Comments from ForgttenDayton

Showing 1 - 25 of 124 comments

ForgttenDayton
ForgttenDayton commented about AMC Pittsburg 8 on Jun 3, 2026 at 2:54 am

During the severe storms in April, the roof above AMC Salina 10 experienced significant failure, resulting in extensive water intrusion and major damage throughout multiple areas of the theatre. After evaluation and discussion with the property owner, AMC made the difficult decision to not renew its lease, which ends this month, and has permanently ceased operations at AMC Salina 10

ForgttenDayton
ForgttenDayton commented about Ebensburg Cinema on Jun 1, 2026 at 10:33 pm

The Ebensburg Cinema was actually located slightly outside the main borough at the Jamesway Plaza (opening in 1972 and closing in 1985)The Ebensburg Cinema at Jamesway Plaza was owned and operated by D'Aurora Theatres, a regional independent theater company based out of western Pennsylvania.The D'Aurora family operated the single-screen location throughout its entire 13-year lifespan from 1972 to 1985. Unlike the large national circuits that dominated malls later on, they ran the cinema as a local community fixture, famously keeping standard ticket prices low and even featuring film events with built-in intermissions for long-running blockbusters.

ForgttenDayton
ForgttenDayton commented about AMC Classic Chambersburg on Jun 1, 2026 at 10:28 pm

The company acquired the location as part of a buyout of Greensburg-based Manos Amusement, Inc.. Manos had originally opened the space inside the Chambersburg Mall as a 4-screen theater back in April 1984. Following the 1993 acquisition, Carmike operated the location for 23 years before selling its entire national circuit to AMC in December 2016. AMC closed the theatre on Sunday, April 16, 2023.

ForgttenDayton
ForgttenDayton commented about New Moon Twin Drive-In on Jun 1, 2026 at 10:22 pm

50sSNIPES, while its popularity as a premier staple of the Lake Charles entertainment scene extended conceptually into the 1980s context of local nostalgia, the physical theater remained permanently closed following the end of its 1978 season. The catastrophic destruction of its massive screen by Hurricane Frederic in September 1979 permanently cemented its closure. During the 1980s, the property at 4200 Gerstner Memorial Boulevard transitioned into a commercial driving range before eventually being cleared. Today, the site serves as a community care center.

ForgttenDayton
ForgttenDayton commented about Loews Stony Brook Triplex on Jun 1, 2026 at 10:13 pm

Redundant to say operated by Loews, later Sony Theatres, and finally Loews Cineplex. Companies often go through mergers and acquisitions. For example, Sony and Loews formed a joint venture (Sony Theatres) in the 1980s, which later acquired Cineplex Odeon to become Loews Cineplex. Naming all of them at once is like calling a vehicle a “General Motors Chevrolet Toyota. You only need to state the brand name people recognize. For example, just say "a Loews theatre” instead of listing the entire corporate family tree.

ForgttenDayton
ForgttenDayton commented about Loew's Ames Theatre on Jun 1, 2026 at 1:35 pm

The Ames is for the most part is still intact. The sloop floors are under the flat floor, projector booth still theatre. Pictures added.

ForgttenDayton
ForgttenDayton commented about Black Bear Cinemas on May 24, 2026 at 7:58 pm

This theatre info is extremely outdated. The Spotlight Cinemas is wrong. This theatre is called Black Bear Cibemas. Black Bear Cinemas in Orono, Maine, officially held its grand opening under its new name and ownership on August 15, 2023. Lifelong friends Charles Moody and Zach Hussey purchased the previously closed theater (formerly known as Spotlight Cinemas) and reopened it with a charity event benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Website: https://www.blackbearcinemas.com Photos posted.

ForgttenDayton
ForgttenDayton commented about Cherokee Cinemas on May 20, 2026 at 1:06 pm

I am not sure why the theatres for PHENOIX THEATRES ENTRAINMENT AND PHENOIX BIG CINEMAS are separated on this site. Or why people say a theatre was owned by PHENOIX BIG CINEMAS and now owned by PHENOIX THEATRES. It is they same name, many locations are still operated by them.

