Yes. Well done. Pull out the leg that’s supporting theatrical exhibition of movies. If we all start going to Terry Wade’s friend’s house, how long do you think the popcorn will be free?
I want to see movies in classic movie theaters (with snacks, thank you!).
As a theatre owner I can see both sides of the story here. I have a single screen small town 2nd run theatre. However, I’m also the highest grossing 2nd run theatre in the state, out grossing many 1st run theatres, and I do it on a $3.00 ticket price. Even with that being the case, I can’t come close to breaking even on ticket sales alone. Concession sales have to pay the remainder of the overhead costs, and then hopefully create enough profit to maintain this historic theatre in a safe, comfortable and attractive condition.
My highest price concession item is a large tub of popcorn which sells for $3.00. The local Carmike sells their small popcorn for $5.75.
I appreciate what Ron Newman said about independents, although I don’t believe many independents (at least in my area) sell their concessions for anything near what the big chains do.
I do not allow patrons to bring food or drink into the theatre from outside, although people do sneak some in. If caught we take it from them. If they refuse to give it up, I throw them out (that seldom happens). That may seem harsh, but they were warned as there is a sizable sign on the front door. It has been my experience that few people that sneak stuff in ever use the trash cans, but rather leave everything on the floor for us to clean up, even though they haven’t contributed anything toward the cost of such.
I realize that the movie going public does not understand the complexities of the movie theatre business, and I agree that the prices charged at chain theatres are simply redicules, but when it’s fairly easy to see how inexpensive we are when compared to the chains, I would think that we should be appreciated for what we do to make movie going affordable for all of our patrons.
We do not run ANY screen advertising, nor do we have any video games in the lobby, so we have no income stream from anything other than ticket sales and concessions.
Our average concession per capita sale is $2.00 added to a $3.00 ticket, means you’ve just spent $5.00 a person to enjoy a movie in a beautiful well maintained art deco theatre with a uniformed staff, an auditorium with beautiful drapes and house curtain, with state of the art Dolby and DTS stereo sound, and a large free parking lot directly behind the theatre as well.
The thought of people suggesting that you sneak food and beverages into our theatre and undermine the financial well being of this showplace is very disturbing to me. Other then Ron, that is exacting what the others here are suggesting.
I believe It is against the law in many cities to be searched at the door but ok for guns/weapons, cameras/video only. Just tell them If they want to search you call the police and get a warrant or give your admission money back. The candy/drink prices are way over the top. Just eat something before you get to the theatre as most big chain multiplex’s don’t have enough help in the concession counter you will miss the movie open just waiting in line after you waited at the boxoffice set up for 10 windows and they only have one open on a big weekend with a girl that can’t do credit cards correct! Many people just stay home and eat all the food they want without being searched and have the big screen look with a volume control you can adjust the Dolby Digital® Surround how you like it. A friend of mine just put in a big curved screen in his house with masking and he has free popcorn!
If I’m going to a chain movie theatre, I’ll buy my concessions next door at CVS for 1/5 the price. If I go to an independent, I buy the overpriced candy because I want to keep the place in business.
Popcorn? I’m not so sure. I’d guess Nachos. At the Regal, its $8 with drink. Consider the bag maybe no larger than the 40c or 50c bag you can get at the snack dispenser machine and the little cup of cheese. That is like a 800% markup or more.
Every bans outside food, you just have to be more smart as to where you hide the food in your jacket/pockets. I’ve taken chinese food in with the rice, egg rolls and meals, plus a bottled soda. IT IS possible. The more layered clothing helps, too..then again, you may look and smell like a trip around the world…. :D :D I’m going stir crazy being home with all this snow….make it stoppppp!
If more people said NO to their kids, it would force concession prices to come down .
Something to think about the next time you lay out 45.00 $ at the box office, then get dragged to the concession stand by your kids. Talk to them before you ever get to the theatre, explain to them, and tell them NO.
After it cost more to get a SMALL Coke, than it did to get in to see the movie, I quit theatre concessions. Stick a Coke in your pocket or purse,, candy at the gas station stuff moms purse with goodies from home…..Who can afford this over pricing? You try to do something fun for your family, but it puts you in the red for the rest of the month. Movie and no concessions, or simply, just no movie at all. I have worked in theatres and know how they run, it will hurt at first, but if they lower prices, I would buy again.
Bob,
You can find us at www.roxytheaternorthampton.com
Rick Wolfe
What’s the name and location of your theater? Sounds like a great place,I hope it’s close to me!
