Entrepreneurs in Brooklyn are opening laundromats that double as coffee shops, bars and hangout spots.

Washing machines hum in the background as customers at Pearl Lee’s Washtub in Crown Heights sip beer, work on laptops and eat on the patio, waiting for spin cycles to finish. It’s a Tuesday afternoon, and what started as a laundry run has turned into an impromptu neighborhood gathering — exactly what the owner Theo DuPree envisioned when he opened his “laundrobar.”

Brooklyn’s laundromats have long served as informal neighborhood gathering spots, particularly in areas where in-unit washers and dryers are rare. Now, a new generation of entrepreneurs is reimagining the utilitarian businesses as hybrid community hubs. Laundromat owners are transforming the traditional self-service and wash-and-fold models by adding bars, coffee counters and snacks, maximizing revenue from limited square footage and turning the chore into a social experience.

Techstar Plastics is the largest Canadian manufacturer of plastic material handling carts and our line of Starcarts™ boasts over 40 different models to best suit your needs. They also manufacture the largest line of salt and sand bins in Canada.

If you are looking for great quality and a product that can stand the test of time, contact Techstar. They are so confident in our SOS™ line that we offer an unheard of 5-year warranty. Offering Moulded handles, spring lift platforms, elevated carts, easy access and many other features have become the norm.

On behalf of the entire Alliance Laundry Systems team, they would like to extend a warm invitation to visit us at The Clean Show 2025, Aug. 23-26 in Orlando, Florida. Visit Alliance Laundry Systems Booth #1505.

Mike Schoeb, CEO Alliance Laundry Systems:

“As in years past, we will exhibit our newest products and technologies, all united by our focus on making the world cleaner and more sustainable as the premier provider of laundry solutions. I am confident that, upon visiting our booth (#1505), you will see all our innovations are predicated on delivering maximum return on your investment.

R&B Wire Introduces their latest heavyweights for high-volume laundry pros! Meet their new 48 Cubic Foot Bulk Transport Truck, built to carry your toughest loads with upgraded efficiency.

Need versatility? Their Turnabout Truck flips from clean linen hero to soiled linen champion in seconds. Designed to tackle the dirtiest jobs with a smile. Get ready to streamline your laundry game.

These new bulk trucks will be available after July 1st.

Presso is an Atlanta-based startup that invented what looks like a vending machine for dry cleaning, but its process is a little different.

“We actually invented an entirely new clothing care process from scratch with compostable organic cleaning liquid that we synthesize in our own office with our own engineers, as well as new ways to stretch and press clothes,” said Presso CEO Nishant Jain.