Elmhurst Dry Cleaners 'Taking A Beating'

ELMHURST, IL — Those working from home rather than the office are likely wearing pajamas and sweats. And one TV reporter appeared to be wearing no pants at all during a recent segment from home.

This means fewer people are dressing up for work during the coronavirus pandemic — and that hurts places like Dulles Cleaners in Elmhurst. The shop has had weeks lately where it only pulls in $300, owner John Dulles said.

"It's been very slow. You get days where you get zero. No one is dressing up. The way they're talking, people are going to stay home and work on their computers," Dulles said in an interview. "I'm taking a beating financially. This has killed us. It's killed the mom-and-pop."

He said he has spoken to relatives in the business as well as suppliers, and they report experiencing the same dropoff in business.

The shop, Dulles said, is still advertising and giving discounts. It also is offering to clean the uniforms of police officers and firefighters for free during this time. "They are on the front lines. We depend on them," he said.

Dulles said his recent $1,200 federal check helped pay a few bills. And he said he is trying to get a federal Small Business Administration loan to prop up his business so that he can pay his taxes and handle other necessary expenses.

Recently, the bankruptcies of big companies have grabbed headlines. But Dulles said mom-and-pops are suffering even more.

"I'm a little guy," he said. "I don't have access to capital."

In 1958, Dulles' father founded the business. John Dulles joined full time shortly after graduating from high school in 1980, four decades ago.

Dulles Cleaners, 128 Addison Ave., can be reached at 630-379-8608. Customers can call beforehand for contact-less delivery to their cars.

Elmhurst Patch continues to write profiles on Elmhurst-area businesses during the ongoing health crisis. Elmhurst Patch has a simple online survey for local small businesses to fill out to let everyone know they are open and their current hours of operation. If you want to add your business to Elmhurst Patch's list of open and closed businesses, you can do so here.

Read more:

Illinois Coronavirus Update May 6: 68,232 Cases, 2,974 Deaths

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