From chaZam marketing:
“I’m not quite cleaning up, but I’m not losing my shirt either,” jokes Chad Zambito, the new co-owner and operator of Grammy O’s Laundry located in the Valu Plaza in Batavia. All joking aside, Zambito admits the Laundromat business is difficult, not very glamorous and nothing like his day job.
Zambito, currently the VP of Marketing and Community Development for the Genesee County Economic Development Center, purchased the facility in March of 2008 after several conversations with his then fiancée Jennifer. “I’ve always wanted to own my own business,” said Zambito, “And when the opportunity presented its self, Jen and I jumped on it.” It turned out to be a big year for the couple; they were also married on October 18th.
The Zambitos purchased the facility from Jeremy Sabatino, a local small businessman, and have been hard at work ever since. “I really feel more like a janitor than a business owner,” added Zambito. “Keeping the place clean is important but a bit tedious”.
Zambito, who also served as a Marketing Manager at Batavia Downs Casino, is drawing on his gaming promotions background to give the business an edge. He has kicked off a promotion in which customers have a chance to win $100 if they can find the “Golden Quarter” at the facility. “It’s been a big hit and I knew from my experience at The Downs how popular cash giveaways can be, plus I know its something that would bring me in to do my wash.”
The facility is named after Zambito’s mother whom passed away in 2005. “My son called her Grammy O and we knew that was the perfect name. Every time I clean I think; would I be ashamed to let my mother see the place like this? If the answer is yes, I keep cleaning.” The logo was created by Mrs. Zambito’s cousin, Batavia graduate Aaron Long of Rochester with help from another cousin, Stephanie Borgal of Batavia, an Oakfield-Alabama grad.
With the economy taking a down turn, the couple has had to be creative to keep business steady. They are introducing “Bargain Alley”, an area of washers that cost just $1.50 and dryers that cost $1.25.
Apparently the entrepunerial spirit that Zambito is exposed to everyday at the GCEDC is rubbing off. He has also launched a line of T-shirts called Father Mucker’s. Its a funny play on words with slogans like, “My Father RAN AMUCK for a living”, which is almost true for the Elba native. Zambito’s grandfather, Paul “Zeke” Zambito, was a muck farmer who produced potatoes and onions as part of “Five Brothers Farms”. Zambito is donating a portion of the sales to muck land preservation. Muck land is rich farm land that is produced when wetlands are drained and are prevalent in Genesee and Orleans Counties. Recent media efforts have highlighted the ongoing erosion of the precious farmland. Zambito hopes to turn the idea into a restaurant that would highlight the local farming industry. “First I’ve got to raise the cash and then I have to convince my wife,” Zambito said with a laugh. “I’m not sure which one will be more difficult.” Father Mucker’s T-shirts are available on ebay or by contacting Zambito directly.
