GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Celebration Cinema Grand Rapids South is getting revamped, making it the perfect place to recline—and dine—at the movies beginning in April 2024.
The theater, located near Kalamazoo and 60th Street in Grand Rapids, has been open since 2005 and owners said they're excited to invest in the best for their community.
“We are ecstatic about the changes coming our way, and cannot wait to celebrate the remodel and new additions with our community," said General Manager Connie Mester.
The best, in this case, is rows and rows of cushy new seats.
“Pardon our dust. We are installing sweet, sweet recliners," reads signage in the theater.
Irwin luxury recliners with heated seat backs are currently being installed, and the theater will be getting new carpet, flooring and paint.
"These are the same seats as we have at Celebration Cinema North and Studio Park and people love them," said Director of Community Affairs for Studio C and Celebration Cinema Theaters, Emily Loeks. "We've tested all the seats and I have come to the conclusion that these are really the most comfortable ones."
In addition to new recliners, the theater is also getting a full kitchen and bar with an expanded food and drink menu. Orders will be able to be delivered directly to moviegoers in their seats.
"I think that popcorn is always going to be one of the movie theater mainstays," Loeks said. "But we're going to be able to serve sliders and pizza and quesadillas and handhelds and draft beer, a lot of food and beverage that this theater has not seen before."
Loeks said over the years the theater has taken note of what the community likes most about the movies and is excited to take the steps to implement it.
"We love to bring people together around movies and around community connection," Loeks said. "That's the purpose that we serve here, and our investment in that has been ongoing. We've learned some things that the community loves best, like recliners and some of the expanded food and beverage options, and we're really eager to bring that to all of our locations, and it's high time for Celebration Cinema South."
Details will also be provided soon for a "premium viewing experience auditorium," which is another phase of the renovations.
The $4 million renovations will take place in phases over the next few months only closing two to three auditoriums at a time, allowing the theater to stay open for business.
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