Sip & Develop, currently in Silver Spring, MD will host its grand opening January 5, 2024 in Oxon Hill, MD at the National Harbor (NH). By all accounts, the “Film Developing” experience doesn’t disappoint. This is a free event featuring DJ Ease and discounted session/merchandise sales.
Aptly named, Sip & Develop is a modern take on the ancient art of film developing.
“Many of us are all familiar with the 7 to 10 day wait for our disposable cameras with 35mm film to be developed and printed from our local drop-off points. We offer customers a hands on experience as they learn to develop and print their own film in 90 minutes” said owner and founder, Rashon Robinson.
Advocacy for a home at National Harbor began in 2021. The Sip & Develop concept “Entertaining you and your friends, co-workers, or family” called for at least 1,500 square foot to adequately execute this concept. However, the timing wasn’t right as the NH couldn’t meet the space requirements at this time. As a result, Sip & Develop opened its first location in Downtown Silver Spring, MD March 5, 2022.
The Original
At this location, customers were able to choose theiractivity from Sip & Develop’s selection of services such as in-house photography and develop, camera sign-out self-photography and develop, portrait in studio, or a combination of each. Customers can even host their own private group event with them or simply reserve theirdarkroom for your own personal use.
Sip & Develop’s individual and group options include:
Classes – a unique way to learn about developing film with strangers in a fun-filled social atmosphere.
Parties – schedule a private group party with us today and enjoy developing photos with everyone you choose to invite.
Darkroom – enjoy some time to yourself in the darkroom and gain confidence in developing film all on your own
Picture taking – gain the knowledge you’ve always wanted when it comes to taking pictures and utilize our professional services for all your picture-taking adventures.
Retail sales – Capture your film-developing experience with merchandise in a fun way.
The new location will offer the same options with the addition of 13 more dark room booths. This means they now have a customer capacity of 29 per session.
The Grand Opening
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned at 11 a.m. Hosted by Patrice Watts of WeModel USA, CEO, Prince Georges County Chamber of Commerce, President , and Prince Georges County Council Woman as well as Sip & Develop’s managers and store employees.
Before the ribbon cutting, the Oxon Hill High School Marching Band will perform and American Legion Post 248/170/259 will conduct a flag-raising ceremony.
There will be demos throughout the store, promotional items and giveaways, live music, and a 360 Camera.
Sip & Develop is owned by Rashon Robinson, a veteran-owned company with nearly two years in the entertainment business and future plans to open in Atlanta, GA and Charlotte, NC.
The company will employ more than 10 full- and part-time workers.
“Sip & Develop has a long history of commitment to the communities where our company operate, and we look forward to officially becoming a part of the National Harbor community,” said Rashon Robinson.
Sip & Develop prides itself on being the only company in the United States that combines a social environment with easy-to-understand film developing instructions.
The store will be open from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Wednesday and 12:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Thursday – Sundays.
