Early Chinese immigrants to Brantford established small businesses, including many laundries. Canadian society at this time was often hostile and sinophobic, which severely limited employment opportunities for newcomers from China. Laundries allowed these early immigrants to support themselves by filling a niche in the market.

The first Chinese laundry in Brantford, Chong Lee Laundry, opened in 1896. One of the last laundries to be established in the city, James Mark First Class Hand Laundry at 110 Market St., opened in 1952 and operated until 1974.