Comment: In theory this looks to be OK for GNG notability, however the SouthSoundTalk source is not working. Can this be checked please / consider using Wayback ? A lot depends on that source, hence this decline. ChrysGalley (talk) 10:47, 21 May 2026 (UTC)
| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry |
|
| Founded | 1990 (1990) in San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Founder | Richard Griot |
Key people | Nick Griot, CEO |
| Products | Car wash, waxes, polishes, ceramic protectants, detailing tools, orbital polishers |
| Website | www |
Griot's Garage (pronounced grē‑ō) is an American automotive car care and detailing products company headquartered in Tacoma, Washington. The company manufactures and sells a range of vehicle cleaning, detailing, and maintenance products, including polishes, waxes, ceramic protectants, washing tools, and buffing machines such as orbital polishers.[1] In addition to its product business, Griot's Garage operates a company-owned retail location and hosts automotive community events and car shows.[2]
History
Griot's Garage was founded in 1990 by Richard Griot in San Francisco, California.[1] According to Autoweek, Griot, an automotive enthusiast influenced by European motoring culture, identified a gap in the American market for specialized car care products aimed at enthusiasts rather than professional detailers.[1] The company began as a mail‑order business, distributing products through a printed catalog that combined automotive commentary with product offerings.[3]
Early product offerings focused on car washing and basic detailing supplies, with the catalog format serving as the company's primary sales channel in its formative years.[3] Over time, the catalog expanded in size and scope, introducing additional maintenance tools, polishes, and accessories.[1]
The company later relocated its headquarters to Tacoma, Washington.[1] As sales volume increased, Griot's Garage expanded its logistics network and established a major distribution facility in Plainfield, Indiana, located within the Indianapolis metropolitan area.[4] The Plainfield site serves as a central warehouse and fulfillment hub supporting national distribution.[4]
Retail location and experiential spaces
Griot's Garage operates a flagship retail store and showroom location in Tacoma, Washington that includes an automotive collection display.[5][6] The site incorporates rotating vehicle exhibits and serves as a venue for educational programming, including car care demonstrations and workshops, commonly referred to as Car Care School.[5]
The Tacoma location also hosts recurring community-focused automotive events, including “Caffeine & Gasoline” car shows, which are open to the public and feature a wide range of vehicles.[6]
In 2016, Griot's Garage gained attention at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas with the debut of a custom-built BMW E30 M3 two-door wagon known as the “Detail Wagon.” The project was reported by Road & Track and showcased the company's detailing capabilities.[7]
References
- "Holy car guy!: How Batman changed Richard Griot's life--and enthusiasts everywhere are better for it". Autoweek. 2008-05-18. Retrieved 2026-04-17.
- Jones, Jaynie (2022-04-11). "Caffeine and Gasoline Are High-Octane Fuel for Horsepower at Tacoma's Griot's Garage". SouthSoundTalk. Archived from the original on 2026-03-14. Retrieved 2026-04-17.
- Breskin, Ira (2003-06-08). "RESPONSIBLE PARTY: RICHARD GRIOT; A Garage In All Its Glory". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2026-04-17.
- "Griot's Garage Distribution in the Plainfield warehouse district". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved 2026-04-17.
- Girl, Pepper (2010-09-27). "Have You Ever Heard of an "Emerging" Speedster?". FLATSIXES. Retrieved 2026-04-17.
- Jones, Jaynie (2022-04-11). "Caffeine and Gasoline Are High-Octane Fuel for Horsepower at Tacoma's Griot's Garage". SouthSoundTalk. Retrieved 2026-04-17.
- "This Custom V8-Powered Two-Door E30 M3 Wagon Is Basically Perfect". Road & Track. 2016-11-03. Retrieved 2026-04-17.