Alamo Drafthouse planning OKC location (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=478-Alamo-Drafthouse-planning-OKC-location)

Another first-to-Oklahoma business is planning a location in Oklahoma City.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/alamo1.jpg


Quirky theater chain Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is planning a location at the Chisholm Creek development near Memorial and Western.

The Austin-based company has a bit of a cult following with its special events, in-seat food and beer service and themed movie nights.


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In June of 2017, Governor Mary Fallin signed into law House Bill 2186 which specifically allows for movie theaters to sell beer and mixed drinks without segregating clientele into an adults-only section.

Since that time, OKC has seen the announcement of proposed Flix Brewhouse near Wilshire and Broadway Extension and now Alamo is preparing to come to the city as well.

Alamo typically equips its auditoriums with 4K digital projection but also the ability to screen old-fashioned 35-millimeter films and is famous for its strict policy of requiring its audiences to maintain proper movie-going etiquette.

The chain screens typical first-run movie but also frequently features unusual programming including classics, cult classics, independents, documentaries, special guest appearances, and audience participation shows.

In addition to full in-seat service, a dedicated bar is featured in all of their 30+ U.S. locations.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/alamo6.jpg


The Chisholm Creek Alamo should break ground in approximately 6 months and be located adjacent to the The Pointe lakeside development, where construction is already underway on Uncle Julio's, Firebirds (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=448-Firebirds-to-open-first-OK-location-in-Chisholm-Creek), Birra Birra (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=435-Proprietors-of-Hatch-Sidecar-and-Broadway-10-to-open-2-level-pizza-restaurant), Hopdoddy (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=436-Hopdoddy-Burger-Bar-coming-to-Chisholm-Creek-and-Nichols-Hills) with Chalk Sports Bar (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=476-High-end-sports-bar-coming-to-Memorial-Road) also recently announced.

Already open in Chisholm Creek is TopGolf, iFly, Cabela's and Tract 30 which features Republic, Sidecar, Fuzzy's Taco and Hatch Early Mood Food (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=419-First-look-at-the-new-Hatch-planned-for-North-OKC) which opens this Monday.

Costco (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=464-Costco-set-to-open-first-OKC-store) is finalizing plans to build it's first OKC location on the southeast corner of Memorial and Western.


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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When words aren't enough (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAazHt9_lx8)

Probably still hit Warren most of the time since it is a 5 minute drive but will definitely have to check this place out.

Great news and this is much needed in OKC! However, what about the distance limitation from the Quail Springs AMC? I thought doing a theater at Chisholm Creek was going to be a problem because of that?

My only disappointment here is that this isn't downtown. Would really like to see a similar concept in the urban core.

Oh hell yeah. See ya AMC Penn. NW Warren is tbd.

Great news and this is much needed in OKC! However, what about the distance limitation from the Quail Springs AMC? I thought doing a theater at Chisholm Creek was going to be a problem because of that?

My only disappointment here is that this isn't downtown. Would really like to see a similar concept in the urban core.

Might be a loophole because Alamo isn’t a true “movie theater”.

Has anyone been to both the directors suites at the Warren and the Alamo Drafthouse and how do they compare? I've heard from a couple of people that they prefer the Warren.

I'm excited to try this!

Drafthouse is about half/a third of the price, depending on showing. They charge regular theater prices. To me, the experience is worlds apart. Warren, iPic, all the others that try to give an 'elevated' experience just feel to me like they went to a Drafthouse and said "hey, I can do that!" without really getting it. Points to the Director's Suites being limited to 21 and over, but overall the Drafthouse's dedication to everything movies borders on worship. The ads before the movie aren't ads, they are clips from movies/tv shows/cartoons that usually relate in some way to the movie/theme. The PSA about shutting the hell up and turning your phone off is more serious than a heart attack. If you show up late, you're not getting in. If you bought ahead/online, they'll give you a refund, but they won't let you disturb the other moviegoers. They often have a themed menu for movies.

This is just the normal, every day experience, and doesn't even cover the events. Like when they had a special showing of The Wrath of Khan a bit before the first JJ-Verse movie aired...Leonard Nimoy walked in and said hey, wanna watch this, or the new movie? At a showing of the Back to the Future movies, Christopher Lloyd showed up in a DeLorean.

Might be a loophole because Alamo isn’t a true “movie theater”.

Maybe that agreement isn't as strict as we thought. The competition for AMC Quailsprings and Penn Square is about to become intense in about a year.

All I know is that Alamo isn't concerned about being so close to the AMC.

Not sure why but if they aren't worried, I'm not worried.

Been to the one in Austin. It's really a cool setup with the drinks and the food is actually good. The chairs are large and spaced out very well.

So, is the Drafthouse just a one screen theater or is there more than one screen?

I've been to both Warren and Alamo. I prefer Alamo Drafthouse. I thought the food was way better and so were the drinks. I also liked their theme nights---it was fun!

