Alamo Drafthouse, the dine-in movie theater chain that faded during the pandemic before declaring bankruptcy three years ago, has a fresh lease on life after finding a new corporate owner. Sony Pictures said Wednesday it has purchased Alamo and will keep its 35 locations open. The theater, whose headquarters will remain in Austin, Texas, will be folded into a new division called Sony Pictures Experiences.
As part of the transaction, Sony also acquired Alamo's genre film festival, Fantastic Fest. Sony didn't disclose the purchase price or other terms of the deal. Sony Picture President Ravi Ahuja said the deal aligns with the company's mission of "engaging entertainment fans outside the home in fun and distinctive ways," adding that "Alamo Drafthouse's differentiated movie-going experience, admired brand and devoted community fit well with this vision.
" Alamo is the nation's largest privately owned theater chain, with locations in California, New York, Texas, Virginia and other states. The theaters attract more than 10 million customers a year, according to Sony. Alamo, launched in Austin in 1997, distinguished itself in the land of movie chains by offering customers alcoholic drinks, seat-side food service and a vibe that quickly made a splash among theater goers.
The company's tagline: "The Alamo Drafthouse Theater is good food, good beer and good film, all at the same place!" "We were created by film lovers for film lovers," Alamo CEO Michael Kustermann, who will retain his.