Help Rebuild Harvey Washbangers – A College Station Icon

On Monday, March 10, 2025 at 5:30 a.m., Michael Lair, owner of Harvey Washbangers and Stella Southern Cafe, awoke to a phone call that no one ever expects to receive- Harvey Washbangers, his family business, a College Station icon, community hub, and home away from home for countless students, families, and locals since 1998, was engulfed in flames.

A Family Legacy Built on Passion & Community

Pete & Phyllis Lair bought Washbangers in 1999 with a dream to bring a crazy and unconventional business concept to life- a laundromat that served great food and cold beer. They have worked tirelessly, not just to build a successful business, but to create a welcoming space where people could gather, share a meal, and even get some chores done. Washbangers has become a place where so many could call their comfort spot; Mrs. Phyllis even becoming a second mom to countless college kids doing their first loads of laundry away from home.

In 2012, their son, Michael Lair, stepped in with a fresh vision. A culinary school graduate, he revamped the menu with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and led the charge in making Washbangers one of the first restaurants in town to go all Texas craft beer—a trend that took off across the area. With a renewed focus on quality food, hospitality, and community, Washbangers continued to thrive as a beloved meeting place for friends and family.

Washbangers Has Always Shown Up for the Community—Now It’s Our Turn

The Lair family has never hesitated to help others in times of need. After Hurricane Harvey, they delivered burgers to first responders in Houston. During COVID, they provided meals for healthcare workers. They’ve supported local firefighters, police, and neighbors in crisis—helping families affected by fires, floods, and even providing laundry services when an entire apartment building lost gas for weeks.

Now, they need our help.

The hearts of the Lair family are nothing short of a miracle and blessing to the BCS community, and that's why we are asking the BCS community to come back and support them.

Help Us Rebuild Harvey Washbangers

Insurance only covers so much, and opening a laundromat or restaurant on their own is incredibly capital-heavy, let alone opening a combo business. But with the community's support, Washbangers could reopen within a year.

Your donations will help bridge the gap between insurance coverage and the funds needed to bring this College Station icon back to life.

If Washbangers has ever served you a meal, poured you a beer, turned your chores into cheers, or just felt like home, we ask that you give what you can. Let’s rally behind the Lair family and make sure Harvey Washbangers returns, stronger than ever.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