Small Business Spotlight: Chappaqua Cleaners & Tailors

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that's the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Today, meet Toni Magnotta of Chappaqua Cleaners & Tailors.

1. When did your business open?

Our grandfather immigrated from Italy with a dime in his pocket, the skills of a customer tailor and the belief in the American dream. After years working for custom tailors in New York City, he saved enough to open his own shop in Chappaqua in 1934. This year we celebrate the 84th year that three generations of the Magnotta family have proudly served Chappaqua.

2. How did you come up with the name?

Our grandfather opened the business with the name Chappaqua Tailors since it was a men’s clothing store which offered custom tailoring. Upon our grandfather’s passing in 1971, our father assumed ownership. He added on-site dry cleaning to the facility. The business name was then changed to Chappaqua Cleaners & Tailors.

Today, a sign still hangs above the store’s awning which contains the store’s second name, George’s Men’s Shop. Our grandfather added this name as a memorial to his eldest son George who passed away at the age of 14 from a football injury. Although the shop is no longer in retail, the sign still remains as a tribute to our uncle.

3. Why start a business in this town?

There was a strong market in Chappaqua during the 1930’s for high-end men’s clothing, which is what our store sold at that time.

4. What business are you in?

We offer expert dry cleaning, laundry and tailoring services. Laundry services include shirts and household items (e.g., comforters, tablecloths, sheets, etc.). Other specialty cleaning includes leather and suede, wedding gowns, rugs and UGG boots.

5. What's the most difficult challenge you've faced in the business?

In Chappaqua, there are multiple dry cleaners. The most difficult challenge is to differentiate the business so it stands out from the competition.

6. What's one highlight?

A highlight that we are very excited about is the recent installation of a 24 hour drop chute. Patrons now have the ability to drop off their cleaning based on their schedules, rather than being confined to our operational hours.

7. How does your business give back to the community?

We support school related programs/events. For example, we sponsored the Horace Greeley Basketball team (November 2017 – March 2018 season) by donating the souvenir cups. Currently, we have been focusing our effort to provide new services that add convenience to the community. We now offer free pick-up and
delivery. As mentioned above, we also have a 24 hour drop chute in place.

We deeply appreciate that Chappaqua has supported us for the past 84 years. Therefore, we are passionate about providing the community with an atmosphere where patrons are treated like family and feel confident that they will receive high quality service on a consistent basis.