Where New York Restaurants Send Their Dirty Laundry | On the Job | Priya Krishna | NYT Cooking

Have you ever wondered what happens to your dirty napkin after you leave a restaurant? Meet Arrow Linen Supply Company. It’s a family linen supply and laundry business started in New York in 1947 by Ambrogio Magliocco, who immigrated to the United States from Sicily at the age of 17. Today, Arrow Linen is one of the largest restaurant laundry facilities in New York, processing around 400,000 pounds of the city’s dirty laundry every week. But how, exactly, does that happen? Priya Krishna traveled to their 72,000-square-foot facility in Long Island to find out.
Our new series, “On the Job With Priya Krishna,” is about labor and the people who shape what we eat and how we eat, and whose jobs often go unseen. Tune in.
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[@Caprieye789]

"This is Gladys" I LOVE this series. Pretty much highlights the invisible labor that plays such a huge role in the restaurant business.

[@brianp4438]

Almost spit out my coffee when he said that amongst all the other thing

[@videoket]

@@brianp4438 yeah, it was some perfect editing!

[@0623134]

makes me so happy to this comment, I literally exited out of full screen to see if someone posted this

[@milanesaypuredepapas]

this is galdys lol

[@gothgirlfriend713]

Priya is blooming as a journalist and I love to see it

[@barbramtz]

The fact that you give people the space of expressing themselves in their mother tongue and putting that effort of subtitling and actually talking to them is beautiful!

[@mackenzie-deltadurocher]

"This is Gladys" absolutely sent me 😂❤

[@MultiEquations]

Please continue this series! Priya really shines in these kinds of journalistic videos. She has the warmth and understanding of the labor behind all those who work in the hospitality industry.

[@JakeBarlow]

Absolutely fascinating to learn about this, after having worked in restaurants - from small to huge corporate chains - for over a decade. The family seems genuinely decent, and it's also great seeing how 'green' that plant is.

[@DeliaLee8]

Yes!

[@errhka]

Priya going ahh yess uhuh yes ahhh when the dude is leading her through the facility is all of us when we get trained that first day XD shout out to the entire staff here - they are the lifeblood of America

[@user-qi1st7om5w]

I didn’t not expect to be so moved and interested by a video about a commercial laundry but here I am, this was an absolutely beautiful and fascinating video. Thank you for being so invested in telling the stories of all the workers, from the factory floor to the managing offices. I really enjoyed this.

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

I love how intensely New York everyone in this video is.

[@lizkinnizzle]

"This is Gladys"!!! The super cut of Priya's oohs and ahhs!! The editing of this series has been a delight. Priya asks such unique questions she gets a much more complex and layered stories than other videos of this kind. Love it.

[@matthewrein2741]

The video editor deserves an A+++++ for this

[@misssabina235]

The emotion when the sons were talking about having to make sacrifices with the pandemic🥺 you can see how much they care

[@kalei49]

'these are washers' 'this is a separate extractor' 'this is a separate antenna' 'this is gladys'

[@roacealfonso4889]

Claps to Priya & NYT Cooking Team! This is a great episode (and series)- an out of the box episode but very clever! Priya did a great job on directing the flow of conversation- it was natural and engaging. The research team behind the series also did a great job picking out the three features. And I loved the chaotic energy and editing this video has. Hope to see more of this kind of feature & editing style. Kudos!

[@geoffreyparker5775]

Seconding every point made in this excellent comment.

[@21seashells]

Well said

[@hectorrobertocontrerasmiranda]

excuse me! Priya can speak Spanish?!!! I said it once and I'll say it again SHE IS MY FAVOURITE!!!

[@varunchopra2285]

The montage of "wow, woah, oh my god" is the exact kind of emotional expression I expected to see going into this episode

[@jdmurphy5120]

Huge shoutout to the editor of this video! It was creatively pieced together to create a fun experience

[@benfisher5816]

I'm loving the entire "On the Job" series so far. Priya is great, and the stories are compelling.

[@toastiesin]

"This is Gladys" in the middle of the chaos - cracked me up!

