Last week the Enterprise shared a story on Robert Simard and his wife, LeAnne, who owned and operated Anytime Laundry for 14 years. The two locations in Livingston, one in Onalaska and another in Woodville were all locked with chains a few weeks ago by the couple, who represent Simard Enterprises.
The four locations were sold last July, but Simard said payment has not been received for over a month. During the lockout, customers have not been able to retain items left in the business, something Simard said he’s given the owners several chances to do.
A judge has now sent instructions on how the two parties should proceed.
The owners of Anytime Laundry had until Wednesday to pick up the customers’ clothing to return them. In that case, Simard would unlock the locations to allow the owners to pick up the items.
If that is not done, Simard has been ordered by the judge to pick the clothes up, reach out to the owners, and make arrangements to deliver the items to them somewhere in Polk County.
The business owners are a group that is said to be headed by Alicia Sisaudia of Arizona.
“We are in the arrears three months for the business loan at the time we filed, and up to this date, we’re about four months,” Simard said of what is owed. “It’s been 120 days since I’ve received my last (loan) payment and the rent payment is in excess of 30 days late. I had to pursue the judge. I asked our attorneys to reach out to the judge to say, ‘Hey look, we’ve given them three different options and they’ve refused all three. Can we do something about it?’
“As I’m concerned, if I had the ability unlock the doors and give these people their clothes – if the judge tells me to do that – I’m very happy to do it at no cost to the customers. They’ve suffered enough.”
A date has been set for Friday in the 258th District Court on a hearing for Simard Enterprises and the Anytime Laundry owners. Simard said he assumes the owners are seeking a permanent injunction at that hearing, prohibiting him from selling assets of the business. There is currently a temporary restraining order prohibiting any removal or destroying anything in Anytime Laundry.
Simard believes the owners have a case of buyer’s remorse.
“They’re making accusations that they’ve sent payments, yet they can’t prove it. We haven’t received it. And to this date, we still haven’t received it,” he said. “They’re making it sound like we’re holding their clothes hostage, that they have no ability to get them to the customers.
“If I’m going to take the business back, I’ve got bills to pay. I’m not getting my money and they’re in excess of $50,000 owed. We sought the judge to say we need to get these people their clothes, and we asked him to do it. He’s authorized us to get the clothes to the business owner so they can do their job of distributing the clothes. It’s not my job, it’s not my property, but you know, my hands were tied. If I didn’t go to the judge and I gave those clothes out, I’m stealing those clothes from that business owner.”
