HANOVER, Mass. — Lapels Dry Cleaning reports it recently opened a, “full-service, environmentally-friendly drycleaning plant and store at 819 Ridge Road in Wilmette, Ill.”
This represents the first location for the firm in the Chicago area and in the state of Illinois.
Fahim Zuberi is the owner, the firm notes. He took over the dry cleaners in September, 2018, and led the conversion into a Lapels plant.
“The previous owner had been there since 1931 and the conversion didn’t happen overnight and involved much more than changing signs,” says Zuberi.
“We’ve updated the machines and technology so we can use GreenEarth®, the drycleaning industry’s only non-toxic cleaning alternative,” Zuberi says, and adds: “What that means is we are the only dry cleaner in the area to have zero hazardous waste in the drycleaning process.”
Zuberi’s entry into the business world and drycleaning franchise owner didn’t happen overnight either.
A native of Pakistan, Zuberi worked as a supervisor of airport services for Emirates Airlines at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Pakistan. Through the E2 visa program, Zuberi was able to come to the U.S. and open his drycleaning plant and store.
“The people at Lapels have been phenomenal to me,” relates Zuberi. “In addition to offering a superior drycleaning product that is environmentally safe, they have provided the coaching and mentoring to me to enable me to step in and run my own business.”
Says Zuberi: “Now that the conversion is complete, I’m so excited for the people in the Chicagoland area to experience the difference in Lapels.”
The company points out that its customers are, “Greeted to a warm and inviting reception area, with friendly customer-service representatives, and alteration services.”
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