Comfort-wise, Warren is better---in particular the Director's suites/balcony had nicer chairs and more luxury, but the vibe is a little stiffer i think. Not that Warren is bad---its great just my personal preference was Alamo. Plus like a previous poster says the movie going experience is STRICT (for regular non-theme/special event stuff)...no talking/texting, etc. You get one warning and then your banned.

So, is the Drafthouse just a one screen theater or is there more than one screen?

Every Drafthouse I've been to had multiple screens.

Really excited about this one!

So does this make 3 new theaters all right next to each other? The Alamo, the new Warren, and the brewery/theater combo deal going in by American Fidelity? That's a lot of new theaters right next to another established theater in an industry that seems to be declining in patronage.

OKC currently has very limited movie offerings and other than the Moore Warren, no real dine-in, drink-serving types of places. And even at the Warren, it's very limited.

It's pretty unbelievable that in all of North OKC and Edmond, there is only the Quail AMC, Penn Square (which is quite small) and that tiny old place at Kickingbird Square in Edmond. Seems like people don't really even much consider Tintletown on the NE side.

In fact, other than the Warren in Moore and the Quail AMC, OKC doesn't really have any newish movie options. All this is long overdue.


It's just like breakfast places... Someone finally wakes up and adds one and all the sudden you have an avalanche and they are all packed.

So does this make 3 new theaters all right next to each other? The Alamo, the new Warren, and the brewery/theater combo deal going in by American Fidelity? That's a lot of new theaters right next to another established theater in an industry that seems to be declining in patronage.

That's what I was wondering as I've heard movie theaters in general are on the decline. I know I might go to a movie once or twice a year and that's it.

Traditional theaters are declining but there is a lot of growth in these dine-in concepts.

I really admire the serious approach to movies Alamo takes. I’m curious if they make exceptions on their texting rule. What about a family member or parent waiting on health news or updates on their child, for example? Just curious how strict their policy is.

I really admire the serious approach to movies Alamo takes. I’m curious if they make exceptions on their texting rule. What about a family member or parent waiting on health news or updates on their child, for example? Just curious how strict their policy is.

It's been a while since I've been to an AD, but it's very strict. I don't think there's anything stopping you from stepping outside to check your phone, though.

Traditional theaters are declining but there is a lot of growth in these dine-in concepts.

Movie theaters have the same problem that traditional box stores have: I can watch movies and get stuff online, spend less money, and have less stress than going to Walmart/AMC/Toys-R-Us/etc.

One way to gain these customers back is by not just offering products, but by offering experiences. Alamo is one of those places that have that concept figured out.

I remember when home video came out everyone predicted the demise of the movie theater, but their business actually increased.

But now, big screen TV's, home theater systems and being able to get almost any movie on demand has finally dictated that you need to offer something more than a movie on a screen.

The chains that are thriving have evolved to address that. And Alamo does all types of theme nights, etc.

I think it depends on what you mean by traditional movie theater. Large multi screen theaters are on the decline because there isn't enough high quality movies to justify having 12+ screens let alone 24 screens like AMC Quailsprings. Theaters are better off having larger nicer auditoriums.

I really admire the serious approach to movies Alamo takes. I’m curious if they make exceptions on their texting rule. What about a family member or parent waiting on health news or updates on their child, for example? Just curious how strict their policy is.

They have a 'relaxed' option, especially at "Alamo for All" showings, the information is available on their website. Other than that, no means no, there is no leeway. Turn your phone to silent and when you feel the vibration, discreetly exit the theater. As noted, you'll get one warning. As for trying to get away with it, here's how it works. There are pencils and papers as well as the menus. You place your order by writing it down, folding it in half, and placing it on the table in front of you, there is a metal bar with space behind it, so the paper sort of sticks up like a flag. People will also use that method to narc on you, and you'll never know who did it because EVERYONE is writing stuff on paper and sticking it there.

The bottom line is, while everyone understands that there are emergencies in life, the Alamo doesn't agree that your personal emergency is a problem for the rest of the moviegoers. If it is truly important, you have the option of putting your phone on silent and exiting the theater when you feel the vibration. You don't have the option of taking the call and disturbing others. If this is truly an issue, the Alamo Drafthouse is happy to direct your custom to the AMC, which tried to go the opposite route and encourage texting during their showings. I don't think it's been linked here yet, I know I haven't because I think it was widely covered in the news, but if there is any doubt about the policy, this should clear it up (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L3eeC2lJZs). Warning: Language. If someone thinks they are above the policy, they will literally be made an example. If you're not able to view the link right now, to sum it up, very drunk girl called and left a voicemail whining about getting kicked out and saying she would never return. Alamo Drafthouse made it their PSA shown before movies and added their own text to the effect of thank you for never returning.

tl;dr: "But what about..." The answer is no. For any scenario, the answer is no.

