Cinemas are seducing movie-lovers with gourmet food and booze

The New York Post ^ | September 8, 2017 | Gregory E. Miller

[2ndDivisionVet]

All the Raisinets in the world aren’t enough to sugarcoat this fact: In recent months, the Hollywood box office has been a disaster. In terms of attendance, Tinseltown just wrapped up its worst summer at the box office in nearly a quarter-century.

That means theaters now have to fight harder than ever to get butts in seats. “For a very long time, movie theaters were not overly focused on pleasing the consumer,” says Eric Handler, a media analyst at MKM Partners.

But in recent years, he says, theater owners have wised up to a novel idea: making the theater experience enjoyable beyond the screen.

First it was comfier seats, and now it’s all about tossing aside the stale popcorn for mouthwatering gourmet options. “Movie theaters are really stepping up to distinguish themselves from each other,” says Daniel Loria, editorial director of BoxOffice Media. “Every theater is building its identity.”

New boutique-style venues are offering everything from dine-in table service to full bars. That competition’s a good thing, says Loria, and it hints at a sustainable future. “So many theaters wouldn’t be opening if there were heavy clouds in the forecast,” he says....

[Rummyfan]

Hells bells! Why not bribe them with pot?

I'm sure that is coming.

[trebb]

LOL! They are trying to find a way to ensure people pay out the nose for highly overpriced snacks.

I've seen $7 water when we paid $7 each for tickets. We put water and candy in the wife's purse because if we don't, a $14 movie for 2 can turn into a $50 movie for 2 w/o stressing the calorie goal for the day...

[discostu]

Then I’ve got to make my own hamburger. Too much work.