Dinner theaters becoming more prevalent

posted by HowardBHaas on January 11, 2011 at 7:41 am

An article in theWall Street Journal discusses trends in new theaters, specifically the wider range of food offerings.

Under pressure from viewers as well as movie-industry executives, the country’s theater chains are trying to win back moviegoers—with food. Audiences at a growing number of theaters can order such dishes as chinois chicken salad rolls or limoncello-tossed shrimp. More middle-of-the-road fare is also available, like cheeseburgers and chicken caesar salads. Seats in these so-called “in-theater dining” cinemas are big and plush. Lobbies are luxurious, with art on the walls and mood lighting. Popcorn is often complimentary and a full bar is de rigueur.

Comments (5)

John Fink
John Fink on January 11, 2011 at 8:57 am

I have no doubt AMC does it wrong based on two experiences at Essex Green (the first it took an hour to get popcorn – which was then cold, the second time, 40 minutes to get a drink and my glass of wine came before my friend’s coke). I’m not sold on the idea yet but if Gold Class or National Amusements' Lux Level were an option – I might give them a try.

I don’t mind expanded food concessions (the Scotibank Theatre in Toronto is wonderful during the film festival – you could survive for days with their multiple concession stands – when they’re open – another complaint I have). Perhaps AMC just has some kinks to work out but I found the whole thing to be a bit distracting, they need more compelling finger foods.

Another stat I like is in the corner of the page – since 2008 the price of a large popcorn at the AMC Jersey Gardens has gone up 48%?!?!

moviebuff82
moviebuff82 on January 11, 2011 at 11:42 am

omg…..no wonder I prefer not eating and drinking at the movies.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on January 12, 2011 at 12:50 pm

Bad idea.eat before you go to a movie.My son worked a theatre such as the one above and was attacked by a drunk who had way too much to drink and I guess eat in Arlington,Texas.

CSWalczak
CSWalczak on January 12, 2011 at 1:01 pm

It is hard though for me to believe that an incident like that would be commonplace though; the food and drink in these dine-and-view theatres is just too expensive for the average lush to tie one on. The guy had probably started imbibing before he even reached the theater. I am sure that theater managers have had to deal with belligerent drunks in theaters for decades.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on January 13, 2011 at 5:43 pm

Yeah.They took the drunk to jail and Fired Sean and another Employee that went to Sean’s aid.Theatre Business sure has changed,Glad I got out in 1983.

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