^^^^^^^
Yeah, suspect that's the real reason, which means he likely won't run the two new ones assuming they're built. As mentioned above, Regal is in the acquisition business, not the development/construction end. It wouldn't surprise me if there is a deal in place for Warren to get current new build projects up and running and then sell those also. It's what makes the most sense.

http://www.news9.com/story/35488039/warren-theater-projects-will-go-on-as-planned-despite-sale-to-regal-entertainment

The "woe is the OKC-area" can stop, at least with regards to the Warren Theaters being proposed.

http://www.news9.com/story/35488039/warren-theater-projects-will-go-on-as-planned-despite-sale-to-regal-entertainment

The "woe is the OKC-area" can stop, at least with regards to the Warren Theaters being proposed.

It can if Warren dumps them to Regal once their completed. Just amazing to put so much effort into a theater and turn it over to a bad chain operator. Like handing a filet to a temp cook at McDonald's.

Is the one in Tulsa being sold to Regal as well? I'm guessing so as it said "all 7 theatres." Reason I ask is News 9 isn't always accurate and I'm not familiar with Warren's holdings. I can imagine the one in Tulsa metro being a shocker as that one is nicer than the Moore location.

Yes Warren in Broken Arrow was sold.

Is the one in Tulsa being sold to Regal as well? I'm guessing so as it said "all 7 theatres." Reason I ask is News 9 isn't always accurate and I'm not familiar with Warren's holdings. I can imagine the one in Tulsa metro being a shocker as that one is nicer than the Moore location.

He sold everything. That's why a lot of us are suspicious that he may sell these two theaters once they are completed. Even if they are not sold immediately, I wouldn't be surprised if they are sold later. His strategy just doesn't make sense, unless these two theaters were on his bucket list of things to do before he retires.

Is there anything new here? I saw some construction workers poking around the site a couple days ago.

Is there anything new here? I saw some construction workers poking around the site a couple days ago.

Construction plans are still being worked on. It will be a few weeks before you see much activity on site.

There's something going in on the corner, but it's not the theater. i would guess either some small strip-center thing or fast food.

There's something going in on the corner, but it's not the theater. i would guess either some small strip-center thing or fast food.

Are you talking about the outparcel directly in front of Hobby Lobby?

There's something going in on the corner, but it's not the theater. i would guess either some small strip-center thing or fast food.

I saw that too but im talking about where the theater will actually be. They were digging around near the street.

The BancFirst is what is being worked on at the moment.

The bank has the vault in now. It's always obvious when a bank is going in when the build the vault..lol.

The movie theater spot is suspiciously not doing anything at all though......

The bank has the vault in now. It's always obvious when a bank is going in when the build the vault..lol.

The movie theater spot is suspiciously not doing anything at all though......

Nothing suspicious about it... Plans aren't approved yet.

What is taking so long? Its been six months.

What is taking so long? Its been six months.

Construction plans are being modified.

If it helps settle anything, when the Producer's Co-Op project was announced, Sooner Investments specifically mention another current OKC area project as the MWC Warren Theater. It's a good development company that does well with large scale. Just look at some of the projects they have helped manage. If they say they're still on it, you can feel pretty comfortable in trusting them. Putting out fakery isn't something i've known them to do. I mean if you can manage Town Center in MWC and University Town Center in Norman, you're doing pretty good. Since the site plan is still under the planning stage for Coop, it's not listed, but i think they said September so we dont have to wait long.

http://soonerinvestment.com/

Plans have been released for the Warren MWC location and it is bidding to General Contractors currently on October 5th. Plans require an NDA to be viewed.

https://twitter.com/KOCO_FAST2/status/916319242798161920

Looks like groundbreaking is happening.

http://warrentheaters.com/index.html


We're not done yet, folks!

Warren Theatres LLC has entered the next chapter in our storied history, and we are planning on developing future Warren Theatre locations.

