2008 Woodie Awards
Vote Absentee
State Theatre provides new venue for movies in Lincoln
Bill Fech
Issue date: 6/11/07 Section: Features
When patrons first enter the newly reopened State Theatre, co-owner David McNeil said they look somewhat confused.
Not that love seats, fresh pizza or a fully-stocked bar are weird things in and of themselves. But combined with a second-run movie theater, customers can be taken aback.
"People walk in and are like 'Wow, what's going on here?'" McNeil said. "It's definitely a new experience for a lot of them."
Located at 1415 O St., the State Theatre officially opened June 1, introducing Lincolnites to its unique "view n' brew" design, a brand of cinema houses that combines movies with a bar and lounge atmosphere.
Equipped with two separate bars (one is located inside the theater house itself), tables, chairs and an arrangement of couches and love seats, the State Theatre strives to mesh a traditional movie-going setting with new commodities. McNeil said the approach seems to be popular.
"People seem to love it," he said. "I keep getting e-mails [from people] saying they had a great time."
The theater stocks beer, wine, pizza, salads and imported desserts from Italy. Because of the availability of alcohol, only people 21 and over can attend unless accompanied by a parent. McNeil said that could change in the future.
An 18 and older section is in the works to ensure alcohol isn't sold to minors, McNeil said. The theatre would also like to offer afternoon matinees for kids.
"A lot of it depends on the movies that are playing, but we're always going to be family-friendly when the movies are family-friendly," he said.
Jeremiah Moore, an employee at the theater, said that despite foregoing conventional snack selections like popcorn and candy, customers seem willing to try the theater's new fare.
"We're on a test menu right now, but people seem to like it," Moore said. "We're going to try some theme nights in the future, probably get some different wines. It's pretty slick."
While the availability of alcohol has been popular, Moore said that the theatre offers much more.
Not that love seats, fresh pizza or a fully-stocked bar are weird things in and of themselves. But combined with a second-run movie theater, customers can be taken aback.
"People walk in and are like 'Wow, what's going on here?'" McNeil said. "It's definitely a new experience for a lot of them."
Located at 1415 O St., the State Theatre officially opened June 1, introducing Lincolnites to its unique "view n' brew" design, a brand of cinema houses that combines movies with a bar and lounge atmosphere.
Equipped with two separate bars (one is located inside the theater house itself), tables, chairs and an arrangement of couches and love seats, the State Theatre strives to mesh a traditional movie-going setting with new commodities. McNeil said the approach seems to be popular.
"People seem to love it," he said. "I keep getting e-mails [from people] saying they had a great time."
The theater stocks beer, wine, pizza, salads and imported desserts from Italy. Because of the availability of alcohol, only people 21 and over can attend unless accompanied by a parent. McNeil said that could change in the future.
An 18 and older section is in the works to ensure alcohol isn't sold to minors, McNeil said. The theatre would also like to offer afternoon matinees for kids.
"A lot of it depends on the movies that are playing, but we're always going to be family-friendly when the movies are family-friendly," he said.
Jeremiah Moore, an employee at the theater, said that despite foregoing conventional snack selections like popcorn and candy, customers seem willing to try the theater's new fare.
"We're on a test menu right now, but people seem to like it," Moore said. "We're going to try some theme nights in the future, probably get some different wines. It's pretty slick."
While the availability of alcohol has been popular, Moore said that the theatre offers much more.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Liz
posted 1/20/08 @ 9:06 AM CST
well i work at a hotel that you guys gave gift certificates too and i would love to come but i am not 21. i am 19. i am a college student and my parents dont live here but my boyfriend does, and he is 21
so being because i work where you guys gave gift certificates to does that mean i still can not come?
Meghan
posted 2/25/08 @ 2:48 PM CST
Do you have to be 21 to get into the theater, or is that just on specific nights? If if it is only on specific nights, what movies are they showing?
Post a Comment