oil changes and tire change shops are a pretty solid business model. They quickly change out the basic wear item and time is paramount. However it's still 10-15 minutes of waiting.
I propose merging an oil change station with a fast food, or sit down restaurant.
In the fast food model, you would order food while you sit in your car and wait for oil to be changed. discounts could be offered if food and oil where bought but there is no obligation to take both services
in the sit down model. You would include valet service in the price like some change shops do. when you arrive someone would drive your car around back. Your server would ask you to order car service before the meal. Work like tires or oil can be changed while you eat, if there's any question your friendly server would come ask you at the end it's included on the bill. When you go out a valet gives you your keys and you're on your way. Turning an otherwise tedious task into something more enjoyable.
For the record buying gas or food would not obligate you to buy the other, just a way of eliminating the downtime.-- metarinka, Mar 08 2011 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12663183 mineral oil seepage in recycled cardboard [not_morrison_rm, Mar 08 2011] I'm suspecting that the more unscrupulous vendors would be inclined to re-use the oil in the kitchen. Although that's already baked by recycled cardboard...-- not_morrison_rm, Mar 08 2011 [+] While the concept of a gas-station(/garage) with a food outlet next door is baked to a crisp, I like the idea of a more combined, seamless service.-- FlyingToaster, Mar 08 2011 I suppose they could sell biodiesel from the grease traps too..-- metarinka, Mar 09 2011 "5lt castrol and a large chips please, and this time try and keep them seperate, thanks."-- 4whom, Mar 09 2011 todays special is crisps and air filters, try not to get the crumbs in your new one.
I suppose you could also have car themed utensils like a carb as a center piece, silver ware shaped like gasket pullers or other car tools-- metarinka, Mar 11 2011 Yeah, I always wanted to do this as a strip mall, with a laundrymat / tavern combination and a dentist's office too.-- normzone, Mar 11 2011 You eat a falafel and then get the used oil.-- pashute, Mar 12 2011 random, halfbakery