Rental laundry has long been recognized for its resiliency in tough economic times. When U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) dipped in the ’70s and ’80s, the industry didn’t stop growing. In four of the nine years from 1974 to 1982, GDP was negative, sinking lowest at the end of that period (-1.9%). The nation would be in recession again once more for a year between then and 2008, dropping 1.9% again in 1991.
 
Linen and uniform supply prospered all the while by filling niche economic needs. As Americans sought greater convenience and purchased more meals away from ...