Mike Walsh can wash your clothes, wash your car and now wash your dog, all in the same place.

The owner of King Koin Launderette and Car Wash at 2125 E. Thayer Ave., Walsh said he has been studying and designing a dog wash for about three years and has even traveled to other states to look at similar systems.

He worked with local metal fabricators, welders and engineers to make his dog wash ergonomically and environmentally state-of-the-art. It features a three-speed blow dryer — “the Newfies and stuff were having trouble getting it done” — a tub that adjusts to the size of the dog and height of the owner, a charcoal air filtering system to eliminate wet dog smell, and an array of nozzles to spray and shampoo pets.

“The water temperature is perfect, and all the shampoos, including oatmeal, are there,” said Walsh, who estimated that he spent around $50,000 to install his two coin-operated washing stalls where pet owners can strap their dogs in a tub, shampoo and dry them, and maybe throw in some conditioner or coat vacuuming.

While similar systems can be found around the country, he believes his is the only one like it in the region.

“I did look at different tubs out there, but ours is definitely unique,” Walsh said. “So far, people have been ecstatic.”

 

Reza Kamranian, the owner of the A&W and Long John Silvers location on Third Street in downtown Bismarck, said he would like to open a soccer-themed restaurant if he cannot sell his business by the end of the year. A big fan of the sport, he wants to give other enthusiasts a place to go.

“Very seldom do we get to watch any soccer on TV,” he said. “There’s not a humongous following, but it’s definitely getting more popular.”

New mall offerings

JoAnn Becker, a co-owner of Not Too Shabby, said her shop at Gateway Fashion Mall will sell “an eclectic mix” of new and secondhand decorations, antiques, quilts, jewelry and florals. She will have an open house this Friday and Saturday. The store is opening as a seasonal business for Christmas, but may become permanent if business is good.

Also at the mall, the Chinatown Buffet has a new owner and is now offering Japanese and Korean dishes as well as a Mongolian stir fry, according to manager Peter Shiu.

(Reach reporter Christopher Bjorke at 250-8261 or chris.bjorke@bismarcktribune.com.)