Dolly Parton has shown fans that she is very business-savvy. The "Jolene" singer has a stake in Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and her dinner theaters in Tennessee and Missouri.
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Then last week, Parton announced that she is opening Dolly's Tennessean Travel Stop in Cornersville, Tennessee, in partnership with the Tennessean Travel Stop brand.
As Parton expands her business ventures, it raises the question: if Parton can open a truck stop, then why can't Emily Strayer of The Chicks open a laundromat in San Antonio? That's exactly what happened when SOAP opened in the North Central area of the Texas city, and it's unlike any other laundromat you've ever seen.
What Makes SOAP Unique?
The futuristic-looking 5,500-square-foot space takes the laundromat concept to a new level. Sure, there are 64 high-efficiency top-of-the-line washers and dryers, with some offering "hospital-grade sanitization while reducing chemical use and drying times," according to a press release.
But there is no need to save your quarters. The machines run on a card-based payment system, allowing customers to load funds with cash, card, or EBT. Prices start at $4.00 per wash, and the full-service wash-and-fold service begins at $1.50 a pound.
But waiting to switch your clothes from one machine to another isn't so boring anymore. There is free Wi-Fi and a full-service indoor coffee bar offering pastries and hot or iced caffeinated beverages to get you through your day or help you catch up on your latest binge watch.
"SOAP was born from the idea that everyday tasks can be enjoyable," Strayer said in a statement. "I wanted to create a space that's not just functional but inspiring, a place that brings people together and helps elevate how we live, even in the simplest moments, like laundry."
But Why Did the Chicks' Emily Strayer Open a Laundromat?
According to a report by MySanAntonio.com, Strayer and her husband have owned a home in San Antonio since around 2008. The couple purchased the building that houses SOAP to strengthen their connection to the city.
"I wanted to invest in something that truly belongs to San Antonio," Strayer said. "SOAP is just the beginning. I hope to continue expanding offerings that make everyday life a little more beautiful for our community."
It's not as cool as opening a bar in Nashville, but like Parton, Strayer has certainly made a good investment.
