World’s Largest Laundromat in Berwyn celebrates 10 years of business after fire

BERWYN – Ten years ago, Tom Benson reopened the doors to his rebuilt and renovated business, the World's Largest Laundromat, after it had been destroyed by a massive fire in 2004. And now, Benson is showing his appreciation for his customers with a huge anniversary celebration Jan. 17.

“The day we reopened after the fire, I had about 100 people there by 1 p.m., and I hadn’t even done any advertising yet,” Tom Benson said. “My customers are so loyal, and that’s phenomenal. I owe them something for how well they accept me and the business. Sunday is a big ‘thank you’ to them and the city of Berwyn.”

The all-day event begins at 10 a.m. and goes until 8 p.m. Benson said there will be “non-stop” entertainment, complete with clowns, musicians, raffles and free food catered by Buona Beef that will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then again from 5 to 7 p.m. Berwyn Mayor Robert Lovero also will be at the party at 6 p.m., just in time for a special announcement that Benson wants to keep a surprise.

“It’s been an integral part of Berwyn’s business community for all these years, and it provides a service to the community,” Lovero said. “The place is always crowded, and there’s a family atmosphere. Tom makes it like a second home for people. It’s really nice. He showed his commitment to the city when he rebuilt, and I want to be there to show the city’s commitment to him.”

The World’s Largest Laundromat, which Benson said is indeed the largest in the country with more than 300 machines and more than 13,000 square feet, was destroyed by a fire in August 2004. Benson said the fire was caused by faulty wiring that was connected to a dryer.

More than 100 people were doing laundry at the time, but luckily, everyone got out safely, he said.

“The first 12 hours after the fire were horrible,” Benson remembered. “But I knew we were going to rebuild something really good and fix all the problems that the old building had. We got brand-new, state-of-the-art, efficient equipment and rehired nine of the former employees. Things have been going great ever since.”

Benson purchased the business, which the original owner opened in 1983, in 1999. He believes the reason it has been so successful is because of the emotional connection he and his employees have with the customers.

“We’re special in the laundry industry partly because we’re so large, but we also make people feel happy, involved and comfortable,” he said. “We built this place with the idea of taking care of families and kids enjoying coming here with their parents.”

The World’s Largest Laundromat, 6246 Cermak Road, has a 200-square-foot play area for children, which Benson said was designed with input from an early childhood development center, so it’s not just “toys on the ground.” The area features interactive games and a coloring table. In addition to the play area, the business offers free doughnuts every morning, and Wednesday night is pizza night, where customers can enjoy a free dinner.

Mark Benson, Tom’s son and the business's manager, agreed the World’s Largest Laundromat gives people a reason to keep coming back to do their laundry.

“There’s a ton of laundromats, and people can go anywhere,” he said. “They’re loyal to us because of our employees, the way we treat our customers, clean bathrooms, free food and room for kids to run around. The best feedback is that people keep coming back. They know this is a good place.”