Laundromat Opening in Avon In Place of Dog Wash

While a is no longer opening in Avon, another business with washing services is.

On Tuesday, the Avon Planning and Zoning Commission approved Maureen and Timothy Callahan's application to open Rosie's Laundry Company, LLC there.

"So you’re going to wash clothes rather than dogs?” Duane Starr, chairman of the commission, quipped.

The Callahans have lived in Avon for 20 years and plan to put in a high-end laundromat. There will be 14 washers, which require about half as much water as typical washing machines, and 14 dryers that run quickly. The business plan lists a goal of holding a grand opening in late summer or early fall of this year.

"Rosie's Laundry Company (RLC) is a startup laundromat that will target customers in the Farmington Valley. Currently, Avon, Simsbury, Canton and Granby are serviced by two poorly maintained Coin-Operated Laundromats," the application states. "It is our intention to bring in a high-end laundromat that meets the needs of the Farmington Valley."

The Callahans have extensive business experience. Maureen Callahan, who will work onsite full-time and manage the laundromat, was a department head at ESPN for 12 years and Major League Baseball for six. Her husband, Timothy is an architect with about 25 years of construction experience. They are using their strong business sense to innovate the industry.

The concept moves away from a "conventional coin-op" laundromat and will be designed as an inviting, clean place where people will be comfortable as they wait for their wash and dry cycles to finish, according to the plan. The laundromat will offer wireless internet and a lounge area where customers can relax and fold clothes.

Instead of paying with coins, customers will be able to purchase a "vending card" with cash, credit or debit cards. Not only does this eliminate coin collection for staff, but it also will allow them to track how many customers are using the machines and to change prices more easily.

"This will be the only store in the area with this new technology," the application states.

The commission asked questions about the anticipated parking and traffic impact.

“We feel that it is a pretty safe place for getting in and out of and we’re  confident it will work," Timothy Callahan said of its location in the next to on Route 44.

The hours of operation listed on the business plan are 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.