“That’s kind of our cross to bear,” Schultz agreed. People eventually need to put down their phones and enjoy communal experiences, he said. “The monkey’s on the back of the theater companies to stay relevant in this world, and I think these guys are doing it,” said Michael Lambert, one of the company’s investors and board members.

Meanwhile, Studio Movie Grill is in the midst of an expansion, McQuaker said. Movie theater news has been tumultuous as of late: the 81-year-old, indie-focused Laemmle Theatres went up for sale just months ago and word is streaming giant Netflix is poised to purchase the iconic Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. For example, some drinks on the menu don’t fit in either of the seat’s two cup holders.) (There are some kinks to work out in the new location. Waiters deftly ducked below the screen as they navigated the aisles at a recent screening of Disney’s “Maleficent” sequel.Īccording to Schultz, the vast majority of food and drinks ordered by the audience arrives before the main feature begins. “We created the concept of ninja servers and got our systems really tight.” Pressure early on “made us a lot better,” said Schultz, who originally hails from Agoura Hills. There’s also competition in the space, including Alamo Drafthouse, which opened a downtown Los Angeles location in July. It operates more than 300 screens in 10 states, including the California communities of Monrovia, Simi Valley, Downey, Redlands, Rocklin and Bakersfield. Now, the theater is thriving, Schultz said.

Originally, Hollywood types snubbed the concept that they believed would be too disruptive to the viewing experience, according to Lynne McQuaker, a spokeswoman for the theater. Offering a newly designed menu and full bar with California tastes in mind - there’s a Super Food Bowl and elevated wine list - patrons can watch first-run blockbusters while dining and drinking at their seats. With the company founded 27 years ago, “I think we have all the details honed in now where we’re really ready to go,” said Studio Movie Grill chief executive Brian Schultz just before the theater at 128 N. Rows of futuristic-looking recliners - outfitted with cooling cup holders, blue lights and a red button to call a waiter- line the 10 auditoriums of the national dine-in theater chain’s location in the heart of the city’s art and entertainment district. “I’m waiting to blast off,” a tech-focused film festival founder said during a tour of Studio Movie Grill’s downtown Glendale location grand opening on Thursday.

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