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Alamo Drafthouse officially set to take over Rave Cinema space
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - An announcement was made official just after 4:30 p.m. Friday on the company taking over the former Rave Movie Theater in downtown Kalamazoo.
The new tenant is a Texas-based company called Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. Newschannel 3 reported on Thursday evening that multiple sources had attested to the information, but the release on Friday afternoon made it official.
The Alamo Drafthouse runs a chain of theaters that include bars and restaurants.
There are currently 10 locations, mostly in the south.
By bringing this specialty theater into Kalamazoo, those that live and work in the area are hopeful that it will draw in more people downtown.
The idea of offering a sit-down meal and drinks with your movie will ideally give this theater an advantage over others.
City leaders are not naming names, but did confirm that back in January, a national firm applied for a liquor license.
Businesses in downtown Kalamazoo say that traffic has slowed since the Rave closed its doors after six years last November.
The owner is selling off several locations across the country.
"We're not suffering, but it would be great to have a neighbor fill that space," said Marie Blinn, the owner of Olde Penninsula Brewpub.
The downtown area has already proven desirable to those in Kalamazoo.
Despite plans for Alamo to sell food and drink, restaurants like Olde Penninsula are still excited to see a new neighbor downtown.
"I think it definitely boosts business," Blinn said. "It brings people downtown, it generates traffic; it can only be good for us."
There's also the added benefit of having shoppers supporting the local economy.
We're still waiting on a release from the company, which is expected by the end of the day.
Those we've spoken to though say the Alamo Drafthouse could be open as soon as the spring.
The full release from Alamo Drafthouse Cinema can be found by clicking here.
Alamo Drafthouse officially set to take over Rave Cinema space
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - An announcement was made official just after 4:30 p.m. Friday on the company taking over the former Rave Movie Theater in downtown Kalamazoo.
The new tenant is a Texas-based company called Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. Newschannel 3 reported on Thursday evening that multiple sources had attested to the information, but the release on Friday afternoon made it official.
The Alamo Drafthouse runs a chain of theaters that include bars and restaurants.
There are currently 10 locations, mostly in the south.
By bringing this specialty theater into Kalamazoo, those that live and work in the area are hopeful that it will draw in more people downtown.
The idea of offering a sit-down meal and drinks with your movie will ideally give this theater an advantage over others.
City leaders are not naming names, but did confirm that back in January, a national firm applied for a liquor license.
Businesses in downtown Kalamazoo say that traffic has slowed since the Rave closed its doors after six years last November.
The owner is selling off several locations across the country.
"We're not suffering, but it would be great to have a neighbor fill that space," said Marie Blinn, the owner of Olde Penninsula Brewpub.
The downtown area has already proven desirable to those in Kalamazoo.
Despite plans for Alamo to sell food and drink, restaurants like Olde Penninsula are still excited to see a new neighbor downtown.
"I think it definitely boosts business," Blinn said. "It brings people downtown, it generates traffic; it can only be good for us."
There's also the added benefit of having shoppers supporting the local economy.
We're still waiting on a release from the company, which is expected by the end of the day.
Those we've spoken to though say the Alamo Drafthouse could be open as soon as the spring.
The full release from Alamo Drafthouse Cinema can be found by clicking here.
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