The Laundromat Franchise Offers a Steady, Easy-to-Run Business
LaundroLab is changing the way people think about laundromats by combining modern technology with a focus on giving back. The franchise offers a steady, easy-to-run business that provides an essential service everyone needs — clean clothes. The brand also helps local communities through free laundry days and partnerships with nonprofits.
In this interview, CEO Jason Lepes discusses what makes LaundroLab special and why it’s a great choice for people looking to run a meaningful business.
1. What brought you to LaundroLab?
Over the last 20 years, I’ve been working at the forefront of omnichannel retail and the convenience economy. I was compelled by LaundroLab’s spin on laundromats, which marries customer-centric design with turnkey exposure to the fast-growing wash/dry/fold pickup and delivery market.
2. What makes LaundroLab a standout franchise opportunity?
LaundroLab offers a rare combination of recession resistance, highly predictable profitability and operational simplicity — you can run a store with a much smaller staff than, say, a restaurant. We’re not chasing the latest fitness fad or lifestyle trend; every (clothed) human being produces laundry and will do so for at least my lifetime. So we’re in the business of essential services that generate real cash flow. Our franchisees benefit from meaningful economies of scale for purchasing equipment, a proven playbook for operations, marketing, and site selection, insights from our network of 30-plus stores across the country, and the support of a team that also owns and operates successful corporate locations. This is a category ripe for franchising, and we’re building the dominant platform.
3. What are the ideal qualities of a LaundroLab franchise owner?
We look for owners who are entrepreneurial, community-oriented and value the role of process and execution in driving growth. Ideal candidates share our core values, have business acumen, and possess the desire and access to capital to build multi-unit portfolios over time. Many of our top franchisees are former executives, operators or investors looking for a durable business model with strong cash-on-cash returns.
4. How does technology enhance the customer and franchisee experience?
On the customer side, our app-based wallet handles payments, loyalty and notifications — removing coins and friction from doing laundry, and providing a lot of valuable data for marketing. For franchisees, our tech stack simplifies operations with remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and analytics into key revenue opportunities.
5. How does the brand give back to the communities it serves?
Laundromats are de facto community centers in many neighborhoods. One of our core values is Community (our others are Accountability and Excellence), so we take this seriously. We run free laundry days, offer kids’ “Read/ Play / Learn” areas in every laundromat, and partner with local nonprofits to offer laundry to those who need it most. This isn’t just about good PR or community relations —clean clothes impact school attendance, confidence and job interviews. These initiatives have a ripple effect that reinforces the role our stores play in the community.
6. Can you share an example of a community initiative or partnership that reflects LaundroLab’s values?
We recently celebrated National Laundry Day by offering free laundry across 15 stores, giving away more than 2,050 loads — over 54,000 pounds (27 tons) of laundry. It was one of the largest free laundry events in the history of the industry. Events like these are not only a powerful way to introduce LaundroLab to new customers, but they also embody our commitment to serving communities and easing everyday burdens for families. By creating clean, safe and welcoming spaces, we aim to uplift neighborhoods and make a meaningful impact beyond just doing laundry.
7. Anything to add?
If you’re working with candidates who want an asset-light, cash-flowing business with meaningful community impact — and the backing of a serious franchisor — send them our way. We’re not trying to be everything to everyone. But for the right candidate, this is a standout opportunity.
Learn more about the LaundroLab franchise.
