Laflers End Quarter Century of Laundry Service

There are some services that are just necessary in life. You purchase or raise your own food, you build or purchase furniture, even a home. And clean clothes. There are needs for a washer and dryer, at home or at a business.

In Sidney, that business is continuing, and will scheduled updates.

Stuart Wilson was talking with a friend in Wisconsin several months ago, maybe a year, when the subject of laundromats came up. The conversation led Wilson to talking with Dave and Deb Lafler, owners of the Sidney laundromat.

“It was just lucky timing,” Wilsons said.

He asked about buying the business in the same period the Laflers were considering selling. That was in November. After months of research into planned upgrades, the service is now his.

“I just closed on it a couple of weeks ago,” he said July 20.

He is planning a complete makeover. He has already make some changes. The Laflers had their tax accounting business in the front of the building. One of those rooms has been changed to a lounge, allowing customers to relax while their laundry is in the machines. In addition, hours are now 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

He has ordered new equipment, but it may take a few months for it to arrive. His goal is to have the installation completed in six months.

“It's going to be a rolling series of updates,” he said.

The Laflers had the laundromat for 25 years, purchasing it from John Brummel in May of 1998.

“Twenty-five years is enough,” said Dave Lafler. “We're at retirement.”