TEXAS, USA — Sony Pictures announced Wednesday that it acquired Texas-based Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in a landmark deal that puts the studio back in the business of owning movie theaters. The news comes about a week after all five Alamo Drafthouse locations in North Texas closed as the local franchise partner that operates the theaters filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In Texas, the theater chain, known for its restaurant-in-theater experience as well as themed parties and menu items, has Texas locations in Austin, Corpus Christi, Houston, Laredo, Lubbock, and San Antonio, according to its website .
It's not immediately clear what the acquisition means for the shuttered theaters in North Texas, but last week, a company spokesperson expressed hope for a return of Alamo Drafthouse to DFW. "We are working as quickly as possible to get Alamo Drafthouse Cinema back up and running in these cities," the statement at the time read. Alamo Drafthouse’s Michael Kustermann will remain CEO of the chain and head Sony Pictures Experiences.
Alamo Drafthouse will continue to operate all 35 of its locations across 25 metro cities under the Alamo Drafthouse brand. The Alamo Drafthouse-owned Fantastic Fest genre film festival, is included in the acquisition and will also continue to be operated by Alamo Drafthouse. The company’s headquarters will remain in Austin.
“We believe strongly in engaging entertainment fans outside the home in fun and distinctive ways as seen most recently with our .