Exhibit 23.1

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements of
Form S-8 (File Nos. 33-60781, 333-96097, and 333-82682) of UniFirst Corporation
of our reports dated November 4, 2003, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements and schedule of UniFirst Corporation included in this
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended August 30, 2003.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Boston, Massachusetts
November 25, 2003