Jack Loeks' Studio 28

Moviegoing in the Detroit area was revolutionized around 1990 by the opening of several new theaters of a chain called “Loek’s Star Theaters”. Until then, first-run movies were dominated almost exclusively by AMC, whose theaters tended to be dingy, poorly staffed (20 minute wait for popcorn etc), and frequently equipped with tinny low-volume monaural sound, despite the first-run prices. How my friends and family flocked to the Loek’s Stars, with their big screens, full-throated stereo, and cheerful, efficient service. I’m sure it was the Loek’s Star chain that forced AMC to upgrade or close it’s more dismal facilities. (Now, sadly, Loek’s has been bought by Loews or Sony or some such, the Star Theater service has has become quite bad, and a chain called MJR chain is the bright and efficient upstart— but that’s another story).

Anyway — it’s interesting to see that there was a Jack Loeks theater in the western part of the state several years before the Stars popped up in Metro Detroit. I’m sure this must have been the embryonic form of the Star theaters, and I’d sure like to see some pictures, and hear more about it.