[@GrillingBacon]

“This is Gladys” 😂 9:03

[@videoket]

Such a perfect cut in the middle of the randomness!

[@DuyNguyen-yx2vd]

You weren't kidding when you said it was like Willy Wonka. There's so much going on and I'm fascinated with all the machinery and all the people at work.

[@iluvebutterflys1]

This was so interesting to watch! I have thought before how restaurants get their linens cleaned but I never imagined something on this scale and with such complex machinery!!

[@thatsalt1560]

Or the level of filth in some of it.

[@74bish]

For me, this was the most interesting episode of On the Job yet. I hope we'll get to see more of the behind-the-scenes stuff in regards to the culinary world.

[@edisoncummings2970]

Priya is totally made to do this kind of hosting. This is such an excellent series! Can’t wait to see more of it.

[@felinefaye8550]

My son works for Kannegiesser ETECH, he services this facility!!! He was just there. These places are amazing! My son is amazing and smart.

[@lunaluna6474]

as someone who worked in a bakery, kitchen towels were a savior to me lol. so grateful for people who do this

[@Rocioslane]

Priya speaking Spanish is top tier 👌🏼❤️

[@jska731]

I saw "laundry" and thought I couldn't care less about this episode. But I started watching and I was proved wrong. What a fascinating, out of the box episode! And great editing. Simply brilliant ❤

[@ToppyTree]

"This is Gladys" really made me cackle ty

[@anger101]

Never knew companies like this existed. Excellent reporting by Priya

[@buuh7592]

shout-out to the editor, that scene when the guy was explaining the washing and extraction process was priceless with that music

[@smhan280]

The editing on this video is amazing! Priya is such a thoughtful interviewer - love that you highlighted the people working on the floor!! Please let this be renewed for a second season!!

[@kishens1]

They seem like brilliant people running a compassionate business 👌

[@xximpacts2cks]

Arrow Linen is the best. Real class act. Shows that treating your employees well pays off. Happy for them all :)

[@nizampabil5664]

I cant believe laundry can be this chaotic hahaha eveb Priya looked soo overwhelmed haha

[@mlizhereandnow]

can this series with priya just be a regular thing! so good

[@josegiron7008]

There is something so rewarding about hard work that I just cant explain, this is a prime example, everyone looks so damm happy their bodies might hurt doing all that hard work standing for hrs straight and still they look happier than most rich plp, amazing amazing series showing the backbone of america

[@cheerfullcynic]

"wow, that's bananas, oh my gawd" her enthusiasm is so infectious!

[@ellisr3659]

This type of style of uncovering the unseen labor behind the scenes of restaurant industries is something I LOVED about Anthony Bourdain (r.i.p) he always highlighted it and expressed the huge impact. The way this video showcases that with such warmth and truth is a breath of fresh air. People’s stories of the everyday hustle and bustle. What keeps things moving in the city. The soul of the city, like any stage production, are the ones you don’t always see or notice but are crucial. Love seeing how proud everyone is of the work they do because all work is important and more people need to see that.

[@wvusciguy]

That cup of coffee was bottomless. She held on though the entire tour!

[@fbspin]

NYT cooking really knows what the people want! All of the latest Priya episodes were so good !

[@appleby]

i appreciate the humour in the editing a lot!!

[@mikat2782]

Just wanted to show my appreciation for the music in this video. The whole video, from Priya to editing was amazing, to me the music really took it to another level!

[@Scott_Atlanta]

Love Priya. Glad she escaped the other place to make her own name. The Priya is no Jabroni.

[@bluedrummajor2876]

This video gives support to an old saying, "Take care of your employees, and they will take care of your business."

[@audrang]

I absolutely adore Priya and this series!! ❤️

[@MarcusTSMarcus]

Please keep doing these. Priya is amazing at letting people tell their stories and the editing during the facility run through was amazing. The music and the quick editing when the guide was talking about all the machines.

[@Its_me--Boo_Radley]

Amazing! Mike the Production Manager really knows his stuff. Such a pleasure to listen! What an efficient operation.

