With future growth in mind, the Zephyrhills Cinema 6 will get four new screens and stadium seating.
By MOLLY MOORHEAD
Published June 3, 2004
ZEPHYRHILLS - The 11-year-old movie theater on U.S. 301 will enter a new era of entertainment this year, adding four new screens and stadium seating.
Larry Rutan, who owns Zephyrhills Cinema 6, said he hopes to begin construction of the new screens in about 45 days. They will form a new wing on the back of the theater, which is just south of Daughtery Road. When that's completed late this year, he'll begin retrofitting the existing screens two or three at a time with stadium seating.
The project is expected to cost $875,000.
"I think it's going to be nice," Rutan said. "I hope it will improve Zephyrhills, and I'm hoping that our business improves."
Until about a week ago, adult tickets at the Cinema 6 cost $5.50. Rutan increased that to $6 in anticipation of the expansion costs.
It's still significantly cheaper than many newer venues. Muvico Starlight 20 on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in New Tampa charges $8 for adult tickets at night.
Zephyrhills' matinee price is $4.50, compared with $6 at Muvico.
Rutan, who also owns the Home Twin Theatre on Fifth Avenue, said the historic downtown movie house is safe for now.
"As long as we coordinate our movies ... so that we're not competing, we can keep that thing going," he said. "That's what I'd like to do."
In addition to screens and seating, Rutan plans to enlarge the lobby at the Cinema 6 and add a few items to the concession menu, like soft pretzels and hot dogs. There are no plans for dinner items, like some theaters now offer.
"You don't go to the theater to eat pizza," he said. "Maybe I'm old-fashioned."
City planner Todd Vande Berg said the theater's expansion is a good preparation for coming growth.
"I think it's probably a good idea for all the residential growth that we're seeing, to keep up with the movie industry," Vande Berg said.
Rutan said he thinks 10 screens on 301 plus the two downtown will be more than Zephyrhills needs right away.
"I'm hoping I'm ahead of the curve," he said. "Time will tell."
But Vande Berg likes the idea of giving residents a reason to stay in Zephyrhills for entertainment.
"The standards for everything rise. Other theaters are raising the bar, and it's probably a good thing that we do the same thing to keep folks in Zephyrhills and spending their money here."
Laura Keith lives in Dade City and usually takes her 8-year-old daughter to movies in Zephyrhills. But they occasionally make the trip to New Tampa because of the amenities Muvico offers.
Keith said Wednesday that a spruced-up Zephyrhills theater is a draw itself.
"If they do that and improve it and add the stadium seating, I think a lot more people will want to drive to Zephyrhills rather than drive to New Tampa."
