ZIPS Cleaners franchisees Mike Kaplan and Jason Stelter have signed a ten-year lease for a new drop-off location in Urbana, Maryland, marking another step in the brand’s steady expansion across the region. The site, expected to open in Spring 2026, will be located in the Village Square at Urbana, a busy retail center known for its mix of dining and shopping options. Designed as a drop-only location, the new store will provide customers with a convenient way to leave and collect their garments without the need to visit a full-scale cleaning facility.
For Kaplan and Stelter, the Urbana launch is a continuation of a successful partnership. Kaplan currently operates a full-service ZIPS Cleaners in Germantown, while Stelter has been a long-time collaborator in business operations. “Partnering with Jason makes this undertaking even more fulfilling,” Kaplan said. “He has been consistently committed to our growth and success in Germantown, and I know his expertise and efforts as co-owner in Urbana will be a true asset.”
The Urbana location will serve as a key satellite point within ZIPS’ evolving model, which focuses on accessibility and efficiency. By removing the need for onsite cleaning equipment, drop sites can operate in smaller retail spaces, reducing overhead while maintaining service quality. Customers will be able to drop off garments, which will then be cleaned at a nearby facility and returned for pick-up, combining convenience with the reliability of the brand’s established processes.
Michael Waintraub, ZIPS’ National Director of Franchise and Business Development, called the expansion a milestone for the company’s Maryland network. “It will bring our brand to another area of Maryland,” he said. “We look forward to celebrating with them and to bringing our brand to Urbana next year.” The Urbana development adds to the growing footprint of ZIPS Cleaners, which continues to find success with its flexible franchise approach.
Located near major employers like Fannie Mae and Kite Pharmaceuticals, the new ZIPS site is strategically positioned to attract both residents and professionals looking for fast, dependable service. For Kaplan and Stelter, the move reflects more than simple expansion; it represents a commitment to embedding ZIPS Cleaners into the daily routines of local communities. With the Urbana location, they aim to make professional garment care as seamless and accessible as possible for the growing number of households and workers in the area.