Christian Brothers Automotive (CBA), officially broke ground May 5 on its new Mark A. Carr Technology & Training Center in Katy, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s long-term commitment to its people, franchisees and the future of the automotive repair industry. The site is at 25801 Nelson Way, Katy, next door to the Kohl’s store.

The groundbreaking represents the next step following the brand’s 2025 announcement of the $12 million investment, bringing the vision for a centralized, best-in-class training hub closer to reality, company officials said. Projected to open in early 2027, the nearly 14,000-square-foot facility is named after CBA’s founder, Mark Carr, who started the company in 1982 in a small neighborhood outside Houston, after a Sunday school friend approached him with the idea of opening an automotive repair shop. The facility will serve as a national center for hands-on technical instruction, leadership development, and guest-service excellence.

“This training center is about far more than a building – it’s about investing in the long-term success of our team members and franchisees,” said Michael Suttle, Chief Development Officer of CBA. “Breaking ground is an exciting moment because it reflects years of listening, planning and commitment to creating meaningful career paths and elevating the skilled trades.”

Designed to support technicians at every stage of their careers, the Mark A. Carr Technology & Training Center will offer end-to-end education, from entry-level apprenticeship support to advanced coursework in evolving vehicle technologies including electric vehicles (EV), hybrid and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The facility will feature multiple modern classrooms, vehicle-accessible learning spaces and a fully equipped advanced shop with original equipment-level (OE) tools and diagnostics, enabling the CBA team to deliver in-house, hands-on training at a scale uncommon in the independent automotive repair industry.

By expanding training capacity beyond the limits of its current corporate facilities, CBA will be able to increase the frequency, accessibility and impact of its technical and service-focused programs, supporting improved technician productivity, shop performance and service consistency across its growing national footprint, officials said.

“This center is deeply personal for our family and our brand,” said Donnie Carr, President and CEO of CBA. “My dad, Mark Carr, built Christian Brothers Automotive on a simple but powerful belief to invest in people and do the right thing, always. Naming this facility in his honor is a reflection of that legacy, and this investment ensures his vision continues to guide how we develop our technicians, support our franchisees and serve our communities for generations to come.”

The Katy campus also represents the first phase of a broader, long-term vision for the brand. CBA ultimately plans to relocate its corporate Support Center from Houston’s Energy Corridor, now located at

the Katy Freeway and Barker Cypress Road, to the same site, creating a unified headquarters designed to support continued system growth and collaboration.

Founded in Mission Bend, Texas, in 1982, CBA has redefined the auto care experience. Ranked #1 by J.D. Power for Customer Satisfaction among Aftermarket Full-Service Maintenance and Repair Providers six times in its 2019 and 2021-2025 ASI studies, the brand’s priority is to create a positive experience for every guest.* From oil changes to complex engine diagnostics, CBA adheres to the principle, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” and showcases this commitment through its people-first approach to car care.

To learn more about CBA and its commitment to training and development, visit www.CBAC.com.