100 years: Speedy's has navigated wrinkles of bumpy dry cleaning scene in Rochester
When you think about dry cleaning and laundry service in Rochester, chances are that Speedy's Cleaners comes to mind. The local business has lasted an entire century, marking its 100th year in 2024.
It also survived COVID — no easy feat.
Speedy's has a Scio Street location for drop-off and for its laundry cleaning plant, between SPoT Coffee and an entrance to the East End Garage.
What has put pressure on the entire industry, including Speedy's, is the trend away from more formal clothing, especially at work for professionals. COVID was a big blow, too.
Most experts in laundry in America, including the Drycleaning and Laundry Institute, were forecasting a 30% reduction in the industry's business coming out of COVID.
Where is Speedy's cleaners in Rochester area?
The 100-year-old business hangs on by operating seven other locations, from Pittsford to Mendon:
50 Scio St., Rochester
3177 Latta Road, Greece
3 Assembly Drive, Mendon
2157 Penfield Road, Penfield
900 Holt Road, Webster
525 Titus Ave., Irondequoit
649 Pittsford Victor Road, Pittsford
What have been major shifts in the laundry industry?
SUPPLIES: Speedy's plant runs on steam and the chemicals it uses are eco-friendly, a switch that it made a long time ago — away from the harsher ones used in classic dry cleaning stores of the past.
COVID: "So the pandemic, you know, people weren't working anymore," said Todd Hellman, president of Speedy's. "They weren't in the offices. And they weren't bringing stuff in."
DIVERSIFICATION: The key now is to own multiple drop shops where there is a large enough customer base. Speedy's has eight locations in the greater Rochester area. Also, diversification can mean taking on more rug cleaning for businesses, rug and household item cleaning (like comforters) for individuals, wash and fold, industrial laundry services for places like a hotel.
COMFORT CLOTHING: There are not as many business situations for men that require a starched shirt as there used to be. And people who are working at home — they are favoring casual and comfortable clothing, the kind that does not need dry cleaning.
Speedy's picks up and delivers. "It's nice to work for a place that cooperates with other businesses, too," said Katie Lawton, branch relations manager.
And one that is good to its employees, yelled staffer Cassie Alexander over a line of hanging, bagged clothing.
Alexander was happy doing the work. She likes this downtown job and plans to make it her main employment.
— William Ramsey is an editor for the Democrat and Chronicle.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: 100 years: How Speedy's navigated bumpy Rochester dry cleaning scene