Verlare Cleaners was established in 1961 by Richard Verlare, a 2nd generation drycleaner, originally from Sheboygan, Wisconsin. His first dry cleaning plant was located in Franklin Park, Illinois and proved to be very successful. In 1974, he decided to branch out, opening a second location on York Road in Elmhurst. He operated out of a small house for the first few years, then later built a full service dry cleaning facility at the current location, 104 W. Vallette Street.
After graduating college in 1977, his son James came to work full time and became a partner with his father in 1985. However, Richard had other interests and was looking to retire. James needed help managing the business. So in 1992, he took on Frank Voltarel, a former employee, as his partner.
The two grew the company significantly over the years and constantly looked to improve the business. They added a full service tailoring shop in 2002 and with the help of their apprentice and store manager, Robert Zownorega, they began a delivery service in 2005.
In 2013 James retired from the cleaners and Robert became Frank's new partner. Frank and Robert have the goal to do business the way Mr. Verlare had taught them..."Do it right or don't do it at all."
Frank Voltarel
Frank started at Verlare Cleaners when he was 14; sweeping the floor, taking out the trash, and cleaning the bathroom. Now, he is an owner. Frank was born and raised in Elmhurst. He graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in 1982, and from John Carroll University in 1986. Before returning to the cleaners in 1991, he worked as a system engineer for EDS just outside Detroit. Because of his familiarity with the company, and a strong working relationship with the Verlares', he has worked to grow the company into what it is today.
Robert Zownorega
Robert is a graduate of Timothy Christian High School, right here in Elmhurst. He went on to get his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance at NIU. After working in corporate finance for a fortune 500 Company for four years, he continued to have a strong desire to own his own business. Robert started at Verlare in 2004 as an apprentice and store manager. He helped start the pick-up and delivery service and finally became partner in 2015. He looks forward to maintaining the excellence in cleaning and customer care here at Verlare Cleaners.
Verlare Cleaners and Tailors | Elmhurst, IL
Verlare Cleaners provides dry cleaning, laundry, and tailoring services to Elmhurst, Oak Brook, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Lombard, Glen Ellyn and the surrounding communities for over 40 years.
Here is how...
Eco Friendly Solvent
Since 2005 we have used environmentally conscience solvents in our state of the art drycleaning machines. 99.9% of our solvent is reclaimed through a distillation process, which keeps the solvent pure and reduces waste. We do not use Perchlorethylene (Perc).
Plastic Bag Recycling
We will recycle all of your plastic bags. Please drop them off to one of our customer service specialist and we will do the rest.
We Use OXO Biodegradable Plastic
This plastic biodegrades in 3 years if put in a landfill.
Hanger Recycling
Please feel free to drop off to us any of your used Verlare hangers, we take pride in reducing waste.
Our folded shirt carriers are made from 100% recycled paper.
We have converted 99% of our lights to CFL's to reduce our energy consumption.
