Though almost all metro Atlanta movie theaters are still closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, one cinema company plans to begin showing movies at a new location next week.
NCG Cinemas plans to open its new theater on Buford Highway in Brookhaven on June 4, the company's eighth location in Georgia and the first to welcome moviegoers since the pandemic hit.
Following a statewide shelter-in-place order and the closure of many businesses deemed non-essential, Gov. Brian Kemp allowed movie theaters to reopen starting April 27.
However, major chains like AMC Theaters, Regal Cinemas and Cinemark have stayed closed. Other local favorites like Midtown Art Cinema and the Plaza Theatre also remain shuttered for large showings, though the Plaza has begun offering drive-in movie showings at two locations. The Starlight Drive-In theater on Moreland Avenue and The Springs Cinema & Taphouse in Sandy Springs are also open.
NCG’s new Brookhaven theater will open with 30% capacity in its 10 theaters, said Tim Dilts, the marketing director for the Michigan-based company. It is set to implement a number of other safety precautions for staff and moviegoers, including disinfecting high-contact surfaces and requiring workers to wear face coverings and gloves.
The theaters have reclining, heated seats and beer and wine service will be available, Dilts said.
He said the company is confident that residents will feel safe returning to a movie theater, despite concerns some might have about being around others in an enclosed space.
“We definitely believe that people are excited to get back out and start getting more active in the community,” he said. “We’ve always prided ourselves in our cleanliness. This is just taking it one step further.”
Credit: NCG Cinemas
Credit: NCG Cinemas
Following the mass closure of theaters due to the virus, many films that were slated for a wide release this spring and summer were either delayed or only released on streaming services. With a reduced number of new movies available, NCG’s Brookhaven location plans to show some older films initially, Dilts said, including “Wonder Woman” and “Jumanji: The Next Level.” Movie tickets will also be sold at a discounted $5 on Tuesday.
It is located in Northeast Plaza, a large shopping center off Buford Highway. The space used to be a movie theater before it was converted into a dance hall. NCG “tore it down to the walls” to rebuild it as a luxury theater, Dilts said. The company has 24 other theaters around the country.
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