A new survey of linen, uniform and facility services companies by Robert W. Baird & Co. shows the uniform rental industry bouncing back in the third quarter, following a dismal second quarter that reflected the brunt of a COVID-19-related downturn. The linen rental side also showed unexpected 3Q20 growth, despite the pandemic’s ongoing impact on hospitality businesses.

“This is somewhat surprising, given the heavier skew toward the hotel and restaurant industry, though the reopening of subacute healthcare seems to have been an important factor,” said study co-authors Andrew Wittman and Justin Hauke, speaking of the Linen Rental Survey. “All metrics ...