Comet Cleaners Franchise
The largest family-owned dry-cleaning franchise in the U.S., Comet Cleaners has almost 100 years of experience and great franchisee support.
$250,000
$30,000
150
1969
Arlington,TX
Jack Godfrey Jr.
About Comet Cleaners
Comet Cleaners is one of the oldest established dry-cleaning companies in the United States, and it continues to be the largest family owned dry cleaning franchise in the country. With almost 200 locations from Hawaii to Florida, this growing company has a reputation for trustworthy service and high-quality results. By offering a wide range of dry-cleaning services at affordable prices, in addition to time-saving perks such as drive-up attention and 24-hour clothing drop-off, Comet Cleaners locations have established a solid spot in this approximately $9 billion a year industry. Over 60 years of experience has led the Texas-based franchise to develop expert techniques in caring for clothing items that range from business attire and everyday garments to delicate wedding dresses and leather items.
At times, Comet Cleaners has been at the leading edge of dry-cleaning innovation, such as during the company’s push in the early 1990s to get rid of perchlorethylene, also called PERC, from its dry-cleaning operations. This set it decades ahead of the majority of other dry cleaners, many who continue to use the harmful chemical even though it’s tied to serious health problems. By looking for safe alternatives over 20 years ago, Comet preserved its reputation for high-quality care and continual innovation.
Franchise Unit Trends
150
10
-
* in 2018
Franchise Fees
$30,000
5.0% - 5.0%
Gross Sales
1.0%
Gross Sales
Why Choose Comet Cleaners?
There are several positive aspects to the Comet Cleaners franchise, including extensive guidance, ongoing support and training for franchisees. Applicants receive assistance from the beginning of the information-gathering process all the way through opening day. Organizational representatives help franchisees to apply for financing, analyze potential store locations, perform market research, install equipment and obtain real estate via an approved broker.
Before signing the franchise agreement, applicants are allowed to observe several Comet Cleaners stores in action while accompanied by a leadership team member who explains operations in detail. Continued training touches on brand values, management techniques and information related specifically to dry cleaning. Another advantage that may make opening a Comet Cleaners location desirable is there is no inventory to worry about and hiring costs are minimal, leading to low overhead and potentially greater profits.
Starting Costs & Investment Requirements
$250,000 - $500,000
-
$250,000
History
The history of Comet Cleaners is closely tied to the brand’s family atmosphere. The first Godfrey to venture into the dry-cleaning industry, R.L. Godfrey, started his own business in the early 1920s. He opened his first store under the Comet Cleaners name in 1960, and began franchising the company in 1967.
For approximately 100 years, the Godfrey family has continued to be involved in dry cleaning. Ownership of Comet Cleaners was first transferred to Jack Godfrey Sr. and later to Jack Godfrey Jr., who is the present CEO of the franchise. During all of this time, the business has focused significantly on innovation and growth, even launching locations in Mexico.
Ideal Candidate
Comet Cleaners may be a good fit for first-time franchise owners due to the large amount of training and assistance provided throughout the entire application process. Thanks to help securing SBA financing, finding an appropriate location, negotiating real estate purchase prices, installing equipment and other details, franchisees don’t need prior experience to have a strong start.
In the case of U.S. Armed Forces veterans looking to open their own business, Comet Cleaner’s $10,000 discount on the initial franchise fee and extensive ongoing training may make this franchise a good option. While there are certain capital requirements, the franchise’s low startup costs may help new owners reach profitability more quickly.
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