Yes. Well done. Pull out the leg that’s supporting theatrical exhibition of movies. If we all start going to Terry Wade’s friend’s house, how long do you think the popcorn will be free?
I want to see movies in classic movie theaters (with snacks, thank you!).
As a theatre owner I can see both sides of the story here. I have a single screen small town 2nd run theatre. However, I’m also the highest grossing 2nd run theatre in the state, out grossing many 1st run theatres, and I do it on a $3.00 ticket price. Even with that being the case, I can’t come close to breaking even on ticket sales alone. Concession sales have to pay the remainder of the overhead costs, and then hopefully create enough profit to maintain this historic theatre in a safe, comfortable and attractive condition.
My highest price concession item is a large tub of popcorn which sells for $3.00. The local Carmike sells their small popcorn for $5.75.
I appreciate what Ron Newman said about independents, although I don’t believe many independents (at least in my area) sell their concessions for anything near what the big chains do.
I do not allow patrons to bring food or drink into the theatre from outside, although people do sneak some in. If caught we take it from them. If they refuse to give it up, I throw them out (that seldom happens). That may seem harsh, but they were warned as there is a sizable sign on the front door. It has been my experience that few people that sneak stuff in ever use the trash cans, but rather leave everything on the floor for us to clean up, even though they haven’t contributed anything toward the cost of such.
I realize that the movie going public does not understand the complexities of the movie theatre business, and I agree that the prices charged at chain theatres are simply redicules, but when it’s fairly easy to see how inexpensive we are when compared to the chains, I would think that we should be appreciated for what we do to make movie going affordable for all of our patrons.
We do not run ANY screen advertising, nor do we have any video games in the lobby, so we have no income stream from anything other than ticket sales and concessions.
Our average concession per capita sale is $2.00 added to a $3.00 ticket, means you’ve just spent $5.00 a person to enjoy a movie in a beautiful well maintained art deco theatre with a uniformed staff, an auditorium with beautiful drapes and house curtain, with state of the art Dolby and DTS stereo sound, and a large free parking lot directly behind the theatre as well.
The thought of people suggesting that you sneak food and beverages into our theatre and undermine the financial well being of this showplace is very disturbing to me. Other then Ron, that is exacting what the others here are suggesting.
Shame on you.
I believe It is against the law in many cities to be searched at the door but ok for guns/weapons, cameras/video only. Just tell them If they want to search you call the police and get a warrant or give your admission money back. The candy/drink prices are way over the top. Just eat something before you get to the theatre as most big chain multiplex’s don’t have enough help in the concession counter you will miss the movie open just waiting in line after you waited at the boxoffice set up for 10 windows and they only have one open on a big weekend with a girl that can’t do credit cards correct! Many people just stay home and eat all the food they want without being searched and have the big screen look with a volume control you can adjust the Dolby Digital® Surround how you like it. A friend of mine just put in a big curved screen in his house with masking and he has free popcorn!
If I’m going to a chain movie theatre, I’ll buy my concessions next door at CVS for 1/5 the price. If I go to an independent, I buy the overpriced candy because I want to keep the place in business.
Popcorn? I’m not so sure. I’d guess Nachos. At the Regal, its $8 with drink. Consider the bag maybe no larger than the 40c or 50c bag you can get at the snack dispenser machine and the little cup of cheese. That is like a 800% markup or more.
Every bans outside food, you just have to be more smart as to where you hide the food in your jacket/pockets. I’ve taken chinese food in with the rice, egg rolls and meals, plus a bottled soda. IT IS possible. The more layered clothing helps, too..then again, you may look and smell like a trip around the world…. :D :D I’m going stir crazy being home with all this snow….make it stoppppp!
Currently the AMC in my town bans sneaking in food….they might have security people strip searching moviegoers before they enter the lobby.
If more people said NO to their kids, it would force concession prices to come down .
Something to think about the next time you lay out 45.00 $ at the box office, then get dragged to the concession stand by your kids. Talk to them before you ever get to the theatre, explain to them, and tell them NO.
After it cost more to get a SMALL Coke, than it did to get in to see the movie, I quit theatre concessions. Stick a Coke in your pocket or purse,, candy at the gas station stuff moms purse with goodies from home…..Who can afford this over pricing? You try to do something fun for your family, but it puts you in the red for the rest of the month. Movie and no concessions, or simply, just no movie at all. I have worked in theatres and know how they run, it will hurt at first, but if they lower prices, I would buy again.