Update: On October 22, 2022 the Bruster’s location had signs on the windows saying Modwash deal was cancelled. Read more here:
A proposed ModWash Car Wash for the Bruster’s/Nathan’s property in Washington Twp was approved in September.
I stopped in at Bruster’s today and was told unofficially that October 31st is the last day for the season, and they do not expect to be reopening in 2023.
So we all have almost 3 weeks to visit the ice cream shop and restaurant before they close for good!
ModWash Planning Board Approval
Back on Aug 30th, 42Freeway first reported on developers plans to demolish the Bruster’s building and develop a ModWash car wash in its place.
I was unable to attend that meeting but have since received the public notice announcing the details of the decision.
The approval is bot for a conditional use to develop and operate the car wash, as well as a few variances.
The conditional use approval was given because the property is located in Highway Conditional zone, where car washes are a conditional use.
The plan calls for the existing improvements at the property to be demolished (Bruster’s building).
Then a 4,104 sf ModWash car wash is to be developed on the property.
Several variance requests were also approved, simply in two categories.
- Signage: Several requests related to signage size.
- Parking/Loading: More parking spaces will be offered than what is required (which is strange as it’s usually the other way around!). There will be no loading area for the property.
By this time everyone in the 42Freeway is well aware of ModWash car washes, as they seem to be on a big growth drive in South Jersey.
ModWash is a brand new company started by Chattanooga Tennessee construction firm Hutton.
Hutton’s core business is to build commercial buildings for other companies. With significant experience in the development process, CEO Karen Hutton decided to start their own brand.
They are on a fast mission to have 100 locations in the USA in just a matter of a few years! Based on what we are seeing in South Jersey that seems very likely!
They currently have a location in Washington Township on the Black Horse Pike next to Chick-Fil-A.
Also under development are two Gloucester Township locations. One on Blackwood-Clementon Rd where the large Entenmann’s facility was previously located (and now demoed). The second is on Cross Keys Road at New Brooklyn-Erial.
Another location on Cross Keys Rd is open but on the Winslow side.. across from the Tilted Kilt. This was the first ModWash to open in our area.
Also approved is a location in Magnolia on the White Horse Pike.
Bruster’s and Nathan’s of Washington Twp.
Today I stopped in for lunch at the Bruster’s/Nathan’s Washington Twp location.
Bruster’s seems more famous for their real ice cream… which really is delicious.
But today in honor of the Phillies playoff game I went with two hot dogs (sauerkraut, yellow mustard), fries and a coke.
As expected…it’s a damn good hot dog and something I wished I had ordered more often!
Service was fast and my food was hot.
I chatted up the workers there for a bit who tell me the last day of the season for them is October 31st.
They also said they do not expect to be opening in 2023.
It’s likely that by next spring the building will be gone… but I’ll add that it’s not like I spoke to the owner of the property.
But I think it’s very safe to say that they are closing for the season in about 3 weeks, and likely will not reopen next year.
A Bruster’s/Nathan’s location was also in Woodbury Heights but that was demolished for a new Starbucks.
Links and Locations
Bruster’s and Nathan’s Washington Township – Still Open!
305 Greentree Road
Sewell, NJ