In 2016, the Marcus Theatres franchise bought Cape West 14 Cine in Cape Girardeau, and introduced $5 movie days to the theater. Now, 6 auditoriums are under construction as a beginning phase of a total remodel by the company, which includes replacing the old seating with recliners, a special theater featuring heated seats, a larger movie screen, and a “Take 5” sports lounge. A new food menu, Zaffiro’s Express, will include pizza, sandwiches, and desserts.
Ronaldo Rodriguez, CEO of Marcus Theatres, says he thinks utilizing new amenities and the latest technology will create just as great an experience as theaters in big cities.
“We took one of the elements that was the best thing that you could have at home, and that was the recliner seats, and we’ve introduced it into the theatre,” says Rodriguez. “So there’s really no better place to experience a movie, once we get completed at the Cape West.”
They’re evaluating changes in regular ticket pricing with the remodel, but the $5 movies are here to stay. Rodriguez says they’re hoping to add the recliner seating by November, and remaining renovations should wrap up over the holiday season.