Our mission is to be the best-in-market theatre offering the public with the best in cinematic sight and sound wrapped in a package of opulence, comfort and security. We have a demonstrated record of success as a regional draw for movie-goers across a wide demographic.

If you are a Developer or City Economic Development Official interested in bringing a Warren Theatre to your area, we invite you to make an inquiry by filling out a request form for additional information.

Our Corporate Office can be reached at (316) 685-3773

Still really not sure what is happening here, did he decide he just wanted small theaters? Did Regal give him so much cash he literally couldn't refuse the offer? Why sell your best theaters to just start opening more theaters?

I drove by there a few minutes ago and took this picture...

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4448/37277195780_5db5657888_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YN4nA5)Warren Theater in Midwest City (https://flic.kr/p/YN4nA5) by Paul L. McCord Jr. (https://www.flickr.com/photos/plmccordj/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4500/37487701756_26326a4571_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Z7EgFs)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/Z7EgFs) by Paul L. McCord Jr. (https://www.flickr.com/photos/plmccordj/), on Flickr

https://twitter.com/KOCO_FAST2/status/916319242798161920


C'mon, Chris Lee... at least get the street name right next time.

https://twitter.com/KOCO_FAST2/status/916319242798161920

Looks like groundbreaking is happening.

http://warrentheaters.com/index.html



Still really not sure what is happening here, did he decide he just wanted small theaters? Did Regal give him so much cash he literally couldn't refuse the offer? Why sell your best theaters to just start opening more theaters?

Man that's the $64,000 question in my head. I hate the Regal taking over the Moore Warren. The only thing I've heard that makes any sense is that Warren is getting older, and apparently no one in the "next generation" is all that interested in the movie business, so there's no one to inherit or take them over. He opted to continue with the existing projects, but it would surely seem to me the moment they're on steady footing, the for-sale sign will be up ASAP.

First sure sign of Regal's infection: Went to the movies there the other night, and didn't get my traditional chocolate-covered mint on the way out. Asked the usher, "Where's the candy?" He said, "Don't have any."

I fear that's only the beginning.

Regals are very nice theatres.

I never saw a problem with Regal when that was the branding for the one at 240/35. Actually, when AMC took it over from Regal was when it stopped lighting up the extra neon lights and quite staffing the extra concession stands, etc. It's not that the AMC is bad, it's just a plan ole regular nothing fancy place. Which, to be honest, is fine for me. I don't particular want to pay an extra $10 per ticket, but i know there are people out there that would want that....otherwise Warren wouldn't be successful.

When we're talking about companies like AMC and Regal, its really hard to say "AMC is this" or "Regal is that". They're so large that different theatres in different markets are going to give a completely different vibe from each other. AMC's and Regal's theatres can be nice when they put effort into that location or trash when a location is not worth spending the effort or money on. I expect Moore Warren will maintain a certain level of niceness. I sincerely doubt it will become a trash heap like some have predicted just as I really doubt that Spotlight 14 in Norman will ever be nicer than it is now.

When we're talking about companies like AMC and Regal, its really hard to say "AMC is this" or "Regal is that". They're so large that different theatres in different markets are going to give a completely different vibe from each other. AMC's and Regal's theatres can be nice when they put effort into that location or trash when a location is not worth spending the effort or money on. I expect Moore Warren will maintain a certain level of niceness. I sincerely doubt it will become a trash heap like some have predicted just as I really doubt that Spotlight 14 in Norman will ever be nicer than it is now.

I don't know about trash heap, but it will lose that personal touch it received from Warren. It will be one theater out of a few hundred compared to the dozen or so that Bill Warren owned.

I don't know about trash heap, but it will lose that personal touch it received from Warren. It will be one theater out of a few hundred compared to the dozen or so that Bill Warren owned.

I think we overestimate how much the Warren will change. Regal is VERY aware of how popular that theater is (I thought I saw where it was in the top 20 in the country in terms of revenue, but may be wrong). They will not mess it up too much, due to that alone.

