GILBERT, AZ — Eight months ago, in January, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema announced that it would open a third dine-in theater in the East Valley. Now, we are learning when that theater is expected to open.
In an online news release, the Texas-based movie theater chain said its new theater, currently being built on Power Road, between Ray and Williams Field roads in Gilbert, is projected to open in late November or early December. A specific date has not been revealed just yet.
"Opening just in time for the holidays," is how the theater headlined its announcement.
When built, the theater will have eight auditoriums with reserved seating, oversized recliners, and Sony 4K laser projection, according to the release. It will also have a bar in the lobby with cocktails and beer, featuring 30 local and regional brews, including the "Alamo Amber," which is brewed by Tempe-based Pedal Haus Brewery.
During the show, moviegoers can order snacks, such as truffled Parmesan popcorn, loaded fries, fried pickles, and Bruschetta, as well as entrees, including salads, pizzas, hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, chicken tenders, and bowls. Sweet tooth? They have cookies, doughnuts, and shakes on the menu. They even have boozy shakes for those 21 and up.
Alamo is geared towards adults and a serious movie-going experience. They tend to screen a mix of blockbusters and independent movies. For most shows, anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. They also have a strict "No Texting, Talking, Cell Phone Policy," where people caught disrupting the movie are asked to leave, and once the movie begins, late-comers are not allowed in.
For families, the Gilbert theater will have family-friendly experiences and "Alamo Kids Camp," which typically takes place over holiday breaks, according to Alamo Drafthouse's website.
There are two Alamo Drafthouse cinemas in the Valley, each of them locally-owned and operated.
The Chandler theater opened in 2016 near Arizona Avenue and Chandler Heights Road. In 2018, a second cinema opened at "The Collective" development in Tempe on Baseline Road, east of Rural Road.
