Haverhill’s EZ-Way Cleaners to Close in its Current Form; Portions of Business to Remain Local

EZ-Way Cleaners, 143 White St., Haverhill. (File photograph.)

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EZ-Way Cleaners, long a Haverhill-based staple, is closing its doors after 70 years, but parts of the operation will continue in some form.

Co-owner Peter Carbone told WHAV Friday its main White Street location will become part of Lawrence-based  Jellis Laundromat, while its Hampstead Dry Cleaners and pickup and delivery service will be taken over by the owners of Haverhill’s Westgate Cleaners. He said he and co-owner Dave Gaiero are thankful for the support they have received over the years.

“We’re grateful for the loyalty and support of all of them and for the support of our employees,” he said.

Carbone said he and co-owner Dave Gaiero set out sell the business whole to ensure customers’ needs are met and employees continue to have jobs while they retire. They were unable to find one buyer for everything and settled for doing the best they can to help staff find new jobs and customers find a new place to go.

Jellis Laundromat’s Jean Abourjeili is buying the 143 White St., Haverhill, building and converting it into a “state-of-the-art” laundromat. Meanwhile, Wendy and Joel Angel, owners of Westgate Cleaners, add Hampstead Dry Cleaners, of Colby Corner, East Hampstead, N.H., and continue the pickup and delivery business, preserving some jobs.

Carbone said adding a Hampstead location is a “logical next step” for the Angels to grow. Coupons will be provided as an incentive for EZ-Way customers, now patronizing the Haverhill and 139 S. Main St., Bradford, locations, to try Westgate Cleaners.

Aug. 6 is the last day to make drop offs at the Haverhill and Bradford locations, while Aug. 13 is the last day to pick up orders at White Street and Sept. 17 at the Bradford location.

Wavelengths Bonus: Carbone Family Legacy Includes Skateland, Other Businesses

Atillio A. Carbone.

Behind the EZ-Way Cleaners’ legacy is a story of building and growing a number of other familiar businesses over the years.

Herb Lynch founded EZ-Way in both Haverhill and Woburn and one in Haverhill during the 1950s. Meanwhile, Peter Carbone’s father, Atillio, and Uncle Aldo founded Skateland in 1951 on Railroad Avenue. By happenstance, the brothers bought Bradford Depot from the railroad in 1963 for $1,000 with the intention of tearing it down to add parking for Skateland.

With young children at home, the Carbone’s found night work at Skateland interfering with family needs. They decided to open a franchised Norge Village Cleaners at Bradford Depot, which later became Bradford Depot Laundromat. They sold Skateland in 1965.

Bradford Depot Laundromat grew and began subbing out work to Lynch’s EZ-Way Cleaners. The Carbone’s eventually bought the business when Lynch retired. Similarly, Peter Carbone and schoolhood chum David Gaiero bought the operation when Atillio retired.

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