Lapels Cleaners Franchise

Lapels’ predecessor, Next Step Franchising, Inc., began offering franchises in September 2000. The current franchisor, Next Step Franchising, LLC, was formed in Delaware on March 9, 2018 and acquired substantially all of the predecessor’s assets, including existing franchise agreements, on March 28, 2018. It is part of Clean Franchise Brands, alongside the separate Martinizing franchise system and GreenEarth Cleaning supplier affiliate.

The four Lapels formats serve different operating roles. A Plant processes dry cleaning on site; new Plants do not use perchloroethylene. A Satellite Store receives and returns garments while an affiliated Plant or approved wholesaler handles processing elsewhere. Lapels Delivers operates primarily from a delivery van without a storefront. A Laundromat combines card-operated washers and dryers with full-service laundry and dry cleaning handled by an approved off-site processor.

Approved ancillary services can include tailoring, shoe repair, wedding gown preservation, fur storage and suede and leather processing. The owner or an approved, trained manager supervises the business and maintains service and operating standards. Lapels reported 83 franchised outlets and no company-owned outlets at December 31, 2025; these are dated figures from its April 2, 2026 disclosure.

Initial preparation. Training and materials for the owner or managing principal and one additional person attending together are included in the initial franchise fee. Both must complete the required program satisfactorily before opening. Instruction covers business administration, customer service, order processing, point-of-sale systems, marketing and operating procedures. The franchisee pays travel, lodging, meals, wages and other attendance expenses.

Learning the selected format. The disclosure’s training table lists 25 classroom hours and 61 hours of on-the-job instruction for the standard program. Under additional Plant/Laundromat instruction, the table adds 32 on-the-job hours, including equipment supplier instruction, and prints a Plant total of 25 classroom hours and 93 on-the-job hours. Learning is integrated and adjusted for prior experience. Virtual instruction, technical training and assistance at the new business support preparation and launch.

Training schedule and locations. Item 11 describes up to five days of virtual business training, up to three days of technical instruction in Fort Mill, South Carolina for cleaners or Boston, Massachusetts for laundromats, and up to five days of opening assistance at the new business. Timing varies with experience and site readiness. Item 7 also names Cedar Park, Texas for Plant training. The attached agreement instead describes five to ten days of initial training at a designated location and approximately one to three days of opening assistance. These descriptions differ: buyers should obtain the schedule and location for their chosen format in writing before making travel or opening plans.

Opening support. Lapels provides site selection guidelines, site review, suggested layouts, approved supplier information, equipment delivery arrangements, operating manuals and opening marketing materials. First-store lease guidance is available, while the franchisee remains responsible for lease terms, construction contracts, permits and operating decisions. Plants and Laundromats must use the designated brand architect.

Continuing support. Operating guidance draws on reports and inspections and may be delivered through manuals, telephone consultations or meetings. Store visits are discretionary. Additional assistance and refresher training may carry charges; the disclosure lists $400 per day plus expenses for additional assistance or refresher training. If a convention or regional meeting is held, attendance is required as applicable, with registration of $0–$750 plus the attendees’ travel and living expenses. Required software, maintenance and updates also carry owner-paid costs.

Source: Lapels Franchise Disclosure Document issued April 2, 2026, Items 6, 7 and 11 and Franchise Agreement Section 3. Training arrangements and charges should be checked against the disclosure and agreement supplied for the proposed purchase.

Lapels may appeal to buyers who want to build a local garment care business around customer relationships, service standards and practical operating systems. Its Plant, Satellite, Delivers and Laundromat formats offer different roles in processing, storefront service and delivery, so an owner can evaluate the model that suits their experience and preferred responsibilities. Approved equipment, point-of-sale systems, manuals, training and opening assistance provide a framework for organizing the business. Direct owner supervision or an approved, trained manager supports day-to-day operations, while approved ancillary services can broaden the customer offering. The April 2, 2026 FDD states that Lapels does not offer direct or indirect financing; buyers must arrange their own funding.

Prepare questions about scheduling, staffing coverage and the duties you would retain using our owner participation and management checklist. Confirm the requirements for your intended business format rather than assuming another model’s terms apply.