A rapidly expanding dry-cleaning brand is bringing its latest location to McLean.
Mulberrys Garment Care, which opened its first D.C. location in the Friendship Heights neighborhood in December 2023, has secured a space at 6647-B Old Dominion Blvd in McLean Square for its next expansion in the D.C. region.
The shop will provide a 1,400-square-foot-space for laundry services and dry cleaning, as well as rug, leather and other niche cleaning services.
“We believe McLean is an ideal location for Mulberrys because the area symbolizes the level of quality and sophistication that aligns perfectly with our brand,” franchisee Brett Vago told FFXnow.
Established in 2009 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Mulberrys operates 15 cleaners across the Minneapolis and St. Paul metropolitan areas, San Francisco, and now, the D.C. region.
The Friendship Heights and McLean franchises are first to open since Mulberrys founder Dan Miller teamed up with Value Drycleaners of America, the parent company of ZIPS Cleaners, to expand his business, according to a press release.
Vago partnered with fellow ZIPS Cleaners franchisees Carlos Cadenas and Kyo Kim on a development agreement for three Mulberrys stores, starting with the one in McLean. The other two locations haven’t been announced yet.
“We’re thrilled to have Brett and Kyo, the operators of our first Mulberrys location, see the value of our dual-brand strategy and invest in expanding further in the D.C./Northern Virginia region,” said Mike Waintraub, national director of franchise and business development for both ZIPS Cleaners and Mulberrys. “With Carlos joining them in this new venture, we have three seasoned operators pooling their expertise and resources to deliver the upscale Mulberrys brand promise. We look forward to welcoming discerning consumers from throughout McLean and the surrounding area later this year.”
According to the press release, Mulberrys utilizes “sustainable” and “organic” processes, including solar and wind energy to help power its storefronts. Along with traditional dry-cleaning services, it provides pick-up and deliveries, shoe shine and repair, tailoring and altering, and more.
Construction will start soon on the McLean storefront, which previously housed a hearing aid store. The store is targeting August to open for business.
“McLean is home to residents and professionals who value premium service and meticulous attention to detail,” Vago said. “The community appreciates businesses that prioritize convenience, craftmanship, and environmental responsibility.”
Anchored by Balducci’s gourmet supermarket, McLean Square is also home to a Bach to Rock music school, a Citibank branch, a Yves Delorme bedding store, and Child’s Play Toys and Books.
The addition of Mulberrys brings the first large dry-cleaning chain to the McLean neighborhood, though more than a half dozen small garment-cleaning businesses can be found in the downtown area.
This story was updated to clarify that the D.C. Mulberry’s was not included among the three stores in the development agreement with Brett Vago, Carlos Cadenas and Kyo Kim. A spokesperson says the D.C. franchise was established under a separate agreement.
