Son Continues Family Cleaners Business on Main Street

Like father, like son, could be the motto for Manayunk Cleaners, one of Main Street's newest businesses.

Jack Vartanian, who found success at Roxborough's Stanton Cleaners  (winner of the Patch Readers' Choice dry cleaners award), recently debuted a similar shop at 4354 Main St., with his son, Harout, managing it.

Both from Blue Bell, dry cleaning has been a long-time family business. The Vartanians built up a clientele with 30 years on Manayunk Avenue in Roxborough. Now, they've come down the hill to Manayunk proper.

"We've always talked about getting a shopping on Main Street. When an opportunity opened up, we jumped on it," he said.

Harout, 23, worked with his father in Roxborough and said those who enjoyed Stanton Cleaners could utilize a familiar face—clothes will be cleaned at the Manayunk Avenue facility.

"It just sort of happened. It was the only vacancy we really liked, and it's in the heart of Main Street—right in the middle. I'm very excited," he said.

Additionally, he hopes to capitalize on the younger age group.

"So far, people have been coming in and complaining about other prices. We can compete with that," he said.

Shirts cost $1.50, suits are $3.50 per piece, and dresses run $7, he said. Plus, Manayunk Cleaners can promise same-day service—in by 11 a.m., out by 4 p.m., and it uses environmentally friendly cleaning solvents.

Sure, 2012 isn't an ideal time to open a new business but the Vartanians say it's worth a risk.

"My dad was saying that this has been the worst five years, but it will pick up again. He's been doing it for 30 years. He knows. So we feel in this economy, no one will beat these prices," he said.

Manayunk Cleaners is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the website for more information.