Speed Queen Laundry is a laundromat franchise combining industry-leading equipment with modern store design, app-based payments, and cloud-based management technology.
At a Glance
- Liquid Capital Required: $300,000 (Liquid Capital refers to readily available cash or cash-equivalent assets that can be accessed without borrowing, selling a primary residence, or relying on future income.)
- Net Worth Required: $2,000,000
- Ownership Model: Owner-operator or semi-absentee
- Location Type: Retail — 3,000-12,000 sq ft
- Time Commitment: Full-time or flexible with remote management
- Experience Required: None — comprehensive training and support provided
Top 5 Reasons to Invest
- 115+ years of industry expertise — Speed Queen has manufactured commercial laundry equipment since 1908, backed by Alliance Laundry Systems
- Strong ROI — 28-41% average return on investment with 94.8% store success rate.
- Average Unit Volume: $1,063,988 (median $1,065,139) (Item 19, p. 41)
- In-house financing — up to 90% financing available through Alliance Laundry Systems with 25 years lending experience.
- Multiple revenue streams — self-service, wash/dry/fold, pickup/delivery, retail sales, and commercial accounts.
About Speed Queen Laundry
Speed Queen has been manufacturing commercial laundry equipment since 1908 and is part of Alliance Laundry Systems, the global leader in commercial laundry. The franchise model transforms the fragmented laundromat industry — where 54% of locations are single-store operations — into a branded, technology-driven business.
Speed Queen Laundry stores feature modern design with bright, open layouts, kids’ play areas, free WiFi, comfortable seating, and 24/7 staffing with live security cameras. The cashless, app-based payment system eliminates coin handling while the Speed Queen Insights platform enables remote management of single or multiple locations.
At Speed Queen our focus is quality over quantity—the same philosophy behind our machines. We’re committed to building strong, sustainable stores and supporting franchisees the right way. Rather than chasing rapid expansion for headlines, our growth is strategic and deliberate, typically 6–12 store openings per year, so we can give each new franchisee the attention, focus, and resources required to launch successfully.
Why Franchise With Speed Queen Laundry?
- Proven ROI — Average return on investment of 28-41% in an industry generating $5 billion annually. 94.8% of Speed Queen Laundry stores have seen success.
- Low labor costs — Machines do the work. Most laundromats operate with 1-3 employees, reducing payroll complexity compared to other retail franchises.
- Cashless operations — App-based payment eliminates cash handling, simplifies accounting, and reduces theft risk. No accounts receivable — customers pay upfront.
- Remote management — Speed Queen Insights connects you to every machine, location, and customer from a single platform. Manage one store or 100 from anywhere.
- In-house financing — Alliance Laundry Systems offers up to 90% financing with competitive rates, no hidden costs, and faster decisions from a team with $2.8 billion in lending experience.
ABF Advisory Perspective
Market Analysis: The U.S. laundromat industry generates $5 billion annually with 29,500 locations nationwide. 77% of laundromats have experienced growth. With 35% of U.S. households renter-occupied and no e-commerce threat, laundromats remain resilient through economic cycles — classified as essential businesses during the pandemic.
ABF Timing Insight: For investors with $300,000 liquid capital seeking a semi-absentee business with proven returns, Speed Queen offers institutional-grade support in a fragmented industry. The combination of 115+ years equipment expertise, in-house financing, and remote management technology creates a differentiated entry point.
Training & Support
- Real estate and construction — Site selection assistance, lease negotiation, and construction guidance for freestanding, shopping center, or remodel buildouts.
- Operations training — Comprehensive programs covering equipment, customer service, and day-to-day management.
- Marketing playbooks — Proven strategies to drive traffic and build local brand awareness.
- Franchise Success Manager — Dedicated support contact for ongoing operational guidance.
- IT and security — Speed Queen Insights platform, app-based payments, and 24/7 security camera systems.
Franchise Owners That Thrive
- Investors seeking semi-absentee model — remote management technology supports flexible ownership
- Multi-unit operators — scalable model with centralized management platform
- Financially qualified candidates — $2M net worth and $300K liquid capital required
- Systems-oriented operators — willing to follow proven playbooks and processes
- Community-focused owners — laundromats serve essential needs in their neighborhoods
Franchise Fit & Capital Readiness
Who Is NOT A Good Fit for This Franchise
- Unable to meet $2M net worth and $300K liquid capital requirements
- Uncomfortable with real estate site selection and buildout process
- Seeking very low investment entry point — total investment ranges $1.2M – $1.9M
Franchisor Authority Disclosure
America’s Best Franchises provides guidance and introductions. Final approval criteria, financial thresholds, and territory decisions are determined exclusively by the franchisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the average return on investment?
A. Speed Queen Laundry franchises report average ROI of 28-41% according to their 2022 FDD Item 19. 94.8% of stores have seen success.
Q. Is financing available?
A. Yes. Alliance Laundry Systems offers in-house financing up to 90%, with an average of 20% equity down. The finance team has 25 years of experience and $2.8 billion in lending history.
Q. Can I manage the business remotely?
A. Yes. Speed Queen Insights is a cloud-based platform that connects you to every machine, location, and customer. You can monitor operations, issue refunds, track analytics, and manage multiple stores from anywhere.
Q. What revenue streams are available?
A. Beyond self-service laundry: wash/dry/fold services, pickup and delivery, over-the-counter retail sales, machine cycle modifiers, and commercial accounts.
Next Steps
By submitting this form, you confirm that you meet the liquid capital requirement of $300,000 established by the franchisor.
Complete the form below to request a qualification review and discuss territory availability for Speed Queen Laundry.
This profile represents general franchise information. Individual results may vary. Refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details.