Austin-based Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas expanding to Metroplex
The countryÂ’s oldest cinema-eatery concept that shows first-run films, Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas, announced plans to open six new locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area during the next three years.
Long-term projections call for a total of 50 locations within five years.
The Austin-based company, which currently has seven locations in Texas and three more in development including its first location outside the Lone Star State, is the only franchised movie theater chain and the only franchise concept that offers the combination of theater and restaurant
“After nearly 12 years of multi-unit operations across Texas, we feel that Dallas-Fort Worth is an excellent market to expand our concept into,” said John Martin, Alamo’s president and CEO. “As we celebrate our best year to date, I'm excited to continue Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas' expansion into new markets. Alamo represents a wonderful opportunity to bring people together for a memorable evening in these trying times and I have no doubt that the success we’ve experienced will continue with the numerous theaters we have planned for the Dallas-Fort Worth area over the next three years.”
According to Martin, the companyÂ’s niche concept is growing in popularity, and Alamo is well positioned to become the predominant brand. The company saw same store sales increase 14 percent in 2007, while ticket sales at traditional movie theaters remained flat in 2007 with 1.4 billion tickets sold in the United States and Canada.
The concept fits in well with open-air lifestyle centers, the latest trend in shopping center development, said Martin. The cinema-eateries require half the seating capacity of traditional theaters and take up fewer parking spaces.
Patrons can enjoy programming that includes first-run, independent, foreign and documentary films while munching on more than popcorn. The menu features an extensive array of appetizers, salads, pizzas, burgers and sandwiches plus as many as 30 hand-crafted specialty beers on tap, 120 to 150 total beer offerings as well as a wide selection of wines.
Martin said the majority of growth expansion is expected to be generated by multi-unit area developers who have the resources and capability to open, own and operate five to 10 locations in an exclusive territory during a three- to five-year period.
“We are a first-class movie theater experience combined with a high-volume restaurant,” said Martin. “We believe we have strong appeal for multi-unit restaurant operators because they have the wherewithal, know-how and depth that is required to succeed in the restaurant business. We will support and educate them on melding the film aspect into the restaurant part.”
The North Texas area is already home to two restaurant-cinema concepts, Movie Tavern and Studio Movie Grill.
bdillard@bizpress.net
