Local Laundry Bailey’s Cleaners transfers ownership to Ohio firm
By Carrie Barrett—
MUNCIE, IN—Some people call dry cleaning companies a dying breed. Will Drook calls dry cleaning and laundry service “an opportunity to serve others well.” Drook and his wife Kim started their journey into dry cleaning 10 years ago. Most recently, they took on the ownership of Bailey’s Cleaners in Muncie.
The Drooks began small but expanded when they purchased a few other dry cleaners in the Eastern Ohio area. In 2022, they purchased Fox Cleaners in Dayton. This premier company has been Dayton’s go-to dry cleaner and laundry service since 1947.
Last year, Will Drook merged his dry cleaning operations, now operating as Fox Cleaners and include five locations in the Dayton area, the stores in Oxford and Brookville, Ohio, and a store in Richmond, Indiana.
Serving the Muncie Community Since 2020
In 2020, Will began working with Bailey’s Cleaners owners Phil and Steve Bailey to provide services to the Muncie area. Last fall, they worked together to transfer ownership to Fox Cleaners. Phil and Steve still assist with store operations and customer service.
The primary Bailey’s Cleaners store at 3005 W. Jackson Avenue is now Bailey’s Cleaners by Fox to reflect the transition. Customers may notice new branding on hangers and enhanced communication updates following the change.
Services Available
In addition to environmentally safe dry cleaning options, Bailey’s by Fox offers wash and fold laundry service, which is gaining popularity with busy professionals and families. Customers drop off dirty laundry and it’s returned cleaned and folded a few days later. This service is available through a subscription or as a one-time service.
Additional services include commercial cleaning, comforter cleaning, garment preservation, rug cleaning, drapery cleaning, alterations, and shirt service.
Historic Reflections
Will Drook’s commitment to service and excellence began during his service in the Marines from 1993-1997. Following his graduation from both Ball State University and Purdue University, Will spent time in the corporate world before noticing that small family-owned dry cleaners were closing around the Midwest.
“These families, like the Baileys, worked hard to build a business and serve their communities,” Drook noted. “I wanted to be able to continue providing expert care for fabrics and keep these businesses alive.”
Bailey’s Cleaners was founded in 1957 when Lanier and Betty Bailey took on their first store in Farmland, Indiana. The business grew under the direction of their sons Phil and Steve.
Drook plans to carry on the tradition of service and professional fabric care that began under the Baileys. He encourages the Muncie community to stop by with a pile of shirts or dry cleaning to experience Bailey’s by Fox. He is also providing commercial services for uniforms, linens, and more.
Businesses interested in commercial laundry are encouraged to send a message to Will Drook at will.drook@thefoxcleaners.com to set up a commercial laundry assessment.
