ALTON - Auto Butler, a full-service car wash in Alton, closed permanently this week after 20 years in business as owners Lisa Heims-Stout and Gary Stout retire and transfer the property and business to Club Car Wash, Lisa Heims-Stout said on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
The closure marks the end of a longtime business in Alton, where the Stouts said they had served customers for two decades.
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Lisa Heims-Stout said the decision was tied to retirement and a desire to spend more time with family.
“We have been here for 20 years, so in ways it is bittersweet,” Lisa said. “We are ready to retire and spend more time with our family, though.”
Lisa and Gary Stout said they were appreciative of their customers over the years and of the workers who serviced vehicles at the business.
Lisa Heims-Stout said Club Car Wash purchased the property where Auto Butler has been, but not the business. She said this would be the end of the full-service portion of the car wash.
She said she was uncertain when Club Car Wash would open a facility on the property.
Auto Butler described its commitment to “Clean, Shine, Protect” as more than a motto, calling it a promise to customers. The business said its team aimed to exceed expectations with every service and emphasized attention to detail and customer satisfaction.
“We believe Auto Butler is a legend,” she said.
“We missed out on a lot because of the work in the car wash business, so it is time to move on.”
