Lapels Dry Cleaning Franchise — Veteran Cost & Requirements (2026)
Turn a storefront into your community's go-to destination for premium dry cleaning and laundry services. This is a hands-on business combining retail operations, quality control, and relationship building — with multiple revenue streams from retail and delivery services.
What Is Lapels Dry Cleaning?
We offer a discount of 15% off of the initial franchise fee.
As a Lapels owner, you're running a modern take on an essential service. Your store handles everything from everyday laundry to high-end garment care, with options to run a full-service plant, a satellite store, or a delivery-focused model. A typical day starts early, managing incoming orders and coordinating with your team on production schedules. You'll split time between the front counter (building relationships with regulars who trust you with their favorite clothes) and the back of house (ensuring quality control and efficient operations). The business runs on a mix of walk-in retail traffic and recurring revenue from regular customers and delivery routes. The model is built around repeat business — people need their clothes cleaned every week, not just once. Your success comes from maintaining consistent quality and building a loyal customer base who knows they can count on you.
Quick Facts
Founded
2018
Franchising Since
2018
Headquarters
Florida
Location Type
Commercial Location
Semi-Absentee
No
SBA Approved
Yes
Lapels Dry Cleaning Franchise Cost Breakdown (2026)
The total investment to open a Lapels Dry Cleaning franchise starts at $40,900. Here's what that covers and what you'll need to qualify.
Investment Breakdown
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $27,000 | $60,000 |
| Travel And Living Expenses While Training | $250 | $3,000 |
| Real Estate and Prepaid Rent, Security And Utility Deposits | $0 | $16,000 |
| Leasehold improvements | $0 | $550,000 |
| Start Up Supplies and Equipment Package | $3,800 | $763,000 |
| Freight | $7,000 | $20,000 |
| Installation | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Green Earth Solvent Licensing Fee | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Signage and permits | $5,000 | $12,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing Fee | $6,000 | $12,000 |
| Insurance | $140 | $2,200 |
| Miscellaneous opening costs | $1,050 | $48,000 |
| Additional funds – 3 months | $1,200 | $140,000 |
Initial investment starts with the franchise fee, which varies by model: $60,000 for a plant, $30,000 for a satellite store, or $27,000 for a delivery-focused operation. There's a 15% discount on that fee for veterans, which helps with the upfront costs. Total investment ranges from $40,900 to $1,672,000 depending on your model and location — the big variables are real estate, equipment, and whether you're building out a full plant or a satellite store. Ongoing fees include a 6% royalty and 2% marketing fund contribution based on gross revenue. During our consultation, we'll map out exactly what model fits your goals and what the real numbers look like for your market.
Beyond your initial investment, you'll pay a 6% of Gross Revenue royalty on gross sales plus a 2% of Gross Revenue marketing contribution. The true monthly cost of ownership includes additional fees most buyers don't account for until they're already in.
→ We break down your realistic monthly overhead during your consultation.
What Do Lapels Dry Cleaning Franchise Owners Make?
Lapels Dry Cleaning includes an Item 19 Financial Performance Representation in their Franchise Disclosure Document — which means they voluntarily share revenue and earnings data from their franchise system.
This franchise provides detailed financial performance data in their FDD. During your consultation, we'll help you understand the full picture and connect you directly with the franchisor and current owners to discuss real-world results.
Not every franchise provides this level of transparency. The fact that Lapels Dry Cleaning does tells you something about their confidence in franchisee performance.
But raw numbers don't tell the full story. What matters is how those numbers apply to your market, your investment level, and your operating model.
Why Veterans Succeed with Lapels Dry Cleaning
This is a detail-oriented business where consistency and quality control directly impact your bottom line. The ability to build systems, train teams, and maintain standards — while still being personable with customers — is what makes the difference between average and excellent performance. The operational rhythm feels familiar: early mornings, clear procedures, and the satisfaction of solving problems and delivering results. You're building something that matters to your community while creating opportunities for your team to grow. It's also about leading from the front. Successful owners aren't afraid to jump in wherever needed, whether that's helping at the counter during rush hour or troubleshooting equipment issues. That hands-on leadership style tends to come naturally to folks who've served.
Military Fit Analysis
Military Fit Score
Best Suited For
If you've managed operations, coordinated logistics, or led teams in high-pressure environments, you'll recognize the rhythm of this business. Experience in personnel management or customer service roles translates well here. Technical backgrounds are also valuable — you're running sophisticated equipment and need to understand maintenance and quality control.
🎖️ Veteran & Military Discount
Lapels Dry Cleaning participates in the VetFran program and offers a 15% discount on the franchise fee for qualified veterans, active duty, and military spouses.
We offer a discount of 15% off of the initial franchise fee.
This discount applies to the initial franchise fee. Combined with SBA veteran loan programs and VA small business resources, your actual out-of-pocket investment could be significantly lower than the listed range.
→ We calculate your true cost — including available discounts, financing options, and veteran-specific programs — during your consultation.
Is Lapels Dry Cleaning the Right Franchise for Your Background?
Every veteran's transition is different. Your MOS, leadership experience, and financial goals all factor into which franchise makes sense. We've helped veterans across every branch find franchise businesses that match their strengths — not just their budget.
Talk to a veteran franchise consultant who's been where you are.
Lapels Dry Cleaning Training & Support
Training covers orientation, customer interaction, order processing, administrative tasks, and marketing. Additional training for plant operations includes cleaning, spotting, and finishing.
Training runs 10 hours classroom + 61 hours on-the-job and covers operations, marketing, sales, and systems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lapels Dry Cleaning
How much does a Lapels Dry Cleaning franchise cost?
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Does Lapels Dry Cleaning offer a veteran or military discount?
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Is Lapels Dry Cleaning a home-based franchise?
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Can you run a Lapels Dry Cleaning franchise semi-absentee?
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What do Lapels Dry Cleaning franchise owners make?
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Is Lapels Dry Cleaning a good franchise for veterans?
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What is Lapels Dry Cleaning's FDD and where can I read it?
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Veteran-Friendly Franchises Similar to Lapels Dry Cleaning
Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services
Your Next Chapter Starts with a Conversation
You've done the research. You've looked at the numbers. Now the question is whether Lapels Dry Cleaning — or one of 500+ franchises in our network — is the right fit for where you're headed.
In 30 minutes, we'll cover:
- Whether this franchise matches your skills & goals
- What the FDD reveals that most buyers miss
- Your true cost after veteran discounts & financing
- 2-3 alternative franchises worth comparing
Free. No obligation. Veteran to veteran.