PHENOIX THEATRES ENTERTAINMENT , not Michigan based PHENOIX THEATRES, and yes advertise as PHENOIX THEATRES in the same states don’t really own their locations. Many are independent theatres that enter into a manICSent agreement. In that they handle daily operations, film buying, and branding as a PHENOIX THEATRES ENTERTAINMENT location. They have done this since 2008. This is what happened when BIG CINEMAS from India wanted to enter US markets. With PHENOIX THEATRES ENTERTAINMENT managing, those theatres were called PHENOIX BIG CINEMAS.

Some of the locations were being operated for independent operators would sold their theatre to BIG CINEMAS, and it was just switched to PHENOIX BIG CINEMAS. When BIG CINEMAS pulled out. PHENOIX THEATRES ENTERTAINMENT found new owners, the theatres once more became just PHENOIX THEATRES ENTERTAINMENT.

HISTORY LESSON: Phoenix Theatres Entertainment, LLC is owned and operated by theater industry veterans Cory Jacobson and Phil Zacheretti. Jacobson serves as the company’s owner and president, while Zacheretti serves as the President and CEO.

Phoenix Theatres Entertainment operates as a full-service theater chain and third-party management company, focusing on restoring, re-equipping, and running cinema locations across the United States.

In 2008, Reliance MediaWorks (a massive Indian entertainment conglomerate controlled by the Reliance Group) wanted to rapidly expand its “Big Cinemas” theater brand inside the United States. Instead of building brand-new theaters from scratch, Reliance partnered with Phil Zacheretti’s original firm, Phoenix Theatres, LLC. The two entities pooled their collective theater locations, leases, and corporate resources together.

2. THE LEGAL ENTITY

They formed a unified management company called Phoenix Big Cinemas Management, LLC. Under this partnership: * Phil Zacheretti was tapped to run the entire day-to-day U.S. operation as the President and CEO. * Reliance MediaWorks provided the heavy financial backing and investment capital.

3. THE “HOLLYWOOD MEETS BOLLYWOOD” STRATEGY

Because of this unique corporate marriage, the “Phoenix Big Cinemas” footprint became a highly distinct mix of two different cinema styles across America:

  • THE HOLLYWOOD SIDE: The Phoenix team brought in multiplexes that had been abandoned by major chains like AMC and Regal, running them as traditional American neighborhood theaters playing mainstream Hollywood blockbusters.

  • THE BOLLYWOOD SIDE: Reliance used the partnership to acquire and lease theaters in major metropolitan areas with high South Asian populations (such as New York, Atlanta, and San Jose). These specific Big Cinemas locations primarily exhibited Indian and Bollywood films to the diaspora.

  • THE HYBRID SIDE: Many locations under their management played a strict 50/50 mix of both Hollywood and Bollywood films simultaneously.

4. EVOLUTION TO THE PRESENT DAY

Over time, as international theater strategies shifted and Reliance scaled back its direct theater footprint in the U.S., the company transitioned back. The corporate infrastructure built during the “Big Cinemas” era evolved into the modern Phoenix Theatres Entertainment, LLC operating today out of Knoxville—retaining the exact same third-party management business model perfected during the partnership.

ForgttenDayton
ForgttenDayton commented about Chartiers Luxury 14 on May 20, 2026 at 1:06 pm

I am not sure why the theatres for PHENOIX THEATRES ENTRAINMENT AND PHENOIX BIG CINEMAS are separated on this site. Or why people say a theatre was owned by PHENOIX BIG CINEMAS and now owned by PHENOIX THEATRES. It is they same name, many locations are still operated by them.

PHENOIX THEATRES ENTERTAINMENT , not Michigan based PHENOIX THEATRES, and yes advertise as PHENOIX THEATRES in the same states don’t really own their locations. Many are independent theatres that enter into a manICSent agreement. In that they handle daily operations, film buying, and branding as a PHENOIX THEATRES ENTERTAINMENT location. They have done this since 2008. This is what happened when BIG CINEMAS from India wanted to enter US markets. With PHENOIX THEATRES ENTERTAINMENT managing, those theatres were called PHENOIX BIG CINEMAS.

