Give us Your Neighborhood's SWOT Analysis (Pittsburgh, Brentwood: section 8, renter, high crime)

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by SteelCityRising

I suppose I'd rather have a USEFUL business here in Polish Hill (i.e. a laundromat?) instead of dive bars, a records store, a comic book store, etc., but to each her or his own.

They aren't mutually exclusive.

[greg42]

Where is the nearest laundromat? Bloomfield? Although I know a lot of people have lived in the same homes around there for a while, I still find it odd that a high percentage of owner-occupied places would not have a washer in this day and age. Maybe there are fewer owner-occupied places than I thought.

Still, there may not be enough biz for a laundromat there. It would only draw from there, methinks. It's the kind of business that has to be a fairly decent size to make it pay, unless perhaps you can find a small space with dirt cheap rent.

[gameguy56]

Originally Posted by greg42

Where is the nearest laundromat? Bloomfield? Although I know a lot of people have lived in the same homes around there for a while, I still find it odd that a high percentage of owner-occupied places would not have a washer in this day and age. Maybe there are fewer owner-occupied places than I thought.

Still, there may not be enough biz for a laundromat there. It would only draw from there, methinks. It's the kind of business that has to be a fairly decent size to make it pay, unless perhaps you can find a small space with dirt cheap rent.

There's a laundromat about a mile away by foot down on Penn Ave near 38th st or so.

[Copanut]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

Don't forget to include your TPS Report.

and I thought you had no sense of humour.

need you to come in on Saturday

[chielgirl]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

They aren't mutually exclusive.

Isn't there a laundromat that sells beer on Center Avenue? I always thought that was a great marketing idea.
I think it is/was called Suds & Duds.

[catchtwenty2]

Duds and Suds closed several years ago. I used them every now and then when I lived in North Oakland when I couldn't get my clothes done at work. They never served beer... unless it was in a secret compartment through the detergent machine. Though I suppose you could've walked up Liberty Ave or down Aiken to Walnut to grab one beer and turn back to get your clothes.

I spent a winter in College Station, Texas (Texas A&M) recently, and there was a place called Harvey Washbangers right on the main drag. More washers and dryers then any laundromat I've seen here, and through a door in the same building is a full service bar and grill. With good food and decent beer prices. Now here's the kicker... there was a board with corresponding washer/dryer numbers and lights inside the bar that told you if your load was done. And yes, you could take your beer inside the laundromat section while you folded stuff.

Paying attention was another issue. It was a bit more pricey load wise compared to a regular laundromat... but it was good on occasion. It made laundry fun!

Closest thing I've seen to that place here is the laundromat and bar which share the building entrance on 2nd Ave in Hazelwood. I figure an idea like that would make a killing in Oakland. But I'm sure the LCB, whiny neighbors, or do nothing neighborhood associations would kill that idea forthwith.

[chielgirl]

Thanks, catch.
Having my own washer/dryer, I never used it and apparently listened to local lore.

When I move back to the Pitts in November, I'll remember that Suds & Duds is no more.

[Tinare]

Originally Posted by chielgirl

Thanks, catch.
Having my own washer/dryer, I never used it and apparently listened to local lore.

When I move back to the Pitts in November, I'll remember that Suds & Duds is no more.

Years ago a friend of mine paid a prank on his roommate by telling him that "Wings, Suds and Spuds" in Moon was a bar with a laundromat (it's just a bar/restaurant). He got the roommate to go one night and walk in the bar with his laundry basket.

[jay5835]

Originally Posted by SteelCityRising

I suppose I'd rather have a USEFUL business here in Polish Hill (i.e. a laundromat?) instead of dive bars, a records store, a comic book store, etc., but to each her or his own.

a. There's a record store in Polish Hill?
b. What do you have against records?
c. Why don't YOU open a laundromat?

[PreservationPioneer]

A laundromat is actually a great business idea. I can't think of an easier business to run -- just show up once a week to clean and collect quarters.