Bryan Community Banding Together After Local Dry Cleaning Business Catches Fire
Bryan, Texas —
It was a typical Monday evening in Bryan when the unexpected happened. A beloved local business, Pride Cleaners, located at the intersection of East 29th Street and Carter Creek Parkway, experienced a significant fire around 8:30 p.m. The flames set off alarms not just for the staff but for the whole community as well. Fortunately, quick action from the fire departments helped to contain the blaze before it could spread further.
A Shocking Call
Jacob Holeman, the owner of Pride Cleaners for the past three years, couldn’t believe the news when he got that fateful phone call. “It was overwhelming at first,” he recounted, visibly shaken. “Especially when I walked in and saw what it looked like for the first time.” The cause of the fire was isolated to a dryer, thanks to the rapid response of five different fire stations that came to the rescue.
The Impact of the Fire
At this stage, the full extent of the damages is still unclear. “We don’t know if anything is or isn’t ruined at this point,” Jacob lamented. As he begins the challenging process of assessing the damage, his concerns extend beyond the physical state of his business. As a local business owner, he’s dedicated a lot of time and passion into building relationships with both employees and customers.
Community Support Shines Bright
In the face of adversity, the Bryan community has rallied around Jacob and his team. According to him, he received more than 100 phone calls and texts just the night of the fire. “That, to me, was the emotional part of it,” he said. “How many people care in this community about other community members.” This level of support illustrates the close-knit environment that Bryan residents take pride in, standing together through thick and thin.
A Helping Hand from College Station
Not only is Jacob receiving support from the local community, but he also got an offer from his neighbor in College Station, Will Simmen, who owns a Pride Cleaners location off Harvey Mitchell Parkway South. “We’ll pick up from their house, clean and press your clothes, deliver them—just as he did, so he won’t miss a beat with that,” he expressed enthusiastically.
Plans for the Future
While Jacob’s location may be temporarily closed, the College Station Pride Cleaners will be stepping in to fill the gaps. This team will ensure that customers still have access to cleaning services with their pick-up and delivery options. It’s a testament to the collaborative spirit between businesses in the area.
Looking Ahead
At this time, Jacob has not set a deadline for reopening the Bryan location. However, he remains optimistic. “The event happens. That’s why insurance exists. We’re covered. Our employees and our customers are going to be covered,” he reassured. With the support he’s receiving, both emotionally and operationally, it seems likely that Pride Cleaners will bounce back stronger than ever.
Final Thoughts
In a world where fires can ignite suddenly and chaos can ensue, the resilience of local businesses and their communities shines through. The story of Pride Cleaners serves as a reminder of the strong connections that bind everyone together, especially in challenging times. With hope and help from surrounding neighbors, Jacob Holeman and his team at Pride Cleaners will surely find their way back to business as usual with the support of the Bryan community behind them.
