A family of local entrepreneurs continues to add to Houston\u2019s entertainment and service landscape one vintage building at a time. The Torres family \u2013 owners of Coco’s Donuts, Del-Mar Lanes bowling alley, and Soap Suds Laundry on N. Main \u2013 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
First up – the second Soap Suds Laundry on 1805 W Gray St.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re bringing the same culture to the new location,\u201d said Ruby Torres, who helps run the family\u2019s growing portfolio of businesses alongside her family and parents, Robert and Sylvia Torres. \u201cWe\u2019re going to have an espresso machine, live music occasionally, and other events to make it a communal social space.\u201d<\/p>\n
The location maintains the family\u2019s signature retro aesthetic of the flagship location \u2013 what Torres describes as a \u201c1950s Coca-Cola vibe,\u201d while offering a fresh, modern look. A grand opening is planned for January 4, 2026.<\/p>\n
Unlike many laundromats owned by large corporations, Soap Suds remains independent and family-operated. \u201cThese are truly family businesses,\u201d Torres said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
More Than Just Laundry<\/p>\n
The Torres family\u2019s first Soap Suds location on 4211 N Main St. celebrated its 18th anniversary on December 1st.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople are always surprised when they walk in, and it feels more like a coffee shop vibe,\u201d 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 \u2013 a tradition that continues on special occasions.<\/p>\n
The space has also hosted wedding photo shoots, music videos, art galleries, and fashion photography sessions. \u201cPeople like to use it just for the aesthetics,\u201d Ruby noted.<\/p>\n
A Growing GOOF Footprint<\/p>\n
The laundromat is just one piece of the Torres family\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Their Coco\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
The shop completed its drive-thru service, adding convenience for customers on the go.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s such a tight-knit little community,\u201d Torres said of Oak Forest, where the family has lived for about 20 years. \u201cWe really love being in that little area.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bowling and Beyond<\/p>\n
The family also owns Del Mar Lanes, 3020 Mangum Rd., Houston\u2019s 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\u2019ll add a large arcade extension featuring pool tables, air hockey, basketball games, and more, creating a Dave & Buster’s-style entertainment vibe.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe’ve already brought in a bunch of new arcade games,\u201d Torres said.<\/p>\n
In 2020,\u00a0The Leader\u00a0reported on the family\u2019s acquisition of the former Tradewinds Skating Rink at 5006 W. 34th St. Plans are still in the works to give the property new life.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s a huge building. It’s gonna be a huge project,\u201d 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\u2019s current plan is still to restore it as a roller skating rink.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe closest one is probably Dairy Ashford, and that\u2019s about 40 minutes out of town,\u201d Ruby said. \u201cIt’s a little bit of a drive for Houstonians.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Team Effort<\/p>\n
Managing multiple businesses requires constant attention. Torres described the family\u2019s typical day as jumping from one location to another. Hitting one shop in the morning, another at lunch, and a third in the evening.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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