I think we overestimate how much the Warren will change. Regal is VERY aware of how popular that theater is (I thought I saw where it was in the top 20 in the country in terms of revenue, but may be wrong). They will not mess it up too much, due to that alone.

I see a lot of people on the Moore FB page complain about how it's gone down hill but there are an equal number of us that really haven't noticed much change.

Only been a couple of times since the change and other than the small and medium popcorn now comes in a bag instead of a bucket and the online movie times are harder to find... I haven't noticed much degradation yet and haven't noticed any of the stuff others have complained about.... I'm holding out hope that Regal maintains it's status but I'm also very aware of how far they let the Robinson 14 theatre in Norman go after they took it over.... I'll never set foot in it again.

I didn't think the Norman theatre really had far to fall before Regal took it on. I haven't been in since then, but if its gotten worse I'd only expect Regal just let it keep going the way it was going.

The Choctaw Times has a decently sized article about the theater, some choice quotes:

Bill Warren: "I think the future of the industry, at least for us in the way it's going and I think that it should go, is small theaters that are even more luxurious," "I would equate this theater with a luxury boutique or luxury hotel like you would see in resort areas and so forth. They will be nicer and better, more expensive. This will be the nicest theater in the state of Oklahoma. It won't be the biggest, but it will be the nicest"

I didn't think the Norman theatre really had far to fall before Regal took it on. I haven't been in since then, but if its gotten worse I'd only expect Regal just let it keep going the way it was going.

Ya having been to it before it was Regal it was exactly the same. Pretty crappy either way.

The Choctaw Times has a decently sized article about the theater, some choice quotes:

Bill Warren: "I think the future of the industry, at least for us in the way it's going and I think that it should go, is small theaters that are even more luxurious," "I would equate this theater with a luxury boutique or luxury hotel like you would see in resort areas and so forth. They will be nicer and better, more expensive. This will be the nicest theater in the state of Oklahoma. It won't be the biggest, but it will be the nicest"

Must be about branding. Don't want the new concept Warren theaters to be compared with the old concept or vice versa.

Don't know if it has been said yet but this theatre will be run no different than the other Warren theatres that were just bought by Regal. All new Warren theatres will be run and staffed by Regal.

Well that's just the oddest thing. I wonder if Warren even owns them and is letting Regal manage the theaters or what's going on with the whole thing.

Don't know if it has been said yet but this theatre will be run no different than the other Warren theatres that were just bought by Regal. All new Warren theatres will be run and staffed by Regal.

And you have a credible source for this piece of information? And no your mom's, friends, cousins, sister doesn't count as credible.

And you have a credible source for this piece of information? And no your mom's, friends, cousins, sister doesn't count as credible.

Right. I've heard speculation to this effect, on this board and otherwise, but I haven't heard anything confirming it.

Right. I've heard speculation to this effect, on this board and otherwise, but I haven't heard anything confirming it.

The interviews of Bill Warren I read after the sale of his theaters was that he was not exiting the theater business but instead going a different direction in the theater business.

Spoke to managers at the Moore location. Do you really think Regal would have bought his theatres and then allow him to open new competition down the street? If you don't believe me just wait until it opens.

Spoke to managers at the Moore location. Do you really think Regal would have bought his theatres and then allow him to open new competition down the street? If you don't believe me just wait until it opens.

I'm not going to speak for OK BBQ, but at least on my end I'm not saying it will definitely not happen like you said. As I mentioned, this possibility has been brought up before and I believe it is still a strong possibility. It is not, however, confirmed, at least in my mind. "Managers" at a movie theatre is such a potentially broad term, especially now that they're managers in a company with hundreds of locations compared to 7, that I wouldn't take their word as fact for something that doesn't immediately affect their own location. It's possible that they legitimately know something and have leaked it to you, but I think it is at least equally possible they just repeated the same speculation that's already occurred.

If we do find out this is the case as we approach opening day, I won't be surprised and if that affords you some feeling of vindication then more power to you. I also won't be surprised, however, if it turns out this is not the case. We'll find out.

