Monarch began in 1917 as a rug cleaning operation on 23rd Avenue in Altoona Pennsylvania. In 1943, Bob Menchey and Edward Hancock purchased the company and expanded into cleaning clothes. Dave and Ed Hancock, the sons of Edward Hancock, took over operations in the 50's. In 1969, Monarch opened its first dry cleaning operation. In 1973, Bill McNelis joined Dave and Ed Hancock to further expand operations. In 1989, Monarch moved to its current location on Valley View Boulevard; and by 1991, they became licensee's of Apparel Master to expand into Uniform and Mat Rentals.

Today, Monarch Cleaners is still owned and operated locally by Bill McNelis and Dave Hancock, and continues to service a 50 - 75 mile radius surrounding Altoona, PA.