Comments about Rio Theatre in Sweet Home, OR

Mikeyisirish on November 7, 2011 at 12:30 am

Here’s a few recent photos of the Rio:

http://www.thewholeearthisfilledwithhisglory.com/theaters/171a.html

http://www.thewholeearthisfilledwithhisglory.com/theaters/171b.html

http://www.thewholeearthisfilledwithhisglory.com/theaters/171c.html

77budsson on April 27, 2011 at 2:39 pm

Oh I was just curious. Dad “ Bud Brown” had sold the Rio, I think in 1975 I was in the 7th grade I remembered that we had a lot of stuff under there. We moved to Lebanon where he managed the Motor Vu, the Khun and the Santiam Drive inn.

shomerio on April 27, 2011 at 2:05 pm

Mie is Mike

shomerio on April 27, 2011 at 2:02 pm

When I bought the building and the building, it was pretty baron as fr as collectables go. Since then I have accumulated 1200-1500? posters and 50 complete 35mm movies. I also have some old new lamp housing bulbs, misc parts for motograph projectors, spare platter system, and a lot more vintage and collectable items. I am trying to include these item in an on the sale of the theatre, to allow a new owner with a ready ebay business. I have too much stuff and can be overpowering to someone that is new to the business. I accumulate stuff where ever I am and am having to “clean house” at th theatre and at my home. Thanks for the question. Mie

77budsson on April 27, 2011 at 1:24 pm

Just wondering was there anythings still under the old stage?

shomerio on April 27, 2011 at 12:35 pm

Live the retirement dream in beautiful Sweet Home Oregon. Foster Lake and the Cascade Mountains beckon as you aspire for the perfect retirement scenario. Own a fun, part time entertainment business in a small town and live in the apartment upstairs. The single screen Rio Theatre for sale on Main ST. in Sweet Home, Oregon. Enjoy providing the community with first run, family oriented movies Friday through Sunday, then take the rest of the week off! Local community events, special showings, and/or daily movie showings are at your command. This is the perfect opportunity to make a modest income but still enjoy leisure time. Look us up at riotheatreinc.com. $295,000. 541-401-3500.

77budsson on November 11, 2010 at 11:11 am

Does anyone have photos from the mid 60’s to 1975? My dad, Bud Brown owned it at that time and I cant find any pictures of it. Other than one of dad sitting at the ticket both. The sign behind him read Adults – $1.25
Studens – .75
I remember dad would give free popcorn to the families that he new didnt have much money.
He later went on to manage the Santiam Drive in, the Motor Vu drive in and the Kuhn theater.

Thanks, Todd Brown

chelseahomemaker on April 20, 2010 at 3:00 pm

i am interested in renting this theater for my wedding in may of 2011. please let me know if this is possible.
-Chelsea Watts

kencmcintyre on April 7, 2010 at 12:28 pm

Here is another photo:
http://tinyurl.com/ydsr4nn

lostmemory on April 21, 2009 at 3:19 pm

1984 Photo

1985 Photo

lostmemory on February 2, 2009 at 8:13 pm

Another photo can be seen here.

lostmemory on August 26, 2008 at 2:20 pm

This is a recent photo of the Rio Theater.

lostmemory on July 4, 2008 at 10:17 pm

Here is the Rio Theater website.

revrobor on February 28, 2008 at 9:21 pm

Thanks Mike:

I saw your ad in Boxoffice. I would need all kinds of help financing a purchase. While I have the experience and the vision I am not a man of means and have little net worth. Good luck with your sale and your health. You are in my prayers.

riotheatre on February 28, 2008 at 7:22 pm

Bob Allen..Please give me a call. There is so much business, equipment, inventory, the apartment, etc., etc., to talk about.
First of all I cannot consider a lease-option, however I will drastically reduce the price of the building, land, and then everything else. Again if still interested please give me a call.

revrobor on February 5, 2008 at 6:31 pm

Hi Mike:

Sorry to hear of your problem. I saw your theatre a few months ago and was impressed with it. I am an “old showman” who started in the business as a young teen in 1945 and have owned and operated theatres in California, Oregon and Washington. I have a passion to return to the trade with a “family friendly” cinema. Sweethome would put us closer to our children. We currently live in Phoenix, OR (a Medford suburb). Is the theatre still available. If so would you consider a lease-option?

42ndStreetMemories on October 18, 2007 at 7:09 am

Mike,
I might be interested in the old posters, would you be willing to sell them seperately? If so, please email me

riotheatre on October 13, 2007 at 10:58 pm

Don Kirk never contacted me on a purchase of this theater. I am now forced to sell because of failing kidneys. I am selling the land, building, equipment,inventory, corporation,collections of old posters, movies and vintage equipment. If you are interested please call me. thankyou

DonLKirk on June 16, 2006 at 8:17 pm

Last November (2005), (the RIO’s Owner) Mike told me that he wanted to sell the theater this year (2006). I’m President of the American Theatre Development Corporation; and our Executive V-P and International radio talk-show-host Richard Beattie, will soon contact Mike to see if we can work-out a purchase of the RIO.

Mike has added a small events stage in front of the screen; but there’s room behind, to add a full stage onto the back of the building; which we will do, if we end up owning it.

Don Kirk

Rio Theatre

1439 Main Street, Sweet Home, OR 97355

1439 Main Street,
Sweet Home, OR 97355