Any updates? Good fit for Chisolm Creek. Moving going experience is fantastic!

Still moving forward by Chisholm Creek is shifting some things around.

My understanding is Alamo is ready to sign the deal once the specifics are finalized.

Tim League was my cross the street neighbor in Austin. I'll make sure he builds us a really cool one.

Still moving forward by Chisholm Creek is shifting some things around.

My understanding is Alamo is ready to sign the deal once the specifics are finalized.

I wonder how this project is moving along? They should be about 6 months into construction shouldn’t they?

I wonder how this project is moving along? They should be about 6 months into construction shouldn’t they?

They are still finalizing some details, which is common on these big real estate deals.

At least some of this is due to Chisholm Creek moving things around to get the best fit. They are going to be adding quite a bit of office space, are workign with some other large retailers, etc.

They are still finalizing some details, which is common on these big real estate deals.

At least some of this is due to Chisholm Creek moving things around to get the best fit. They are going to be adding quite a bit of office space, are workign with some other large retailers, etc.

As far as you know, is it still a go? I'd hate for our market to lose out on such a big target.

They had similar delays on their newest Denver area theater in Westminster. It was originally supposed to be open by Labor Day 2018 and they just finished installing the tilt-up panels.

If this thing does get built, you can kiss Quail Springs Mall goodbye. AMC there is the only thing keeping that mall alive. QSM will turn into OCCC northside. HA!!

If this thing does get built, you can kiss Quail Springs Mall goodbye. AMC there is the only thing keeping that mall alive. QSM will turn into OCCC northside. HA!!

An active college with apparently a really good arts program, based on the quality of plays they show at the theater there with seats WAY better and more comfortable than Civic Center?

Good for you, northside! Reach for that brass ring!

If this thing does get built, you can kiss Quail Springs Mall goodbye. AMC there is the only thing keeping that mall alive. QSM will turn into OCCC northside. HA!!
I will be surprised if Quail Springs mall is still standing in 10 years and I wouldn’t be surprised if it meets the wrecking ball much sooner. I’m also interested to know how much sales Von Maur is doing. With all of the money they sunk into their Quail Springs location, I wonder if they would tear down the rest of the mall or do significant upgrades to it.

As far as you know, is it still a go? I'd hate for our market to lose out on such a big target.

Yes, still a go.

I will be surprised if Quail Springs mall is still standing in 10 years and I wouldn’t be surprised if it meets the wrecking ball much sooner. I’m also interested to know how much sales Von Maur is doing. With all of the money they sunk into their Quail Springs location, I wonder if they would tear down the rest of the mall or do significant upgrades to it.

I do think it will still be there in 10 years. Its in a great location. Growth all around. Even the growth out by turnpike/council/rockwell area is a fast 70mph turnpike drive over. They just built a massive lifestyle gym in the parking lot which will also drive extra traffic. Lots of businesses close by where folks can hit mall at lunch.

It took forever for 240/35 mall ro die and it had way less going for it. QSM is in a great locale and can draw from one of the more poplated areas around. All the new places going up are not taking a lot away our growth has mostly absorbed it.

I also see Alamo as a different experience than QS24. One is beer/older movies/adult focused and other is new movies/popcorn/family focused.

We'll see.

Checking in on this one, does anybody know if this is still going to be done?

It's going to happen, Chisholm is just shifting plans around to try accommodate everything in their future phases.

I am ready for this concept. I live a couple of miles from the Warren. It is great for taking kids to the movies or dropping them off. I could see the Alamo as being more Adult. Which would be great for date night or time with the spouse.

Is this dead? Curious after I saw that CC posted about the new apartments today.

No, I'm told this is still moving forward.

Not sure of the timing, however.

Bankruptcy might effect this I assume?

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-03/dine-in-movie-chain-alamo-drafthouse-files-for-bankruptcy?utm_source=twitter&utm_content=business&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=socialflow-organic&cmpid=socialflow-twitter-business

Bankruptcy might effect this I assume?

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-03/dine-in-movie-chain-alamo-drafthouse-files-for-bankruptcy?utm_source=twitter&utm_content=business&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=socialflow-organic&cmpid=socialflow-twitter-businessTends to slow down expansion.

Update on the bankruptcy:

Alamo Drafthouse Emerges from Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Plans to Open Five New Theaters Through End of 2022 (https://www.boxofficepro.com/alamo-drafthouse-emerges-from-chapter-11-bankruptcy-plans-to-open-five-new-theaters-through-end-of-2022/)

Update on the bankruptcy:

Alamo Drafthouse Emerges from Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Plans to Open Five New Theaters Through End of 2022 (https://www.boxofficepro.com/alamo-drafthouse-emerges-from-chapter-11-bankruptcy-plans-to-open-five-new-theaters-through-end-of-2022/)

Gotta love us not being listed, I feel like this is one of those that will not happen.

