State-of-the-art digital projection and sound and food by a local chef are two parts of the concept behind the dinner and a movie house coming to downtown Kalamazoo.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema plans a 10-screen theater in the former Rave Cityplace 14 space downtown. The theaters offer first-run movies, independent films and special programming events with an extensive menu made from scratch in a state-of-the-art culinary kitchen. They also support local breweries.
How does it work? Each theater has food and beverage service throughout the movie. Patrons can eat at any time. Some come early, others eat during the screening. The wait staff explains how to order before the movie starts.
At each table in the theater is a menu and a pen and paper. Diners write down their order and when the wait staff sees the order they quickly and quietly come and take it from the table, all without disturbing moviegoers. Those who want to order more can do so at any time.
Those who do not want to dine may simply watch the show.
To staff the theater and dining operation Alamo Drafthouse expects to hire at least 100 employees for its mid-2013 opening.
Alamo prides itself on providing an exceptional movie going experience so the layout of each theater eliminates the traditional front row. The theater also has a strict "no talking and no texting" policy. Offenders receive one warning. If it happens a second time, they will be kicked out without a refund.
Alamo Drafthouse Kalamazoo will also be equipped for 35mm projection.
Learn more about the Alamo Drafthouse in
this video.
Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media
Source: Brad Johnson, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
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