One of the “bookend businesses” of downtown St. Joseph is poised to celebrate its 100th Anniversary.
Sanitary Cleaners at State and Elm Streets, downtown St. Joseph, is planning a daylong celebration on Friday, August 27th to commemorate its success that goes back to 1921, all under the ownership and leadership of the Fetters family.
“I’m incredibly proud to be able to carry on the business my grandfather started 100 years ago,” said Jeff Fetters, President of Sanitary Cleaners. “It was built through hard work and perseverance. I’m honored to have been able to work alongside my father and to be able to uphold my family’s legacy by continuing to provide our customers with the best dry cleaning services in a community that means so much to my family and me.”
Founded in 1921, Sanitary Cleaners has been delivering exceptional customer service for three
generations. Fetters’ grandfather, Clyde Fetters, was introduced to the dry cleaning business at a young age from a tailor shop owner in Lusk, Wyoming, who taught him the cleaning and pressing trade. He eventually headed back to Michigan where he opened Sanitary Cleaners in its original and current location at the corner of State Street and Elm, a building that once housed a bicycle shop.
Throughout the years, the company grew under the leadership of Clyde’s sons John (Jeff’s father) and Gene. Despite the Great Depression, the Great Recession and other economic challenges, the company remained successful and today has three locations.
“We would love for our customers and the community to join us in celebrating our Centennial. We want to thank them for their continued support of our small business all these years,” said Fetters.
On Friday, August 27 from 12 – 6 p.m., Sanitary Cleaners will be hosting a celebration commemorating their Centennial. It will include recognitions from featured special guests Congressman Fred Upton, Sen. Kim LaSata and St. Joseph Mayor Mike Garey.
Sanitary Cleaners is also offering special discounts and giveaways. Customers can visit their 425 State Street location from 12 – 6 p.m. to enter to win a year of FREE Wash and Fold laundry service. One winner will be chosen to receive one FREE Wash and Fold laundry bag per month for one year. Additionally, for items dropped off on August 27, they are offering $19.21 for three (3) pants or shorts in honor of theirfounding year and third-generation business.
To complete the celebration, the local Nola Roux food truck will be in the parking lot across from Sanitary
Cleaners’ 425 State Street location serving FREE samples and drinks from 12 – 2 p.m. Attendees can obtain their ticket at Sanitary Cleaners and enjoy the complimentary treats.
Founded in 1921, Sanitary Cleaners is a third-generation business. They provide multiple services, including dry cleaning, shirt laundry, wash and fold laundry, alterations and repairs, and more. With three locations, Sanitary Cleaners also offers pickup and delivery service, which you can request through their new mobile app from the Apple Store or Google Play. Learn more at sanitary-cleaners.com.
