By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – The familiar name of Cadet Cleaners will remain in Buffalo, at least for the time being. But some stores are now closed and others under new management, according to a manager for one of the new owners, Executive Cleaners.
The sign overhanging Cadet's doors still reads: "Largest in Western New York." But the claim harkened back to a time when Cadet Cleaners operated nine stores in the Buffalo area, and another seven in Rochester. That is no longer true.
Cadet owner Bernie Wahl closed or sold the last of his Buffalo stores last week. Customers were told they had until last Saturday to pick up clothes from the Kensington and Eggert and the Highland and Colvin Avenue stores.
A manager with Executive Cleaners confirmed that their company is now operating the former main Cadet plant at West Utica, as well as the Clearfield store in Williamsville. It's reported by competitors that the Southgate store was also purchased by another area dry cleaner, and that all seven stores have been sold in Rochester.
In a statement last week, Wahl told WBFO News there were no plans to close any of the Buffalo area stores. But he could not be reached for comment on the recent developments.
Longtime Cadet employees said they were shocked to learn they were losing their jobs.