Movie lovers no longer have to stay at home to watch a film and enjoy a drink.
As of Friday, Imagine Cinemas Downtown Movie Lounge is serving beer, wine, cider and other spirits. It was the culmination of efforts to get a liquor license that began when the theatre opened in May, said assistant manager Keilen Lavigne on Saturday.
The theatre actually got the license earlier in the week, but held off until Friday, Lavigne said. They had to stock up first and make other preparations before they started serving patrons.
“And that was the launch date we had decided on,” he said.
While the theatre hopes alcohol sales will bring in extra revenue, Lavigne said it was also important because it adds to the unique experience the cinema offers.
“We want to offer more of a personal experience, like you're at home watching a movie,” he said.
The Downtown Movie Lounge Sudbury is operated by Imagine Cinemas, a small, independent movie theatre chain based in southwestern Ontario. It also runs theatres in Timmins, Leamington, Tecumseh, Kitchener and Whistler.
Imagine has put more than $1.5 million into the six-screen Sudbury theatre to create an upscale experience in the former Rainbow Cinemas at the Rainbow Centre Mall. It's installed larger screens, Dolby surround sound and large, electric recliners, replacing the typical movie theatre seats.
Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $8 for kids under 14, $8 for seniors over 65 and $6 on Tuesdays.
For more information on Imagine, including movie listings, see their Facebook page.
