Big Britches thankful for customers

February 20, 2025

Belton Journal

Big Britches dry cleaning and laundry had a ribbon cutting on Jan. 14 at their newest location at the former Pittman’s dry cleaners and alterations building located at 301 N. Penelope St.

Owner of Big Britches, Ryan Michaelis, got into dry cleaning and laundry as a business investment with a former partner in 2010, then took over operations in 2017.

“There are two locations in Temple. One on West Adams next to Tropical Smoothie. I share the location with Secret Chef. I moved locations because I couldn’t find anything on West Adams at the time,” said Michaelis.

He only needed 1,000 square feet of space. The location on West Temple has two doors and is 3,600 square feet of space.

“I have a plant where we wash, clean, press, and reassemble clothes at 2911 Market Loop in Temple. I don’t have a laundry mat,” said Michaelis. “It’s been interesting with the tornado last year.”

The West Adams store, located at 7348 W. Adams, Ste. 400 in Temple, was taken out last year with the tornado. They were closed May 22 to Nov. 1. An employee, Ryleigh Brandberg that does customer service, was in the store. The front outer windows were shattered. She stayed in the back room with her boyfriend who came to be with her just before the storm hit. She said when the storm hit it was loud. Brandberg and her mother, Tina Brandberg, Manager of Big Britches still work for Michaelis. Tina Brandberg oversees cleaning and press.

“We opened the Belton location mid-January. The community has been great. The support has been wonderful. Our employees have pivoted and transitioned well. My support system Angela Cases has kept me sane,” said Michaelis.

Michaelis had to move out of his location, Comet Cleaners, off North Main St. in Belton in the shopping center with Clem Mikasa’s and C.T.C.O.G. barely two weeks after he was able to reopen his West Adams store after the tornado damage was repaired.

He didn’t know until November, which gave him only two months to move. He got out of the Comet Cleaners franchise and rebranded to Big Britches with the help of Glennis Lamm, Owner and Branding Consultant at Your Voice Designs and Consulting.

“Last year’s end has been a mix of highs and lows for my partner, but all that to say is he’s resilient,” said Cases.

Cases helped Michaelis paint and organize and made sure he was fed. The new Belton location is at the former Pittman’s dry cleaners and alterations. They’ve been in the community for 75 years.

“It took us one month to make the major repairs to the building. I want to thank my customers for hanging in there with us through the transition. Our doors are open and we will accept all the business we can take. I’m thankful for our customers loyalty, patience, and understanding. Our employees have really amazing connections with our customers,” said Michaelis.

Big Britches is well known for their heavy starch creased jeans. They launder comforters and sheets and do alterations. They have same day service. Customers can drop off their order before 9 a.m. and their clothes will be ready no later than 5:30 p.m.

“Michaelis is resilient and dedicated to staying local and doing the hard work to be a part of the Belton community. He is a solid guy and he goes up and beyond for his customers,” said Lamm.