These innovative spaces combine the practicality of a self-service laundry with the ambiance and comfort of a specialty coffee shop. The result? A business model that not only washes clothes, but also attracts attention, attracts more customers and stimulates customer spending by converting waiting time into quality time How Laundromat Coffee Shop .
In this article, we’ll explore the laundromat coffee bar business model , discover how these hybrid spaces make money, see real-world examples, and analyze whether this concept is scalable for entrepreneurs looking to modernize traditional industries.
What is a laundromat/coffee shop?
A laundromat coffee shop – also known as a laundromat café or laundromat lounge – is a hybrid business model that combines two seemingly unrelated services: self-service laundromat and a coffee shop. While this may seem like an odd combination at first, it’s based on a simple insight: doing laundry takes time, and most people don’t like to wait.
This model is especially popular in urban areas, where people are more likely to use laundromats due to limited access to washers and dryers. But its appeal is growing beyond mere convenience. These spaces are designed to be experiential , not just functional — they combine stylish interiors, artisanal coffee, indonesia telegram data Wi-Fi, and often even local events or art exhibits.
How Laundromats and Coffee Shops Make Money
Laundromats and coffee shops make money through a combination of self-service laundry machines and café sales (food and beverages in general, not just coffee). While customers are using the washers, they can also purchase coffee, snacks, and other refreshments – which typically have high profit margins. Some locations also offer premium laundry services, such as pickup and delivery. This combination of self-service laundry, create a brand story and brand athetic café sales, and added convenience creates multiple revenue streams with each customer visit.
Below are the main ways these companies generate revenue:
Self-service washing machines
This is the basis of the business. Customers pay for the use of washers and dryers, china numbers using coins, cards or mobile payment apps.
The yield depends on:
- Machine capacity and number of units
- Price per load
- Volume of foot traffic
- Operational efficiency (machine uptime, turnover)
Coffee, drinks and light meals
The café side of the business adds a high margin to what would otherwise be a purely utilitarian service. Customers waiting for their laundry to be done are naturally inclined to buy a drink or a bite to eat – especially in a comfortable environment with good design and wifi.
The offer usually includes:
- Coffee and espresso drinks
- Tea, juices or kombucha
- Pastries, cookies or light meals (bagels, sandwiches, etc.)
This flow can significantly increase the average amount per customer and even attract people who do not come to wash.
Premium laundry services
Not every customer wants to do their own laundry. Offering extra services appeals to busy people and creates opportunities for upselling.
These include:
- Washing and folding services
- Ironing or steaming
- Laundry pick-up and delivery service (a growing demand in urban areas)
- Dry cleaning (both internal and through partnerships)
Premium services are more expensive and offer the possibility of recurring revenue through subscriptions or bulk packages.
Additional Ways to Make Money with a Laundromat or Coffee Shop
Many laundromat cafes are looking for additional ways to monetize their space, often with minimal overhead costs.