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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)
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%?!?!
omg…..no wonder I prefer not eating and drinking at the movies.
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.
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.
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.