Mr. Sparkle saga has dragged on since October 2020, when a sign emerged on land next to the Talcottville Road location indicating that a Valvoline oil change business will be built on a long-vacant parcel.

The placard made a "coming soon" declaration, but Gately said "several modifications" would be required.

Valvoline has since purchased Mr, Sparkle, he said.