The operator of Sonoma 9 Cinemas will close the business unless its Fiesta Shopping Center landlord contributes $400,000 to upgrade the Springs facility, The Sun has learned.
The business owner, Cinema West, has demanded upgrades to put in on par with Cinemark Napa Valley Theater. Those could include a move to incorporate a more upscale experience. The company has introduced beer and wine sales into his three-screen Tiburon Playhouse 3, in Marin County, and is looks to do the same at theaters it owns in Fairfax and Petaluma.
Cinema West operates a total of 12 multi-screen theaters, with 10 in the Bay Area and two in Idaho.
The property owner, who said the loss of its anchor tenant would be a major blow to the center and nearby businesses, has reached out for help to county officials.
No deadline for the $400,00 demand was disclosed.
How can people from the area help?
Translation: Private capitalists want the county taxpayers to fund $400,000 worth of improvements to their enterprises so they can make even more money selling wine and booze at their theaters, to go with the popcorn and MilkDuds.
Earth to Cinema West: Don’t let the door hit you in the ass.
Sadly, true. Such a shame.
It would be a huge loss for this town and valley if they close. I hope they come to some middle of the road negotiation!
I really hope the plaza owners can help the cinema with building improvements. The theater is one of the best places to go in town for families and youths and we shouldn’t lose sight of that. As far as selling beer and wine, laws regulate how that will occur at a theater or elsewhere – and hey, we ARE in Wine Country! Just a thought – if money comes for the improvements to the center, improve the parking! More spaces needed and I’m sure the neighbors would agree.
Looks to me like the theater owner is trying to blackmail the property owner. Perhaps the fair thing is for them both to share the expense, 200K each . . .
Happily it is saved!