[@TheIrishAlchemist205]

I never thought about just what goes into this kind of laundry. Naively always assumed lots would be done in house, obviously not at this scale. What an awesome idea for a video and interview, keep up the good work! Always good to see Priya shining at what she does.

[@ianrosing97]

This seems like there are many unsung heroes surrounding the food industry that need some love. This seems like a highlight to what drives the industry forwards and driving. Keep the videos going

[@joedavid0798]

loved this video, I really am enjoying this series. I hope you guys keep this series going. This episode was very interesting, thinking about what goes behind what happens to all the laundry from restaurants. I really like Priya on this series, she does a great job of interviewing and asking good questions. and kind too

[@serafinacosta7118]

Pryia was overwhelmed at the floor. This is one time she did not bother trying her hand on the floor. Good piece . Knowing they can give Cintas a run for their money is something else.

[@ovandonselaar]

We need more episodes!! Make this a continuous series please! It is so important to see all the different people and types of labor that make the food industry tick, especially the hidden and unseen labor!

[@kkobrien]

What a fascinating look inside an essential but often invisible aspect of restaurant culture! Loved hearing from the workers on the ground level, and what a miracle that the laundry actually makes it through the whole facility and back to each client. Really great series overall-- hope you continue producing new episodes with Priya!

[@endtwoducing]

A fascinating video and what caught me by total surprise is that one (or maybe multiple) of their machines are from the small town in Germany where my grandfather was born.

[@geraldkelly8908]

This has been a fantastic series! NY Times and Priya have us looking forward to the next episode. Please continue this series!

[@mmmpotstickers8684]

Thank you for this story. It's great to see a thriving family business that cares for its clients and employees. Having worked in restaurants and hotels I've also experienced drivers and route managers that don't provide good service, laundry workers that don't care about quality and steal, and companies that tamper with the equipment that test the waste water released into the sewer.

[@kathyerickson9402]

I sure hope you keep this series going. It's fun and fascinating.

[@lynnstlaurent6789]

Can I nominate this for best editing, best picture and Priya for best lead?

[@ropro9817]

Lol, Priya is such a dorky nerd. Love her. 🤓

[@emilyd9676]

Truly amazing facility. My grandmother worked in a laundry for 25 years in sweltering heat after immigrating from Poland. Glad to see they treat their employees well.

[@stdew07]

Anyone else this video made weirdly emotional?! 🥺🥺

[@dreamergirl05]

This is Gladys! @9:03 Lol

[@carlieamado6153]

Shoutout to the editors, they nailed it!

[@Positvelyrad12]

I love this show! showing light on the workers who do the things that none of us would like to do and boy am I so grateful for them!! thanks for giving these hard workers the spotlight

[@emmythemac]

I think this is my favorite episode of the series. It's funny that there's a mention of being the last in line to get paid, but for everyone who's worked in a kitchen you know that the linens are the FIRST thing you reach for. I remember sometimes on pickup day we would be running low on towels or coats and it just doesn't feel right to not have my "armor" for the day, even for a few hours.

[@robertstanley9633]

As someone who has worked in the food industry for years and has taken the time to sort out the dirty linen before pickup, thank you for sharing this & thank you to the folks who work endlessly hard to ensure we have clean linen to start the day 💕

[@greggschofield7623]

Priya is totally made to do this kind of hosting. This is such an excellent series! Can’t wait to see more of it🤨

[@Mor_timer]

Everything about this business is pure gold... the dashing Italian heirs, the energetic Italian manager, the production ladies. I felt like I was watching a reality show

[@keishatell2]

Love how your mind works priya . i throughly enjoy this series 💕

[@Hemant.s]

I can’t say enough about this series. Everything about it. The subject matter, the host, the guests, the editing and production. Bravo!

