Built to Last: Remembering Fabric Care Center Founder Peter Prionas

Fabric Care Center founder Peter Prionas built more than a business — he built a legacy of innovation, craftsmanship, and community. One year after the passing of Peter Prionas, his legacy continues to shape both Fabric Care Center and the many people whose lives he influenced over the decades.

Peter Prionas never seemed to stop building. Whether working with his hands, solving problems, or discussing new ideas, he was always looking ahead to what could be improved, created, or repaired. Long before “innovation” became a business buzzword, Pete was finding practical ways to make things work better for customers, employees, friends, and family.

Peter and Kiki Prionas at Fabric Care Center in the late 1960s

A Builder at Heart

Before founding Fabric Care Center, Pete built homes. In 1965, he constructed the first section of the company's current facility, transforming a laundromat into a business that was ahead of its time.

Even in those early years, Pete was constantly searching for ways to improve both operations and customer experience. He engineered overhead conveyors to move garments efficiently through the plant, installed one of the area’s first widescreen televisions for laundromat customers, and embraced practical innovations that helped set Fabric Care Center apart.

Ahead of His Time

Long before recycling became common, Pete was repurposing materials wherever he could — even turning discarded propane tanks into a steel privacy fence designed to resemble redwood, much of which still stands more than 50 years later.

To those who knew him, this resourcefulness was simply part of who he was. Pete saw possibilities where others saw scrap, and he approached challenges with creativity, persistence, and humor.

Building More Than a Business

But perhaps Pete’s greatest work was investing in people.

Over the years, he helped family members and friends start businesses, encouraged others to pursue opportunities, and quietly stepped in when help was needed. A number of local business owners can trace part of their success to his generosity, advice, or support.

What Pete built extended far beyond a company. He helped create opportunities, relationships, and a sense of community that continues to influence others today.

Peter & his son, "Tommy," age 3, at Fabric Care Center in 1965

Enjoying the Rewards of Hard Work

Pete also believed in enjoying the rewards of hard work. Family gatherings, holidays, time around the pool, and his strawberry farm created memories shared across generations.

His entrepreneurial spirit even extended overseas, where he built a drive-in theater on a hillside in Greece — another example of the imagination and determination that defined so much of his life.

A Legacy That Continues Today

When Peter Prionas passed away at age 97, he left behind far more than a company. He left behind a legacy of hard work, innovation, generosity, and community.

Today, many of the values Pete established decades ago continue to guide Fabric Care Center — from a commitment to quality workmanship and customer service to the belief that businesses should care about the people and communities they serve.

His legacy remains built into the company he founded, the family who continue his work, and the many lives he helped shape along the way.

Fabric Care Cleaners proudly serves customers across Central Indiana, including Indianapolis, Brownsburg, Plainfield, Avon, Mooresville, Martinsville, Carmel, Westfield, Zionsville, Fishers, Greenwood, Center Grove and surrounding communities.