Oil Can Henry’s

Oil Can Henry’s began in 1978 in Portland, Oregon, offering quick oil changes and preventive vehicle maintenance. The company became known for its approach where customers stayed in their cars and could watch the service being performed, which helped build a reputation for transparency and customer trust. Over the years, Oil Can Henry’s expanded across the Pacific Northwest and the western United States, with a presence in states such as Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California, Colorado, and Arizona. As of December 2015, the chain operated 89 locations.

A significant milestone occurred in December 2015, when Oil Can Henry’s was acquired by Valvoline Inc. (then part of Ashland Inc.). Following the acquisition, the Oil Can Henry’s name was retired, and all locations were rebranded as Valvoline Instant Oil Change. Since then, new development and site selection have been managed by Valvoline, which continues to grow its national footprint. The Oil Can Henry’s brand no longer operates independently, but its legacy is reflected in the customer-focused service model and operational standards that Valvoline carries forward.

For commercial real estate professionals, Oil Can Henry’s stands out for its history of high-visibility corner sites and its role in shaping the quick-lube format, particularly in the western United States. The transition to Valvoline Instant Oil Change means that all real estate and franchise inquiries are now directed through Valvoline, which continues to expand and evolve the service model established by Oil Can Henry’s.