Hoffman laundromat open for business after fire

A fire earlier this month at a Hoffman Estates laundromat may have briefly disrupted business, but the owners of Leisure Time Laundromat want the public to know they're open.

Beverly Anderson said the economy has affected Leisure Time, 2332 Hassell Road, just like any other business. People are waiting a little longer than usual to bring in their clothes. During the summer months, people wear fewer clothes and don't have as many loads.

But when sparks from a dryer spread to a duct on July 13, the ensuing flames caused about $55,000 of damage. Despite the setback, Anderson and company pulled through and are open for business.

However, after news of the fire spread, a few customers wondered if Leisure Time was closed. Some customers took their loads to other laundromats.

"We've gotten 20 to 25 calls," Anderson said.

The insurance company is still handling things. About 12 machines are still dinged up, but for the most part Leisure Time, which is open 24 hours a day and seven days a week, is back to normal. Ceiling tiles have been replaced and most of the damage has been cleaned up.

Anderson wants her customers reassured, and she also complimented the firefighters.

"They did their job well," she said.

- Ashok Selvam