Surf’s Up! opened in Kingston in the spring of 1995. At that time it was known as The Washboard. It was envisioned by Paula Loh to be a sister business to the main Pizza Pizza store in Kingston: the customer entrance/exit and common areas to be shared by the two businesses. Customers could do their laundry and relax in the seating area while having a light meal. The staff of Pizza Pizza would always be available to provide change and answer questions regarding the operation of the laundry machines.
In September, 2002, the Pizza Pizza store was sold back to the chain’s head office. At that time, the two businesses were physically separated to reflect the change in ownership and business circumstances.
In a quick response to the need for a new business concept, the coin laundry was given a new identity and renamed Surf’s Up!. New services were added: dry cleaning and wash-and-fold laundry service. A snack bar was incorporated to provide light meals, once again, for the laundry’s customers.
Expansion
Surf’s Up! expanded as of April, 2005, doubling in size. Further equipment updates were completed in August, 2012.
New equipment includes:
- 16 multi-load washers
- 6 20-lb washers that each hold 2-loads
- 4 30-lb washers that each hold 3-loads
- 4 40-lb washers that each hold 4-loads
- 2 60-lb washers that each hold 6-loads
- 20 triple-load dryers
- 6 folding tables
The equipment in the original side of the laundromat remains:
- 12 single-load top-load washers
- 16 single-load dryers
- 4 triple-load dryers
- 4 folding tables