[@MoInTheCity03]

Thanks for thinking outside the box and bringing this video to the public great work

[@AuntDuddie]

I was glued to this video. I noticed one thing you could invest in and that's padded mats for your people to stand on. I think it would reduce stress on the ol' bones. Very interesting video. Thank you. 🧺🧺🧺

[@aharmonym24]

This whole series has been an absolute delight to watch. The editing on this one was particularly fantastic :)

[@anamariabustamante909]

This is amazing! And the music is just on point to give it a beautiful vibe

[@IrmiRose]

Love this whole series, Priya! This one was particularly fascinating. I love family business, especially where everyone is family. Thank you to everyone who was in this video.

[@geoffreyparker5775]

This was a great video, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope you make more, similar not-directly-food-related videos in the future, Priya. Felt like How It's Made with added personality.

[@eventidewatcher]

Please do more work with Priya, she's so good and this series is wonderful.

[@jhiaaa]

Wow didn't know Priya spoke spanish, loving these series so far

[@qflower4982]

Thank you for showing the behide the scenes. These are the folks that need praise.

[@chelsea9078]

Best episode yet. Something I’ve never thought about but as soon as I saw the title wondered the same thing. Priya crushed it and I’m amazed at the tattoos of a laundry business 😂

[@bailee333]

I’m begging for more episodes in this series! This has been so interesting & I have absolutely loved learning more about the “hidden” jobs in the food industry!

[@titezazou7963]

I have to say I was a little scared to watch Priya discover the facility with her coffee/tea cup without lid hahaha! I would have accidentally spilled all of it on the cleaned clothes for sure as they're attracting stains😢 Keep up the great videos!

[@akal029]

Obsessed with this series, and so freaking in love with Priya's personality and journalism style - thoroughly satisfied viewer!

[@Thagreendragon489]

I love this series and this episode especially!! I’ve been working in restaurants for like 14 years and have always wondered about the magically clean linens that show up.

[@lisamacdonald9375]

This is eye opening! Thank you Priya! Never even considered how this all happened!

[@danielbryan6864]

This whole series was so enjoyable to watch! I hope you keep it up with stuff like this. Was introduced to incredible people/food/knowledge

[@cileft011]

priyas a great interviewer! seems like she asks some great questions and let people lead the conversation

[@anindo73]

another absolutely fantastic episode - priya is killing it with these, and so is the whole NYT team. I could watch much longer versions of these if y'all would ever consider doing them!

[@modulated_]

i always love these little areas in the industry priya shines a light on, always so so cool to see the microcosm in these sort of places that you wouldn't really know about otherwise

[@vegan_millennial6560]

The way Priya corrected him from "curry's like a dye" "--turmeric! Yeah.." 🙌

[@fordkoleski7913]

Its really interesting how eco friendly they are. Solar energy, the water treatment, very interesting!

[@noerisgil754]

I don’t know why this piece made me emotional…seeing those ladies working so hard and loving their jobs! If only the healthcare industry would understand what it takes to have that kind of employee moral we wouldn’t be where we are at!

[@AngelSoto-nf6or]

This video is amazing and how this small family business is still a very big family business And that restaurant early in the video Cippolini is a great restaurant. Glad they use a family run business

[@1timechunk]

Bravo Priya and NYT team!! A fascinating and original concept of a video brought to life with great journalism, videography, sound, and editing. Priya and team shining a light on a hidden, yet highly central/instrumental sector of the food industry - such an amazing video. I never comment on videos but I was so wonderfully surprised and enjoyed this video so much that I feel compelled to. Please continue this series.

[@takeiteasytigerny]

So this was only a three part series or nah? I'm sure I'm not the only person who was starting to get hooked on this. Such a great concept and honestly love Priya's style of journalism.

[@TechnoIogic]

I love this, grew up seeing those trucks around the city. Nice to know they're still operating and it seems like they treat their employees and the environment right.

[@thatsalt1560]

Incredible. Thank you!

[@mrs.garcia8055]

I love the way they talked about their employees

[@sophiejones7916]

Love Priya’s curiosity and fascination

[@weychul3034]

This episode (and the whole series so far) is heartwarming!! PMore of these content please!

[@genevieved.2353]

loved that little *smack* moment at 12:20 🤌 And as always, we love Priya!