A family of local entrepreneurs continues to add to Houston’s entertainment and service landscape one vintage building at a time. The Torres family – owners of Coco’s Donuts, Del-Mar Lanes bowling alley, and Soap Suds Laundry on N. Main – is expanding their community-focused business model with a new River Oaks laundromat that just opened, an arcade addition to Del-Mar, and a plan for the former Tradewinds Roller Rink.
First up – the second Soap Suds Laundry on 1805 W Gray St.
“We’re bringing the same culture to the new location,” said Ruby Torres, who helps run the family’s growing portfolio of businesses alongside her family and parents, Robert and Sylvia Torres. “We’re going to have an espresso machine, live music occasionally, and other events to make it a communal social space.”
The location maintains the family’s signature retro aesthetic of the flagship location – what Torres describes as a “1950s Coca-Cola vibe,” while offering a fresh, modern look. A grand opening is planned for January 4, 2026.
Unlike many laundromats owned by large corporations, Soap Suds remains independent and family-operated. “These are truly family businesses,” Torres said.
More Than Just Laundry
The Torres family’s first Soap Suds location on 4211 N Main St. celebrated its 18th anniversary on December 1st.
“People are always surprised when they walk in, and it feels more like a coffee shop vibe,” Torres said. The location offers complimentary coffee and donuts for customers on Sunday mornings. For a period, they featured live acoustic music every Sunday, with a guitarist performing for customers doing their laundry – a tradition that continues on special occasions.
The space has also hosted wedding photo shoots, music videos, art galleries, and fashion photography sessions. “People like to use it just for the aesthetics,” Ruby noted.
A Growing GOOF Footprint
The laundromat is just one piece of the Torres family’s expanding Houston footprint. Robert Torres, a realtor with his own brokerage, specializes in purchasing properties and overseeing their renovation. The family handles construction management and interior design in-house, often completely gutting buildings and transforming them into new concepts.
Their Coco’s Donuts & Coffee Bar, which opened in Oak Forest in July 2024, is evolving beyond its original concept. Along with regulars who come for the food and drink, it has become a hub for social events, including craft nights, silent book clubs, and salsa dancing on the second Monday of each month.
The shop completed its drive-thru service, adding convenience for customers on the go.
“It’s such a tight-knit little community,” Torres said of Oak Forest, where the family has lived for about 20 years. “We really love being in that little area.”
Bowling and Beyond
The family also owns Del Mar Lanes, 3020 Mangum Rd., Houston’s oldest bowling alley, which opened in 1958. Purchased in summer 2017 and extensively renovated, Del Mar is now planning a major expansion. In 2026, they’ll add a large arcade extension featuring pool tables, air hockey, basketball games, and more, creating a Dave & Buster’s-style entertainment vibe.
“We’ve already brought in a bunch of new arcade games,” Torres said.
In 2020, The Leader reported on the family’s acquisition of the former Tradewinds Skating Rink at 5006 W. 34th St. Plans are still in the works to give the property new life.
“It’s a huge building. It’s gonna be a huge project,” Torres said. The structure still features its original wood tile floor, some in good condition, some requiring extensive restoration. While the timeline remains uncertain, the family’s current plan is still to restore it as a roller skating rink.
“The closest one is probably Dairy Ashford, and that’s about 40 minutes out of town,” Ruby said. “It’s a little bit of a drive for Houstonians.”
A Team Effort
Managing multiple businesses requires constant attention. Torres described the family’s typical day as jumping from one location to another. Hitting one shop in the morning, another at lunch, and a third in the evening.
Right now, though, most of their energy is focused on the newest Soap Suds location on West Grey, making sure it matches the welcoming, community-focused atmosphere that has become their trademark.