2014
53
$150,000
$54,900
$1,874,900
No
Costa Oil – 10 Minute Oil Change is revolutionizing the quick lube industry with its efficient, drive-through oil change service that takes just 10 minutes. Founded in 2014 by Costa Kapothanasis in Hanover, Pennsylvania, the brand has rapidly expanded, offering a compelling franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking a low-overhead, high-demand business model. With a commitment to exceptional customer service and a streamlined operational approach, Costa Oil is poised for continued growth in the automotive service sector.
Rapid Growth: Costa Oil has expanded to 53 locations as of 2024, marking a 278.6% growth over three years.
High Demand: The brand's focus on quick, no-appointment oil changes meets the growing consumer need for fast and convenient automotive services.
Proven Business Model: With a modular unit design and efficient operations, Costa Oil offers a scalable and cost-effective franchise opportunity.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, ensuring a smooth operational experience.
Established Year:
Costa Oil – 10 Minute Oil Change was founded in 2014 by Costa Kapothanasis in Hanover, Pennsylvania. The concept was built around a fast, convenient, and high-quality oil change service that could be completed in just 10 minutes, addressing the growing consumer demand for time-efficient automotive maintenance.
Founders and Leadership:
The company was founded and is currently led by Costa Kapothanasis, who has driven the brand’s growth from a single location to a recognized franchise. His leadership emphasizes operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and franchisee support, which has become central to Costa Oil’s success.
Franchise Units:
Since beginning franchising in 2020, Costa Oil has grown rapidly to 53 locations across multiple states including Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and others, with both company-owned and franchise-owned units. The brand has gained recognition for its rapid expansion and efficiency in the automotive service sector.
Brand Journey & Company History:
2014: First Costa Oil location launched in Hanover, PA.
2018-2019: Streamlined operations and standardized service protocols for scalability.
2020: Began franchising to expand nationwide.
2022-2024: Expanded aggressively with multiple franchise openings and significant market growth.
2024: Costa Kapothanasis completed a buyout of Costa Franchising LLC shareholders, securing full ownership and control of the brand.
Ownership:
Costa Oil is privately owned by its founder, Costa Kapothanasis, providing a unified vision for brand expansion and franchise development.
Market Presence in the USA:
The brand operates in high-traffic areas across various states and continues to identify new markets for franchise growth. Its focus is on quick, convenient service with a customer-first approach, making it appealing in suburban and urban locations.
Industry Category:
Costa Oil operates in the automotive service industry, specializing in fast, drive-through oil changes and related vehicle maintenance services.
Other Information:
Costa Oil distinguishes itself with a 10-minute service model, modular store design, and a franchise system designed for operational simplicity and rapid growth. The brand has been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the emerging franchises in the USA, highlighting its potential as a profitable and scalable business opportunity.
Costa Oil provides comprehensive, structured support to ensure franchisees succeed from day one and continue growing their business efficiently. The support system is designed to cover pre-launch, operational, marketing, academic, and ongoing assistance, making it ideal for both first-time entrepreneurs and experienced business owners.
Before opening a Costa Oil franchise, the company offers extensive guidance to set up a strong foundation:
Site Selection Assistance: Evaluation of high-traffic locations, market analysis, and demographic studies to identify the most profitable site.
Lease Negotiation Support: Expert advice on negotiating commercial leases to secure favorable terms.
Store Design & Build-Out: Help with layout planning, construction, and interior design to ensure operational efficiency and brand consistency.
Permitting & Licensing: Guidance through local, state, and federal regulations to ensure legal compliance before launch.
Costa Oil provides a thorough, hands-on training program to prepare franchisees and their teams:
Operational Training: Step-by-step instruction on the 10-minute oil change process, quality control, and service protocols.
Management Training: Coaching on staff hiring, scheduling, team management, and workflow optimization.
Customer Service Excellence: Techniques for ensuring top-tier customer satisfaction, repeat business, and brand loyalty.
Point-of-Sale (POS) & Technology Systems: Training on POS systems, inventory management tools, and operational software.
Costa Oil ensures franchisees have the tools to attract and retain customers:
Grand Opening Marketing: Assistance with launch promotions, advertising campaigns, and local events to drive initial traffic.
