About Us
About Sip & Develop
From Basement to Brick and Mortar
In early 2021, our founder and CEO Rashon Robinson transformed a room in his basement into a darkroom as a personal hobby. When entertaining house guests, he would invite them to experience the darkroom process. However, with no music, drinks, or social atmosphere, it proved nearly impossible to generate interest. This challenge sparked the birth of the Sip & Develop concept—combining film development with social elements for the ultimate interactive photography experience. Sip & Develop was officially established as an LLC in June 2021. After considering multiple locations throughout the DMV area, we selected a 3,000 square foot space in Downtown Oxon Hill, MD. Construction began in October 2021, and our first location officially opened on March 5, 2022. Early strategic partnerships were formed with USA Guided Tours and The Wyndham National Harbor Resort, establishing our presence in the tourism market. Media Recognition and Growth Recognized as an original concept and the only business of its kind in the United States, Sip & Develop quickly gained media attention. Great Day Washington (WUSA9) featured us during their live morning broadcast on July 23, 2022, and again on February 4, 2024. In 2023, Bethesda Magazine editors honored us with their "Best in Bethesda" recognition. Our unique concept attracted television productions, including segments filmed for "Love and Marriage, DC" in March 2023 and "Love is Blind, DC" in November 2023, where a newly engaged couple enjoyed a date night experience in our studio.
Expansion and Relocation
To test our national expansion potential, we conducted a successful pop-up experience at Atlanta's iconic Atlantic Station, with plans for a future permanent location. Throughout our journey, we've remained committed to supporting minority-owned businesses in the DMV area.
In January 2024, we made the strategic decision to relocate from Downtown Oxon Hill to National Harbor in Oxon Hill, MD, closing our original location on January 28, 2024. Our highly anticipated Grand Opening at the new National Harbor location took place on February 2, 2024, marking the beginning of our next chapter.
Current Operations
Today, Sip & Develop operates from our 3,000 square foot National Harbor facility, accommodating up to 71 customers with a session capacity of 26. We offer four distinct photography packages ranging from $45-$65, all featuring our signature 90-minute film development experience. Our partnerships have expanded to include Gaylord National Hotel, Experience Prince George's County, and the Prince George's Chamber of Commerce, solidifying our position as a premier experiential destination in the region.
