Phil Degeratto, the proprietor of Buddy Bear Car Wash, hails from a lineage of enterprising individuals. His grandfather, affectionately known as "Papa Bear" among locals and friends, owned the esteemed Big Bear Foods Supermarket during the 1960s. Following in his family's footsteps, Phil's father established his own food center called Buddy Bear. Today, Phil carries on the family legacy and preserves the name with Buddy Bear Car Wash. Over 30 years ago, Phil inaugurated the first Buddy Bear Car Wash at Pulaski & Washington. Presently, he oversees a network of car wash locations throughout the Chicagoland area with more sites expected to open in the future.