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Comet Cleaners closing after 34 years


One of Decatur’s longtime businesses is closing Aug. 1.

Eddie and Judy Sampler, owner of Comet Cleaners on Farm Road 51 South, stopped taking new laundry and cleaning this week and will be open for pick-up only until Aug. 1.

“After 34 years, we decided it was time to retire,” Eddie said. “We really appreciate all of our loyal customers over the past three decades.”

In fact, when asked what they enjoyed most about their business, they answered in unison: “the people.”

Eddie said while they were acquaintances with many folks, those people became more like friends through the years.

The Samplers opened Comet in December 1985 in the shopping center directly behind Circle S on FM 51. Eddie said he and Judy had considered several types of businesses before settling on a dry cleaners.

“I had gone to Decatur Cleaners one day and everything was fine, but I thought, ‘Decatur is growing … I wonder if it can support two cleaners.'”

His mechanical skills, paired with Judy’s management abilities proved the perfect combination to get their business off the ground.

“And, it was more attractive than fast food,” Eddie said, reflecting on their options.

The couple didn’t have a lot of start-up money, and Eddie said when they first opened their doors, they couldn’t afford buttons. But he devised a plan to build a stockpile at the shop.

“One day I just went home and cut all the buttons off the short-sleeve shirts in my closet,” he said. “It was right before Christmas, and I knew I wouldn’t need them until spring anyway.”

Judy said in the “big jean days” when everybody wore starched denim, she would often be at the store pressing jeans until 11 p.m. Eddie would hang them for her and keep the washing going.

“I could do 30 an hour,” she said.

“And I cannot press a thing,” said Eddie.

Comet will remain open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday until Aug. 1 for pick-up only. The store will not be open on Saturday.

WELCOME, FRIENDS

The Messenger is hosting the West Texas Press Association next weekend for its annual convention.

Newspaper representatives from across West Texas will be in Decatur for three days to study all things related to the news business and … have a little fun.

The meetings are at the Decatur Conference Center, but we’ll also be bringing them to the square for shopping and dining, plus the street dance Friday night.

If you see us out and about, please give our newspaper friends a warm, Wise County welcome!

MOO-VING PROMOTION

Tuesday was Cow Appreciation Day, and Chick-fil-A was giving away free food to anyone dressed as a cow.

I tried it, and you know what I got? Nothing.

Apparently, they don’t airlift sandwiches to the CFA desert. You had to show up at an actual restaurant. (Would have been nice to know before I sported the Holstein outfit all day.)

Days without Chick-fil-A in Wise County: 10.

Kristen Tribe is publisher of the Wise County Messenger. If you have a business tip, call her at 940-627-5987 or email ktribe@wcmessenger.com.

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