Gotta love us not being listed, I feel like this is one of those that will not happen.

This niche will probably come surging back once new blockbuster movies are finally released. The big unknown is how many movie studios are going to keep the direct to streaming going after Covid.

Gotta love us not being listed, I feel like this is one of those that will not happen.

Can’t blame them at all for choosing nice, safe markets with little to no commodity exposure.

Companies that emerge and try to hit inside-the-park home runs often end up striking out at the plate (i.e., declaring Chapter 22 or 33).

Lots of really good movies coming out im very excited for and no doubt will want to see them in theatres. Movies at home while nice in many aspects just don’t compare to the experience of a nice theatre. I’m more than excited for the movie theatre experience again.

Alamo would do well in OKC! I do have to say for Oklahoma residents, you all vote these clowns into office with their warped beliefs and divisiveness so you all are part of the problem.

Alamo would do well in OKC! I do have to say for Oklahoma residents, you all vote these clowns into office with their warped beliefs and divisiveness so you all are part of the problem.

At least OKC pretty much doesn't vote too much for the clowns, the rest of the state (with probably Tulsa as another exception) does - I know you did say "Oklahoma", so we're in agreement, it does get old, though. I'm in OKC and my district has a D House Rep and Senator that try to be on the right side of history.

Keep in mind Flix Brewhouse hasn't even reopened in OKC after making a huge investment. The new Warren in MWC is completely shuttered.

Theater chains are likely to be very conservative for the next few years not only due to concerns about getting the types of numbers they drew before the pandemic, but also having lost millions and being left with little/no capital.

People will still go out to the movies, but there is a real possibility in-theater viewings have peaked as more and more people have big TV's, home theater systems, high-speed wi-fi and a massive streaming library of all types of content.

Keep in mind Flix Brewhouse hasn't even reopened in OKC after making a huge investment. The new Warren in MWC is completely shuttered.

Theater chains are likely to be very conservative for the next few years not only due to concerns about getting the types of numbers they drew before the pandemic, but also having lost millions and being left with little/no capital.

People will still go out to the movies, but there is a real possibility in-theater viewings have peaked as more and more people have big TV's, home theater systems, high-speed wi-fi and a massive streaming library of all types of content.

We used to like going to a theater to see a movie, but only if the audience behaved (no kicking seats, no cellphone use, etc.) and that good behavior stopped a while ago, so we don't go to the theater anymore.

I was in the biz for quite a while and I used to go see *everything*. At least once a week.

I almost completely stopped going some time ago. You can own the movie forever for the price of one ticket and for a movie lover, that is a great proposition. Also, since everyone now subscribes to streaming services, you are going to get many movies already included in what you are paying anyway.

I have an awesome home theater setup so apart from something that really begs for the big screen or a film I am dying to see right away, I watch from home. I also don't get paying for ridiculously priced food and alcohol.

I think many people take this same approach and you also have the younger generations that have not grown up in theaters in the same way of previous generations.


Alamo takes a bit of a different approach with theme nights and more event-driven offerings, and that does have some appeal.

Pete, you are right about the home theatre setup and you can get pretty much theatre quality without the massive cost but there is still a social element to going to the theatres that is fun.

Pete, you are right about the home theatre setup and you can get pretty much theatre quality without the massive cost but there is still a social element to going to the theatres that is fun.

Is there though? I mean, I get it for things like Marvel/Star Wars movies where people dress up to go to them. But for the majority of movies, I don't see how it's "social" except for maybe in situations where you don't want to invite 15 people over to your house. I mean, I get that sometimes it could be, but in general? Nah.

If we go, its matinees @ Tinseltown.

Is there though? I mean, I get it for things like Marvel/Star Wars movies where people dress up to go to them. But for the majority of movies, I don't see how it's "social" except for maybe in situations where you don't want to invite 15 people over to your house. I mean, I get that sometimes it could be, but in general? Nah.

If we go, its matinees @ Tinseltown.
I should have better worded it but the entire physical experience overall.

Would 100% recommend matinees for anyone wanting to go to the theatre and avoid disruptive audience behavior. I've not been to once since before COVID (will likely change that in the next month or two) but I would rarely have issues with other people in the theatre talking when I bought a ticket for, say, an 11 a.m. Sunday showtime.

Pete, you are right about the home theatre setup and you can get pretty much theatre quality without the massive cost but there is still a social element to going to the theatres that is fun.

Agree that you can kind of, sort of replicate the theater experience for a reasonable cost, but it’s hard to nail all of the dynamics of the sound stage. The sound bars out there just don’t cut it.

And, I’ve got a buddy who recently dropped 80k on McIntosh separates and Wharfedale Diamond Elysian speakers. It sounds amazing, of course, but even his setup still falls well short of your average theater.