85 -Year History

85 Years Serving The Twin Cities

Pilgrim Dry Cleaners is a local family owned & operated dry cleaning and garment care business located in Minnesota. With 28 convenient locations throughout the Twin Cities, Pilgrim Dry Cleaners prides itself on being a total resource for dry cleaning, laundry, and tailoring services in the community.

When you visit Pilgrim Dry Cleaners, you can ALWAYS count on professional and friendly staff, clean facilities, superior attention to detail, and fast and convenient services. Each plant location is equipped with state-of-the-art garment care equipment and environmentally friendly cleaning agents to ensure optimal care of your clothing and the community.

Pilgrim Dry Cleaners, founded on Convenience, Quality, and Service, has a strong track record of success and community involvement.

• Recent Accolades:
  • 2024 Minnesota Family Business of the Year (Twin Cities Business)
  • 2018 Community Impact Award (Minnesota Business Magazine)
  • 2014 Best of Business "Quality of Life Award" (Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce.
  • Bonnie Engler: 2010 Top Woman in Finance (Finance & Commerce)

Pilgrim Dry Cleaners has worked hard to be a leader in the cleaning industry. Our reputation of quality and convenience has been paramount for 85 years, and will continue to be so in the future.

Pilgrim Cleaners began its operations in 1940. Originally, it was operated under the name Johnny on the Spot, which served the entire upper Midwest. In the early 50’s Don Rosen joined the business and Johnny on the Spot was consolidated. In 1984 Don Rosen became the sole owner and the company’s name was changed to Pilgrim Dry Cleaners Inc. and additional stores opened throughout the Twin Cities. In 1986, Don Rosen founded the Coats for Kids drive to ensure that children in need would have access to warm coats. Since the beginning of the drive, Pilgrim has collected, cleaned, and distributed close to 500,000 coats to Minnesota families in need.

Bonnie Engler took over her father’s business in January 2004 putting her signature on the company by rebranding. In 2009 Derek Engler, third generation, started the company’s home & office pickup & delivery service.

The torch was passed to the 3rd generation of leadership in January 2025 when Derek Engler took over as CEO. Derek, brings fresh perspectives and a deep understanding of the evolving needs of our customers and the laundry industry. Derek is the son of second-generation owner Bonnie Engler, and grandson of first-generation owner, Don Rosen. Today, Pilgrim Dry Cleaners is proud to be a 3 generation, family-owned and operated company consisting of 3 plants and 28 branch locations. We also offer home and office pickup and delivery service throughout the metro area.