Some of the locations were being operated for independent operators would sold their theatre to BIG CINEMAS, and it was just switched to PHENOIX BIG CINEMAS. When BIG CINEMAS pulled out. PHENOIX THEATRES ENTERTAINMENT found new owners, the theatres once more became just PHENOIX THEATRES ENTERTAINMENT.

HISTORY LESSON: Phoenix Theatres Entertainment, LLC is owned and operated by theater industry veterans Cory Jacobson and Phil Zacheretti. Jacobson serves as the company’s owner and president, while Zacheretti serves as the President and CEO.

Phoenix Theatres Entertainment operates as a full-service theater chain and third-party management company, focusing on restoring, re-equipping, and running cinema locations across the United States.

In 2008, Reliance MediaWorks (a massive Indian entertainment conglomerate controlled by the Reliance Group) wanted to rapidly expand its “Big Cinemas” theater brand inside the United States. Instead of building brand-new theaters from scratch, Reliance partnered with Phil Zacheretti’s original firm, Phoenix Theatres, LLC. The two entities pooled their collective theater locations, leases, and corporate resources together.

2. THE LEGAL ENTITY

They formed a unified management company called Phoenix Big Cinemas Management, LLC. Under this partnership: * Phil Zacheretti was tapped to run the entire day-to-day U.S. operation as the President and CEO. * Reliance MediaWorks provided the heavy financial backing and investment capital.

3. THE “HOLLYWOOD MEETS BOLLYWOOD” STRATEGY

Because of this unique corporate marriage, the “Phoenix Big Cinemas” footprint became a highly distinct mix of two different cinema styles across America:

  • THE HOLLYWOOD SIDE: The Phoenix team brought in multiplexes that had been abandoned by major chains like AMC and Regal, running them as traditional American neighborhood theaters playing mainstream Hollywood blockbusters.

  • THE BOLLYWOOD SIDE: Reliance used the partnership to acquire and lease theaters in major metropolitan areas with high South Asian populations (such as New York, Atlanta, and San Jose). These specific Big Cinemas locations primarily exhibited Indian and Bollywood films to the diaspora.

  • THE HYBRID SIDE: Many locations under their management played a strict 50/50 mix of both Hollywood and Bollywood films simultaneously.

4. EVOLUTION TO THE PRESENT DAY

Over time, as international theater strategies shifted and Reliance scaled back its direct theater footprint in the U.S., the company transitioned back. The corporate infrastructure built during the “Big Cinemas” era evolved into the modern Phoenix Theatres Entertainment, LLC operating today out of Knoxville—retaining the exact same third-party management business model perfected during the partnership.

ForgttenDayton
ForgttenDayton commented about Big E Gaffney on May 18, 2026 at 8:20 am

Was operated by Big Cinemas / Phoenix Theatres

ForgttenDayton
ForgttenDayton commented about South Dekalb Cinemas 12 on May 18, 2026 at 8:06 am

Big Cinemas / Phoenix Theatres also operated this theatre. Photo posted.

ForgttenDayton
ForgttenDayton commented about NCG Peachtree Corners on May 18, 2026 at 8:02 am

Big Cinemas / Phoenix Theatres was still operating this theatre in 2014, photo posted.

ForgttenDayton
ForgttenDayton commented about Bombay Theatre on May 18, 2026 at 7:54 am

This was one of 2 theaters operated by Big Cinemas / Phoenix Theatres. It was closed in 2013. Photo posted.

ForgttenDayton
ForgttenDayton commented about Capitol Theatre on May 17, 2026 at 7:31 pm

Cleveland Cinemas effective July 31, 2026 will no longer be operating the Capitol Theatre. Northwest Neighborhoods CDC (NWN) for a “long-term strategy” for the struggling movie house, Atlanta-based Arthouse Management LLC has been hired to take over operations effective July 31, 2026.

