OUR HISTORY
Although not officially incorporated until 1957, Comet Cleaner’s history dates all the way back to the 1920’s where founder R.L. “Jack” Godfrey opened his first dry cleaning store. Comet Cleaners has remained in the Godfrey family ever since, with Jack Godfrey, Jr. becoming the third generation to own and operate the franchise.
As a family, we have been heavily involved in advancements and innovations in the industry. Just look at our achievements in the timeline below!
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
At only 12 years old, Jack Godfrey left home to work at a tailor shop.
Jack opened his first dry cleaning store.
Jack married his wife, Ellen, and moved from Texas to Ohio, where he represented dry-cleaning equipment manufacturers as the Jack Godfrey Equipment Company. He and Ellen also started their family.
Jack Godfrey & Sons opened the first 1-hour drycleaners.
The 3-pant special was introduced in the dry cleaning business.
Comet Cleaners was officially incorporated.
Comet Cleaners became a specialist in the clothing retail business.
The Comet Cleaner’s franchise opened an average of 20 stores every year.
Comet Cleaners was instrumental in testing, marketing, and implementing a new, environmentally safe dry cleaning solvent called Exxon DF2000 that is now commonplace in the industry.
Jack Godfrey, Jr. and his partner Christopher Ball purchased Comet Cleaners from his father, keeping the franchise in the family for a third generation.
CONTINUING THE LEGACY
With stores open throughout the US and Mexico, we continue to experiment with new advancements in dry cleaning techniques and technology so that we can stay in the forefront of the industry and provide customers with quality service. This company is our family history and our livelihood. We will always maintain the high standards that turned us into a national success.