Ongoing Marketing Guidance: Strategy support for social media, local SEO, email campaigns, and community engagement.
Branded Materials: Access to professional marketing assets including signage, print materials, and digital content.
After opening, Costa Oil continues to provide active assistance to help franchisees maximize profitability:
Field Support Visits: Regular visits from experienced franchise consultants to review operations and provide improvement guidance.
Performance Analysis: Detailed metrics tracking for revenue, efficiency, and customer satisfaction to identify opportunities for growth.
Continuous Education: Workshops, webinars, and updates on new operational procedures, products, and industry trends.
Problem Resolution: Prompt assistance with operational, staffing, or technical challenges.
Costa Oil invests in the long-term growth of franchisees:
Leadership Training: Programs to build managerial skills and develop future multi-unit operators.
Franchisee Conferences: Annual meetings to share best practices, innovations, and networking opportunities with other franchise owners.
Industry Insights: Access to market data, trends, and insights to keep the business competitive in the automotive service sector.
Costa Oil seeks franchise partners who are driven, business-savvy, and committed to providing exceptional automotive service. While prior experience in the automotive industry is helpful, the franchise system is designed to support both seasoned entrepreneurs and motivated first-time business owners. Below is a detailed profile of the ideal franchisee:
Passion for Business Ownership: The ideal franchisee has a strong desire to own and operate a business, take initiative, and drive results.
Growth-Oriented: Someone who seeks to grow the business over time, potentially owning multiple units as experience and resources allow.
Operational Skills: Experience in managing teams, handling daily operations, or running a retail or service business is highly valued.
Customer Service Focus: A dedication to creating a positive customer experience and maintaining high service standards.
Problem-Solving Ability: Capable of handling challenges, making quick decisions, and implementing process improvements.
Investment Readiness: Ability to meet the total investment requirements ($155,750 – $1,874,900 depending on location), with sufficient working capital for initial operations.
Creditworthiness: A solid financial background and access to funding or financing options for business growth.
Community Engagement: Interested in building relationships in the local community and becoming a trusted service provider.
Location Awareness: Prefers high-traffic areas with strong customer demand, and has a strategic mindset for selecting and operating the location efficiently.
Team Leadership: Willingness to hire, train, and manage staff in alignment with Costa Oil’s operational procedures.
Adherence to Systems: Committed to following the proven Costa Oil operational and marketing systems to ensure consistent customer experience and brand growth.
Long-Term Vision: Focused on building a sustainable, profitable business rather than short-term gains.
Self-Motivation: Energetic and enthusiastic about running a fast-paced service business.
Integrity & Professionalism: Maintains ethical standards, transparency, and accountability in all business dealings.
Adaptability: Able to adjust to changing market conditions, customer demands, and operational challenges.
| Category | Details / Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $155,750 – $1,874,900 | Depends on location, size, and build-out requirements |
| Minimum Cash Investment | $150,000 | Available working capital required to start operations |
| Franchise Fee | $54,900 | One-time initial franchise fee |
| Royalty Fee | 6.5% of gross revenue (minimum $200/week) | Ongoing operational royalty for brand use and support |
| Brand Fund Contribution | Up to 2% of gross revenue (currently 1%) | Marketing and brand development fund |
| Grand Opening Onsite Support Fee | $5,000 – $10,000 | Optional support for launch events and promotions |
| Real Estate Broker Commission Fee | Up to $8,000 | For assistance with site selection and lease negotiations |
| Inventory & Supplies | $12,000 – $16,000 | Initial automotive supplies, oil, fluids, and consumables |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $5,000 – $10,000 | Local launch marketing and promotions |
| Website & Local Marketing | Greater of $99/month or 2.5% of gross revenue | Ensures online visibility and local advertising |
| Working Capital Requirement | $20,000 – $50,000 | To cover operational expenses in initial months |
| Expected Revenue / Year | $220,000 average per unit | Can vary depending on location and customer traffic |
| Break-Even Time | 18 – 36 months | Dependent on location, operational efficiency, and local demand |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Oil changes, fluid services, upselling automotive products | Additional services increase profitability |