ForgttenDayton
ForgttenDayton commented about AMC Buena Park 18 on May 17, 2026 at 12:39 pm

George Krikorian owner of Krikorian Premiere Theatres still owns and operates the 10 screen LexLive.

ForgttenDayton
ForgttenDayton commented about Century Riverside 12 on May 16, 2026 at 9:24 pm

Living Stones at Reforma Church bought this theatre back at the start of 2026. Since February 2006 the church has been gutting the theatre with big plans. First there was several small shops that actually were connected with the theatre that stayed when the theatre was closed. After the church took ownership the same day the stored were given 90 days to vacate eviction.notices. The church is going to use the building as a mix use. The Living Stones at Reforma is was the building will be known as. There will be a house of worship, A preschool for 136 students,two restaurants, and the church will.also have 2-3 retail spaces. The total cost is $65 million. Pictures posted.

ForgttenDayton
ForgttenDayton commented about Wolf Theatres on May 15, 2026 at 9:52 pm

This theatre is closed, sold to church located near by. Ckosed March 10,2026.

ForgttenDayton
ForgttenDayton commented about Torchlight Cinema 8 on May 15, 2026 at 3:07 pm

This is called Torchlight Cinema 8, not Showtime Cinema. This theatre is owned by The Rynard family who currently operates Princess Theatre Andrew recently closed Wolf Theatres in Greensburg.

https://www.torchlightcinema.com/

ForgttenDayton
ForgttenDayton commented about Princess Theatre on May 15, 2026 at 3:01 pm

This theatre is owned by The Rynard family who currently operates Torchlight Cinemas, an 8-plex in Mooresville and recently closed Wolf Theatres in Greensburg.

ForgttenDayton
ForgttenDayton commented about Capitol 3 on May 15, 2026 at 2:48 pm

This theatre is no longer operating by Phoenix Theatres Entertainment, LLC.. It is now operating as an independent theatre. It was operated by Phoenix Theatres Entertainment, LLC. , not Phoenix Theatres. I had to clarify because both Phoenix Theatres Entertainment, LLC. and Phoenix Theatres which are two separate companies both advertise their theatres simply as Phoenix Theatres and can cause confusion. Both Phoenix Theatres operate in some of the same states, but have no connections to one and another.

ForgttenDayton
ForgttenDayton commented about AMC Classic Columbus 12 on May 15, 2026 at 10:53 am

This 36,542 SF theatre is for sale for $900,000.

ForgttenDayton
ForgttenDayton commented about AMC Classic Richmond 11 on May 13, 2026 at 11:46 am

Danbarry in Richmond and Hamilton were never discounted theatres when owned by DanBarry. They were first run theatres and lasted just about a year before Kerasotes bought them. Richmond became a dollar house as soon as the keys were handed over. Hamilton stayed first run. Kerasotes hated DanBarry so much and those theatres new signage outside remained blank after Dan Barry name was removed. Kerasotes took a brand new 4.5M theatre just a year old, doing great box office numbers and made it a $1.50 dollar cinema.

ForgttenDayton
ForgttenDayton commented about Dayton Mall Cinemas on May 12, 2026 at 9:52 pm

Cinemas 5-8 opened in 1982, not 1984. The back 3 - 5 at Cinema North opened in 84.Originally after Dayton Mall 2,3 “& 4 were closed Cinema 5-8 was going to be renamed 2 -5 but those plans were axed.

ForgttenDayton
ForgttenDayton commented about Covedale Center for the Performing Arts on May 11, 2026 at 10:45 pm

National Amusements acquired this theatre from Sony/Lowes in 1995. National closed the theatre just months later on Sunday August 20,1995. The last movies were Clueless and Babe, ad posted.

ForgttenDayton
ForgttenDayton commented about Gateway Mall Cinema on May 11, 2026 at 7:09 pm

Theatre was still open on 11-21-96, it was closed November 14, 1996 is wrong, ad posted.