Dawson duo brings convenience, savings to town with ‘Our Dry Cleaners’

DAWSON – Our Dry Cleaners’ co-owner Sheron Kendrick welcomes residents of Dawson, Terrell County and beyond to come in for their cleaning needs and also to check out some of the other businesses in town.

The new dry cleaning business, which opened April 15 and is owned by Kendrick and Dan Cook, is meant to eliminate the long drives that residents made for those services.

The Terrell County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting at the 194 W. Lee St. location Friday.

“We use the word ‘our,’” Kendrick said. “The reason we use the word ‘our,’ it doesn’t belong to Dan and me, it belongs to everybody. It belongs to the entire community. It’s something for them to take a lot of pride in.

“It’s going to help people (who were) driving to Albany or Columbus or Eufala (Alabama) to get dry cleaning done. We’re actually providing a service that’s needed in Dawson.”

Since opening, the business has brought in customers from Terrell and surrounding counties, he said.

The two decided to launch the business after discussions among a group in the community dedicated to providing needed services locally that will save residents the hassle and expense of going out of town.

“We live right here in Terrell County,” Kendrick said. “A lot of services that are needed in our community, people have to commute to get to them. It’s going to help having an establishment where we don’t have to travel to get services done.

“It’s going to save people money in the long run. We have competitive prices that are competitive with cleaners in the Albany area. We do regular clothes (like) blue jeans, quilts, comforters, table clothes, uniforms for policemen, firemen and correctional officers, dress shirts, pants.”

The renovation of the building for Our Dry Cleaners also brought back life to a formerly vacant building in the community.

“In the ’60s, it was a barber shop,” Kendrick said. “During the ‘80s it was an office. It sat dormant for about 10 years. We were able to utilize a structure, revitalize it, give it a purpose and help reinvigorate our downtown.”

And for those who do drive from other cities to drop off their clothes in Dawson, the businessman has a message.

“Come to see what we have to offer, what our entire city has to offer,” Kendrick said.

Dawson has been the scene in recent months for a number of business openings, including Southern Soul Eatery & Nightspot, a new JC’s Wingz & Concessions and a Jack’s restaurant.

The opening of the cleaners marked a significant milestone for the business and local community, according to the chamber, whose representatives lauded “the continuous growth and development within Terrell County.

“The ribbon-cutting ceremony symbolized the official entry of Our Dry Cleaners into the fabric of our vibrant community, emphasizing their commitment to providing exceptional services to residents and businesses alike,” chamber officials said.

Special Photo: Terrell County ChamberSpecial Photo: Terrell County Chamber