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Danbarry Cinemas offers second-run movies in first-rate theaters
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Feature Danbarry Cinemas offers second-run movies in first-rate theaters by Rich Timlen After plunking down just five dollars for two movie tickets, you might feel like hopping in your parents Studebaker and taking your date to the malt shop. But while Danbarry Cinemas may offer 1950s prices, the movies and accommodations are anything but outdated. With second-run flicks that are recent exits from the mainstream theaters, moviegoers can sit in stadium seating-style comfort and save a few bucks in the process. Now the company is looking to expand their base of operations and add more theaters to its chain, possibly doubling the number of sites during the coming year. Danbarry currently owns and operates eight theaters, consisting of 73 screens. The company plans on accomplishing its expansion by taking over existing closed theaters and re-opening them under the Danbarry banner and operating them as either first-run or second-run cinemas, depending on market conditions. Danbarry also isn’t opposed to opening a second-run theater in the shadow of a mega-plex theater, perhaps looking to snag a few customers tired of paying $10 a ticket for new releases. The only near similarity between Danbarry and its bigger competitors is the concession prices. But even still, Danbarry’s prices a slightly cheaper. Movie snackers can get an order of nachos for $3.50, a large soda for $3.50 and a medium popcorn for $4. Ideal spaces for the company include shuttered theaters that still have equipment in place. Danbarry has the ability under the right conditions to take a closed theater and be up and running in a matter of weeks. The company also will consider small six or eight-screen theaters as possible Art House Cinemas if the demographics warrant it. The company’s only theater that offers first-run movies is located in Middletown, which is undergoing a $1.3 million facelift to add a little style. The 10-screen theater will be renovated to offer a more modern look. The project calls for stadium-style seating in all 10 auditoriums for up to 2,000 moviegoers, expanded lobby and concessions areas, increasing the number of sales stands to seven from four, new marquee and exterior signs and a new roof and heating and air conditioning system. Those renovations are slated for completion sometime around late December. While mainly focusing on renovating old theaters, Danbarry is not opposed to new development opportunities. The company will either buy a pad and self-develop or work with the landlord on a lease or build-to-suit. Danbarry prefers to operate within a 600-mile radius of Cincinnati, OH, but will consider a wider area of operation if they can group several theaters together in a market. For more information, contact Lloyd J. Goldstein, Brix & Co., 4905 Del Ray Avenue, Suite 401, Bethesda, MD 20814; 301-656-0079, cell 703-606-4526, Fax 301-656-0081; Email: lgoldstein@brixandco.com. |