Sony Pictures Entertainment Acquires Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

Sony Pictures Entertainment, a prominent player in the film industry, has made a significant move by acquiring the beloved Alamo Drafthouse Cinema chain. The acquisition, announced on June 12, marks a new chapter for the cinema and restaurant hybrid.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, originating in 1997 in Austin, Texas, quickly became a favorite among moviegoers with its unique concept of offering a dining experience alongside movie screenings. The chain, which sees over 10 million guests annually, has grown to 35 locations across North America.

The founder of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, Tim League, expressed excitement about the acquisition, highlighting the alignment between the visions of the two entities. League emphasized the mutual understanding of cinema’s power to drive growth and cultural impact that Sony Pictures Entertainment brings to the table.

Under the new ownership, the day-to-day operations at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema will witness stability. All 35 existing locations will continue to operate, maintaining their headquarters in Texas. Michael Kusterman, the current CEO, will retain his position within the company.

This move aligns with Sony Pictures Entertainment’s broader experiences initiatives, including attractions like Wheel of Fortune Live! and the Wonderverse in Chicago. Ravi Ahuja, the President and COO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, pointed out the synergy between the Crunchyroll films and the interests of Alamo Drafthouse fans.

Recent years have seen a shift in the dynamics of the film exhibition industry, with studios like Netflix, Walt Disney Co., and now Sony Pictures Entertainment venturing into theater ownership. This acquisition underscores the evolving landscape of cinema and entertainment.