The storefront right next to my laundromat recently became available. I was thinking of leasing this extra space and putting in a small sports bar. I could remove a portion of the wall separating the two units and create a passageway between the laundromat and the bar. I think my laundry customers would really enjoy passing the time by having a drink or two and some food, while their clothes are being washed and dried. What do you think of my idea?
Unless you’re in a college town and located relatively close to campus, I think it’s a bad idea – and, even then, I don’t think it’s a great idea. Over the years, I’ve known laundry owners who have tried to operate bars in conjunction with their laundromats, only to eventually close one or both businesses.
When you own a bar, there is always the inherent problem of people possibly drinking too much. With the combination business you’re suggesting, there will always be the danger of your bar-only patrons wandering into your laundromat and bothering your customers who just want to get their weekly laundry done. Also, there is the issue of obtaining a liquor license. And, no doubt, your insurance costs will rise, due to the nature of the new business you want to open.
For the most part, you’re talking about two different customer bases and two very different types of business. In fact, rather than being a complementary business, your new sports bar might detract from your laundromat and become a deterrent to some laundry customers. In the end, a bar might become more of a headache than it’s worth, and it could actually hurt your laundry business.
I’m not saying this idea couldn’t work, given the right situation and environment – but I believe you need to think hard about what business you truly want to be in. Personally, every laundry owner I know who has tried this type of idea has failed with it.
Perhaps a better plan, if you’re set on acquiring that adjacent storefront, would be to use the additional space to grow and develop your current laundry business in some way. Maybe build up your wash-dry-fold offerings, add a commercial accounts business, start a pickup-and-delivery service, include additional laundry customer amenities like a reading/learning area for children. I’d suggest adding something more in line with your laundromat operation than a bar.
