BIZNOTE: Quality Cleaners closing in Admiral

Thanks to everyone who has tipped us about this: Quality Cleaners in Admiral is closing. Tonight we finally reached a spokesperson for the family that has owned the business for decades. She explained that it’s closing because of a sudden death in the family. They have nothing to announce yet about the future of the building (which is at 2601 California SW). But if you have clothes there, please go pick them up before Tuesday (June 30th), because that’s the last day of business.

SIDE NOTE: The business was a trailblazer in the mid-20th century; we found an old newspaper mention saying that in the mid-1960s, Quality Cleaners was one of the first on the West Coast to have a drive-up window.

Chuck Jacobs June 26, 2020 (9:03 pm)

I always thought that would be an awesome site for a brewpub.

Gwen June 26, 2020 (9:51 pm)

The proper response is “oh no, that really sucks for them.”
- korecsion June 26, 2020 (11:00 pm)
  
  if you’re going to be that nitpicky, the proper, proper response is something like “i’m really sorry to hear about the death in their family and i’m sorry they need to close. it was one of a kind”. using “suck” seems like you don’t care at all. i prefer the brewpub comment myself.
  - Just Ed said: June 27, 2020 (5:59 am)
    
    Thanks. I haven’t used my laugher very much lately.
  - Erika Borges June 27, 2020 (7:27 am)
    
    Yeah… we need another beer/ bar place
Erika Borges June 27, 2020 (7:26 am)

Seriously?! 🙄
22blades June 27, 2020 (10:57 am)

Really, Chuck?..

Megan Sheppard June 26, 2020 (9:31 pm)

Mr. Walter Klein–the owner when I was a child in the sixties–was one of the few Jewish people I knew of in the community. A very nice man. He was a survivor of the camps. I also remember going to their home in Bellevue once. It was the first time this WS child got to experience lox and bagels. I’ve been a fan ever since. :-) My sympathies to the family on the loss of their loved one.

BW June 27, 2020 (7:03 am)

This is sad news! Is there any word on whether the women who worked there are moving to a different West Seattle business? They are so kind and did a great job. I will miss this business.

Margaret Kelly June 27, 2020 (11:59 am)

Yes, the women who work there are why I kept going. Such a sad notice. Once again I am grateful for the WSB….I appreciate how you keep us involved of what is happening in our neighborhood.

22blades June 27, 2020 (7:24 am)

Condolences to the family & best wishes for the staff. They’ve been a great part of the community & will be sorely missed.

Erika Borges June 27, 2020 (7:31 am)

Thank you for sharing that story Meghan, I had no idea. I am so sorry to hear they are closing and their loss. I loved talking to the lady in there, she was always so kind and sweet. I will miss chatting with her.

Karen Nelson June 27, 2020 (7:52 am)

My sympathies to the family and thanks for years of friendly, cheerful and, yes, quality service.

WSLifer June 27, 2020 (8:44 am)

I am extending my sympathy for the family; I am so sorry for your loss. Quality Cleaners has been my go-to for decades. They always called me by name when I came in, asked about my kids and that wedding dress they pressed for one in 2009 and their alterations were perfect and very well priced. It was a great neighborhood business and they will truly be missed.

LG June 27, 2020 (9:02 am)

I’m so sad to see this place closing. It has been my favorite cleaners for so long. I’m sorry for their loss of a family member.

Michael Freeman June 27, 2020 (10:51 am)

So sad for the lost in our community. They always been my go to place for dry cleaning.The ladies who work there will surely be missed. They owned that corner!

Di June 27, 2020 (11:19 am)

I am so sorry for the family’s loss. And Wow, what an amazing family business in operation for 60 plus years???!!! I am moved to learn more about the longevity of their business. That is really something to celebrate! I bet many of the neighborhood businesses could learn quite a bit from this family’s dedication to their customers and their business. Thank you and best wishes…you will be missed!

Rick June 27, 2020 (1:29 pm)

I’d prefer a senior bingo hall. Now that would be awesome. And probably wouldn’t attract much crime.

Louise June 27, 2020 (1:31 pm)

I have always loved this little business. It is the only dry cleaner that I have used in the 23 years I have lived here. I will miss them. I loved the hand written receipts and old cash register and the big sign outside and friendly faces at the front desk. It was always comforting to walk in there; it was like stepping back in time.

alex June 27, 2020 (6:03 pm)

These “women” actually have names. They would be Diane and Tracy (sp.) For all of you who visited this place, and have had conversation with these lovely women, it surprises me that not a one of you knows their names. A huge part of being a “community” is asking names, remembering conversation had for your next visit within their establishment. We are all connected with every experience we have throughout our days travels. I will miss them incredibly.

Here June 27, 2020 (6:21 pm)

Condolences to the family.

don June 27, 2020 (8:33 pm)

This is the only cleaners I have used in West Seattle. almost 20 years. my condolences to the family. so sad to lose the old time businesses. My best wishes to all their lovely employees.admiral don

Th3 June 28, 2020 (9:57 pm)

What a cool opportunity to turn over this cool cornerstone and make it a bridge to the next generation – however it makes sense – cannot wait to see how it celebrates the past and also embraces the future – all you can wish when a property like this changes hands – positive growth for future – have always loved this location and wondered what its role beyond a dry cleaner could be.

valvashon July 2, 2020 (7:58 am)

I just drove by a few minutes ago (it’s Thursday, July 2nd) and it still looks like there is a LOT of clothing hanging on those racks- to the point where it doesn’t look like a closed business.I wonder if they are going to make attempts to contact the owners of the clothing or if Goodwill is going to get a drop of nice, clean clothing. I did have some blankets cleaned there once or twice and don’t remember giving much information when I dropped them off, so tracking down the owners of the items may be difficult.

WSB July 2, 2020 (10:50 am)

The family member we spoke with said they definitely did not want to be keeping clothing – also, they had been telling customers about the impending closure for at least a few weeks – we got the first tip long before we finally were able to speak with the person the staff told us we had to contact for comment.