Griot's Garage
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| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry |
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| Founded | 1990 in San Diego, California, U.S. |
| Founder | Richard Griot |
| Headquarters | Tacoma, Washington |
Key people | Nick Griot, CEO |
| Products | Vehicle cleaning, detailing, and maintenance products |
| 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.[1]
History
[edit]Griot's Garage was founded in 1990 by Richard Griot in Southern California.[2] According to Autoweek, Griot, an automotive enthusiast influenced, 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 included automotive commentary.[2]
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.[2] 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.[3] The Plainfield site serves as a central warehouse and fulfillment hub supporting national distribution.[3]
Retail location and experiential spaces
[edit]Griot's Garage operates a flagship retail store and showroom location in Tacoma, Washington that includes an automotive collection display.[4][5] The site incorporates rotating vehicle exhibits and serves as a venue for educational programming, including car care demonstrations, workshops, and other community-focused automotive events.[4][5]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 "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.
- 1 2 3 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.
- 1 2 "Griot's Garage Distribution in the Plainfield warehouse district". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved 2026-04-17.
- 1 2 Girl, Pepper (2010-09-27). "Have You Ever Heard of an "Emerging" Speedster?". FLATSIXES. Retrieved 2026-04-17.
- 1 2 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.