It's pretty much been my experience that manager = mom's, friends, cousins, sister.

They get their information the same way the rest do... Through the grapevine.

So, yeah, we'll wait and see because right now it's just speculation and rumor.

The whole thing is odd and unprecedented. If this turns out to be the case, I wonder if Warren is running his company as a luxury theater developer that immediately sales to Regal to run and own? Right now the Warren website branches off between new and current Warren theaters. Why keep the fact that the new theaters will also be run by Regal on the down low? If I were a city, I wouldn't want to offer up any incentives to Warren Theaters unless I knew what their future plans are with the site.

Spoke to managers at the Moore location. Do you really think Regal would have bought his theaters and then allow him to open new competition down the street? If you don't believe me just wait until it opens.

Not normally, no. But it all depends on what kind of deal was signed. Regal doesn't currently own the two locations under construction/pending, but turning over ownership may be part of the long term deal.

Regal Entertainment Group is expanding its holdings in Oklahoma by acquiring operating Warren Theatres here, but the deal doesn't include two new theaters the latter has agreed to build in Midwest City and north Oklahoma City.

Full Article from May: http://newsok.com/article/5549828

Speaking of Regal.

https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/28/cineworld-in-talks-with-regal-entertainment-about-merger.html

Bill Warren still 100% owns the two new theatres that are going to be built. Regal will only manage and staff. You might go look at my post history to see I did mention the Mathis Bros Sleep center in front of Warren before anyone knew what was coming. I have been hearing that the north OKC one might not happen but it is still scheduled at this time.

Bill Warren still 100% owns the two new theatres that are going to be built. Regal will only manage and staff. You might go look at my post history to see I did mention the Mathis Bros Sleep center in front of Warren before anyone knew what was coming. I have been hearing that the north OKC one might not happen but it is still scheduled at this time.

This isn't about you being right or wrong... It's about the credibility of your sources. I've posted a link to a report that says otherwise and you can go to the Warren theater website and it says that Bill Warren is building new luxury theaters.... I've contacted corporate asking who will be operating the new theaters. So hopefully they will give me an answer.

Well I never got a response back from Warren on who will operate the new theaters they are building but it looks like the Regal/Cineworld deal is going through in early 2018.

http://www.kansas.com/news/business/article188115489.html#ampshare=http://www.kansas.com/news/business/article188115489.html

I saw post said The former was (Fuze) then now new Feast buffets and new restaurant (Merci) Hitachi steakhouse Japanese. I never heard this word " Merci"? does anyone know about this?

Bill Warren still 100% owns the two new theatres that are going to be built. Regal will only manage and staff. You might go look at my post history to see I did mention the Mathis Bros Sleep center in front of Warren before anyone knew what was coming. I have been hearing that the north OKC one might not happen but it is still scheduled at this time.

If regal is going to staff and run the new Warren, then it will be very, very disappointing. Because the Moore Warren is a pathetic shell of what it used to be and a huge part of that is because of staffing, service, and maintenance levels. If this is true, then consider me completely heart broken.

If regal is going to staff and run the new Warren, then it will be very, very disappointing. Because the Moore Warren is a pathetic shell of what it used to be and a huge part of that is because of staffing, service, and maintenance levels. If this is true, then consider me completely heart broken.

You sure you weren't at the Robinson Crossing theater? About the only changes I've noticed at Warren is the containers the popcorn is served in.

i'm going to say that customer service isn't quite at the level that it was before regal took over... but i'd hardly say that it's a 'pathetic shell' of its former self.

i'm going to say that customer service isn't quite at the level that it was before regal took over... but i'd hardly say that it's a 'pathetic shell' of its former self.

Longest wait time I've had for anything there was the two people in line in front of me that couldn't understand they had to choose their seats to get their tickets. I can't blame that on the staff.... concession lines have been about the same for me.

You sure you weren't at the Robinson Crossing theater? About the only changes I've noticed at Warren is the containers the popcorn is served in.

