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Theater changes hands
Published 1/6/2010 in Local News
By SHAJIA AHMAD
The Sequoyah 9 movie theater finally has changed hands this week after being in a nearly year-long limbo, and its new owner, Mitchell Theatres, plans not only to lower ticket and concession prices but offer an improved silver-screen experience for movie-goers.
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Brad Nading/Telegram Mike Hoffman, right, and Brett Powell of Kinney Glass move a large pane of glass out of the Sequoyah 8 Theaters this morning. The facility has been sold with renovations taking place in preparation for re-opening on Friday.
"We're trying to make it an affordable entertainment venue," said Brian Mitchell, who along with former owner Dickinson Theatres Inc., first announced their business intentions in March.
Owners Brian and his brother, Brent Mitchell, part of an Elkhart family that farms about 33,000 acres of corn, wheat and grain sorghum in addition to operating movie theaters in Kansas and Oklahoma, had hoped to begin remodeling plans for Garden City's cinema following the completion of multi-million dollar renovations at Liberal's Southgate Cinema 6 this past November. However, the theater sale -- originally slated to close in April -- was delayed several months because Dickinson was unable to release a clear title on the property to its buyers, according to both theater companies.
Both parties have refused to release further details of the purchase agreement.
The theater, located at 1118 Fleming St., closed Tuesday for some minor updates including seat repairs -- seats from three auditoriums already have been ripped out, Brian Mitchell said -- and the theater tentatively will re-open at 4:30 p.m. Friday.
The new owners have long-term remodel plans for the theater, now branded Mitchell Theatres Sequoyah Cinema 8, including the installation of stadium seating in all its auditoriums, high-back rocker seats, a new computer system, the addition of an arcade to replace one of the theater's current nine screens, and a completely new and more "glamorous" lobby with six more concession stands for larger crowds in addition to more ticket windows.
In addition to the renovation project -- Liberal's remodel took about a year to complete after the Mitchell brothers acquired it in early 2009 -- the new owner said he intends to reduce admission prices for all patrons by one dollar, as compared to admission fees under Dickinson.
General admission for screenings will now cost $6.75, and matinee shows -- screenings that begin before 6 p.m. -- will cost $5.50, Mitchell said.
In addition, Mitchell said he also plans to introduce a college student discount in addition to children and senior citizens discounts already in place under Dickinson's operations.
The new theater will boast new popcorn machines, Mitchell said.
"Let's just say we won't be running out of popcorn," Mitchell said.
Mitchell also said almost all of Dickinson's former employees were rehired under the new ownership and that the theater company plans to hire more employees as the venue grows.
Craig Conley, vice president of operations for Dickinson Theatres, could not be reached for comment this morning. Dickinson Theatres has said it plans to focus its growth on larger markets. The company owns and operates 38 movie theater locations in 11 states and is headquartered in Overland Park.
The Mitchells, who have said they aim to expand their regional movie business, also own the Northridge Shopping Center and Northridge Cinema 8 in Guymon, Okla., and The Chisholm Trail Center and Chisholm Trail Cinema 8 in Newton, in addition to Liberal's theater.
Local movie-goers can view show times at the local theater's new Web site: http://www.sequoyah8.com/.
The site, currently under construction, should be updated by the end of the week, Mitchell said. Dickinson group discount tickets will be accepted until May 1, as well, the owner added.
Found 9 comment(s)!
How about the snacks?
That is rally great I hope things improve alot.
The thing I am concerned about is the snacks will they have more healthy choices? I love popcorn but sometimes I feel the need for something more healthy or even a taco bar,just a thought it may not work.
Posted by: Lori on 1/29/2010
Finally!
Finally...someone who cares about this theatre. I have watched this place slide year after year. Employees, food, and seating decrease, and prices increase. I watched 1 worker make a mockery of a kind gentleman who didn't speak English in front of a group of customers. It was sad. I hope he isn't rehired. The theatre upgrade is welcomed, popcorn for everyone, better prices and seating. Awesome!
Posted by: Brian on 1/11/2010
Just wait and see!
Trust me if you have been to the theater in Guymon your going to love what Michell's are going to do in Garden City! It will be worth the wait and a 100% improvement from what this one has been in the past few years. Thus I have not been to a movie in a very long time as I did not want to waste my money or time. Looking forward to the Grand Opening!!! Best Wishes
:-)
Posted by: Bryan on 1/9/2010
FYI
interesting story in Graden city newspaper--and even more glaring readers comments at the end!
Posted by: jack poessiger on 1/8/2010
takeover is welcome
The downslide of the Dickinson Theatre was not the fault of the employees. They're good; some are great. The home company just didn't seem to care about Garden City. I'm looking forward to the change. These guys sound serious.
Posted by: kevin on 1/7/2010
Movie Experience 1/1/2010
Glad to hear that the theater will be updated.
I attended a movie (Avatar) on New Years day and it was probably the worst movie experience I have ever had. I live in Wichita and most of the time attend the Warren Theaters.
The biggest problem was that the movie had a line in the middle of the screen for the whole movie. It was really irritating when the screen was bright. It was very distracting. I know that I should have asked for a refund but I was in a hurry to get out of there. The screen that my wife and niece watched a movie was very cold. Luckily they had their coats with them!!
I really liked seeing that they plan on lowering the prices for the shows as well as for the concessions (which are really way too high but that is where they make most of their money and you don't have to pay for it either if you don't want to). I also like the fact that they plan on modifying the concession and ticket areas. The way it is setup now is a joke.
Hopefully the next time I am in Western Kansas and want to go to the movie it will be a better experience.
One last thing to mention is to have the employees act professionally. My wife told me after her movie she waited in the lobby and noticed two of the workers getting "too friendly" with each other (2 Fem). That is not appropriate in a place of business.
Good Luck to the Mitchells and to the people who will use the theater.
Posted by: Movie Goer on 1/7/2010
Theater
So it is final and thank you for that. My only concern is how the Theater will now be ran..For the past couple of months the theater has been a big joke, with popcorn machines not working to movies blacking out and sound being distorted. If this has been going on under Dickinson ownership or under Mitchell ownership, It would be great to know. Or has this just been apart of the current staff?? It is very discouraging when you pay an ungodly amount to watch a movie with your favorite candy and popcorn only to have these many problems when you get there. Things need to change!! It would ease minds and pockets to hear if these changes are going to be made with the new owners...Concerned and Irritated Customer.....
Posted by: M on 1/6/2010
Congratulations
It is nice that now we will have a great place to take our grandkids without it costing a fortune. Also, the renovation is a big need and we look forward to the changes.
Thanks.
Posted by: L.H. on 1/6/2010
3d movies
hi i was just wondering if there was going to be a 3D theatre it would be awesome and sales would go way up im sure im not the only one who wants 3D
Posted by: tiffany on 1/6/2010
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