Westlake Cinemas

2601 Westlake Avenue,
Peoria, IL 61615

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: GKC Theatres, Kerasotes Theatres

Functions: Retail

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Westlake Cinemas

Opened on February 28, 1965 with 3-screens. Westlake Cinemas were located in the Westlake Shopping Center off N. Sterling Avenue in Peoria, which at the time included a Show Biz Pizza, Monical’s Pizza, Walgreens, and Randall’s Food Store, among others. There was an arcade across the courtyard called Bally’s Great Escape.

On October 27, 1978 the theatre was expanded to five screens. Cinema one was the largest…two and three were mid-sized, and four & five were pretty small. There was a union projectionist on staff through at least 1991. In August of 1988, the 5 movies that were showing, in order, from cinemas one through five were "A Fish Called Wanda", "Bull Durham", "Married To The Mob", "Young Guns", and "Big". It became a dollar theater in the mid-1990’s and eventually closed.

Contributed by Joe

Recent comments (view all 6 comments)

Ret. AKC (NAC) CCC Bob Jensen, Manteno, Illinois
Ret. AKC (NAC) CCC Bob Jensen, Manteno, Illinois on August 16, 2010 at 9:47 am

Opened late 1970’s?

1985 taken over by George Kerasotes Company?

2005 Carmike Cinemas?

Need more info and photos.

Allen_Abel
Allen_Abel on January 3, 2012 at 3:19 am

This theater was already closed by the time Carmike bought out GKC. I believe the space is now being used by a beauty school.

jackiskin
jackiskin on August 3, 2012 at 5:36 am

yeah i recall it opening in the late 70s ..77 was first time i was there. i saw a bridge too far ..with my brother the next film a year and half later the animated lord of the rings xmas 78

KelliL
KelliL on March 31, 2013 at 10:12 am

This is the wrong photo! Fresh Market is there now which replaced Circuit City. There was also a Book Emporium there years ago. Now we have Five Guys Burgers, Sushi Gawa, Toys R Us, Biaggi’s, Plato’s Closet and many more stores that opened up. I loved this theater! I remember when Home Alone played there on Thanksgiving and I didn’t get in – stood in line only to be turned away. Later it opened up as a dollar theater showing long run movies.

rivest266
rivest266 on March 1, 2018 at 2:30 pm

Expanded to 5 screens on October 27th, 1978. Grand opening ad in the photo section.

rivest266
rivest266 on January 7, 2024 at 1:46 pm

Opened on February 28th, 1975 with 3 screens. Ad posted.

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