This and ads before the movies. And the ability to buy tickets on Fandango is now available (not that important to me but I do have relatives who like to give Fandango gift cards). Otherwise my recent experience was similar.

Longest wait time I've had for anything there was the two people in line in front of me that couldn't understand they had to choose their seats to get their tickets. I can't blame that on the staff.... concession lines have been about the same for me.

i can't judge wait time in lines because i have the psychic ability to choose the absolute slowest line in any given situation.

there isn't anything major that i would say is lacking in customer service under regal... just small things like staff being a bit less attentive, the imax entrance being inexplicably locked/closed before a recent movie, another recent movie debut that was accidentally entered as stadium seating instead of reserved seating... small stuff like that.

however, i will say that online ticketing is better... i don't think the barcode scanners for online purchases were implemented under warren and it's really convenient to just scan my phone's screen rather than having to wait in line to get printed tickets. another improvement is the box office line... i prefer the single line system where the person at the front goes to the next available register over the multiple lines that warren had in place.

The last 3 times I've been to the Warren the experience has been progressively worse. One time they had only two concessions lines open, only in the main lobby.... Counters were all sticky and filthy. On the counters behind the workers it was nothing but stacked up open and disheveled boxes of product and items.

The second time I went the concessions we're the same. Also I noticed a great many of the seat cushions in the IMAX were showing a great deal of wear and stretching. A light rail on the front of one of the steps was falling off and many people kept tripping on it. And, that big awesome IMAX screen had several dead pixels in it.

This last time I went to see Solo in the IMAX. They didn't have the concession stand or ticket counter open in the IMAX lobby. This time they didn't even bother to have a ticket taker or anyone to hand out the 3D glasses. They precariously stacked several very dirty and fingerprinted glasses on the ticket pedestal so we had the luxury of picking out our own dirty glasses. The dead pixels were still very prominent several weeks later from my previous visit. The ridiculous 30 minutes of commercials and fluff prior to the movie was playing, audio only which somehow actually made it even more annoying than it already is in general.

There is no longer any consideration for lines, so if it's a big movie and it's not reserved seating, it's absolute thunderdome. Total cluster.

The service level and maintenance issues were something you would NEVER see in a pre-regal Warren. Sadly it's still the best theater in the city, but it's very disappointing to see how neglected the theater is now and how far the service level has fallen.

Maybe I'm a theater snob but saying the current Warren is a shell of its former self is 100 percent accurate. Going there used to be an experience... Now it's just going to a movie. Sadly as time goes on I feel it'll just continue to degrade, unless this new company that is buying regal understands that this asset that they acquired is wasting away.

My feeling is that it is a mixed bag. Something I like much better is their online ticketing and being able to show a barcode on your phone as your ticket. That's very convenient. On the flip side, maintenance isn't as good as it used to be. In the Grand Auditorium I've noticed some of the fabric on their seats is ripped or looks very worn, at least one of the alphanumeric row identifiers had fallen off one of the end cap seats making it harder to identify, some of their "night lights" were out, and surfaces/floors/etc. just weren't as clean. Nothing outrageous, just more in line with a normal theater now. Warren Theatres were just operating at a higher standard before.

Sadly it's still the best theater in the city, but it's very disappointing to see how neglected the theater is now and how far the service level has fallen.

Maybe I'm a theater snob but saying the current Warren is a shell of its former self is 100 percent accurate. Going there used to be an experience... Now it's just going to a movie. Sadly as time goes on I feel it'll just continue to degrade, unless this new company that is buying regal understands that this asset that they acquired is wasting away.

It won't be for long, but maybe this is why Bill Warren jumped shipped. He sees the rise of the dine in theater concept.

Man, I must be nowhere neat the snob the majority of the people on OKCTalk are. I have not had 1 bad experience at the Warren, especially recently. I haven't noticed much downturn and ruin, like the board predicted.

Could be confirmation bias.

I've been there one time, last winter to see The Shape of Water. Evidently if wasn't whatever the glory days were but we didn't know better and had a great time.