Story and Photo
By Terri Bahne

     Picture this - a high-tech, state-of-the-art facility that has an air-purifying system that cycles fresh air three times daily, a humidity level that never goes over 50 percent, computer-controlled equipment, and amenities, amenities, amenities, all for a very reasonable price. What is this place, you ask? Gold's Gym, perhaps? Would you believe "The Village Laundromat"on Buffalo Street in Gowanda? Proprietors Joe and Janet Vogtli wanted their establishment to be different than all the rest.

     And different it is - unique, even. Not indicative of your "typical" laundromat. The stigma that comes with the very thought of what a laundromat is should not be placed here on The Village Laundromat. Another establishment in the industry would be hard pressed to match the ambiance that this business holds. One, it might be added, that comes straight from the ambiance of its proprietors.

     Joe and Janet Vogtli were in the travel industry over two years ago when they were approached with a suggestion that prompted a two-year quest for information to start up a business unlike the one they were in.

     "The reason we opened [The Village Laundromat] is because so many people came to us," Mrs. Vogtli stated. "There was a real need for it." As the Vogtlis both grew up in this area, they just wanted to give back to the community. "Part of our reasoning [for opening the laundromat] was to try to improve the town," Mr. Vogtli said.

     And improve it they did, beginning with tearing down the old, original building and putting up a Morton building in its place. The new facility is conveniently located on the main street coming into town, with ample parking and accommodating hours of operation - 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. Many patrons sought a means of getting their laundry done by going to various places in the area prior to the Vogtlis opening their business; there is no longer that need. The customer comes first in the proprietors' minds, and it's shown in several ways.

     The Vogtlis chose to make their facility accommodating for everyone, starting with being handicapped accessible - from the ramps to get into the building, to the machines that are within a wheelchair's reach, to the "everything's automated" bathroom. They also decided to have heating units in the sidewalks leading into the building (starting at 35 degrees F) for safety purposes in snowy, icy weather. For comfort's sake, there are tables and chairs in a lounge-type area for customers to relax in while waiting for their laundry to get done. A small radio plays modern music in the background, and there are several magazines throughout the facility for one to pass the time. Fresh air is cycled in three times daily to prevent the customers from constantly breathing in stale air, and the humidity level is kept constant, which helps with the radiant heat throughout the building.

     "We [tried] to make [our facility] as user-friendly as possible," stated Mrs. Vogtli, continuing with the "customer comes first" ideology. This should also be extended to the prices of the services, which are very reasonable. If you need soap, it sells for 50 cents a box. Laundry bags, for holding clean or dirty clothes, go for 75 cents for the large and 50 cents for the small. The price for a regular wash is $1.25 with the 35 pound washers going for $3 (that is equal to three regular washes) and 50-pound washers cost $4.50 (equal to five regular washes).

     The dryers are just as impressive with 25 cents for 10 minutes of drying time, with a normal load requiring only 20 minutes to complete. "Clothes dry much faster than people realize," Mr. Vogtli stated, adding that the soft water they supply to the washers is a bonus for the customer, costing the Vogtlis a little more to supply it, yet benefitting the patrons by requiring less detergent to be added to the wash.

     On the flip side, when asked if there were any drawbacks to the business, the Vogtlis replied, "The increased cost of utilities." Besides that, ever since the ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 5, business has not slowed down. So, if you need to "clean up your act," come down to The Village Laundromat - reasonable, convenient, relaxing and reliable. Oh yes, when you're there, don't forget to say "hi" to Tramp, the Vogtlis' proclaimed "Laundry Dog." The happy, tail-wagging Collie, as well as a high-tech security system, should be a comfort to any patron who needs to get their "dirty work" done.