Community engagement, fresh, made-to-order food, handcrafted cocktails and unrivaled comfort and service have propelled brand to #1 spot in in-theater dining
DALLAS, July 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — On top of recent openings in Indianapolis, Chatham, Columbus and Colleyville, in-theater dining leader Studio Movie Grill (www.studiomoviegrill.com) is stretching to both coasts with new locations announced in Tampa, Florida, Philadelphia Pennsylvania, Rocklin and Simi Valley, California. Since its founding in 2000, Studio Movie Grill (SMG) has grown steadily from its Texas roots to soon to be 22 locations in ten states.
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"With the help of our lending partner, Goldman Sachs, Studio Movie Grill is excited and grateful to have the opportunity to establish the brand across the country," said Founder and CEO Brian Schultz. "We have created a modern and relaxing alternative to the traditionally frenzied movie-going experience. Courteous tableside service, coupled with the best available technology, and an eclectic, fresh and made-to-order menu have all contributed to positioning SMG as the unquestioned leader in our segment."
Opening later this year, SMG Tampa will be the company's first theater in the Sunshine State. At more than 52,000 square feet, the location will boast over 1,400 luxury seats. A local-style bar will be the centerpiece of Philadelphia SMG. Meanwhile, in California, a 35,000-square foot establishment has already broken ground in Rocklin, a suburb of Sacramento. A 1,500-seat theater at Simi Valley Town Center – just northwest of Los Angeles – is slated to open next year. Each new location will provide the same superior quality in film presentation for which the brand is known. SMG has partnered with Brad Miller of Film-Tech to bring industry-leading Christie and Dolby equipment to every screen.
Having grown up in Agoura Hills, the opening of the first SMG theaters in California has special significance for Schultz. "Simi Valley Town Center is an ideal location for me to reconnect with a community that was such an incredible place to grow up. Part of our journey is to build in communities and develop roots where I have fond memories. My mother grew up blocks from Chatham, Illinois, and I lived for a short time in Center City, Philadelphia; today, my mother, three brothers and their families live in Sacramento."
The four newest theaters in the SMG family will offer the innovative, casual dining and friendly service experience that embodies the brand; before and after shows, a sophisticated lounge area will allow for socializing and community gatherings. Each new location will have definitive touch points as part of achieving a consistent, recognizable identity and energizing an already avid fan base.
"Studio Movie Grill is so much more than movies," explained Schultz. "We offer one-stop destinations for dining and entertainment, plus a welcoming place to meet family and friends. Whether it's a special occasion or just a night out, SMG provides a truly great environment. We're thrilled to be transforming the typical cinema experience."
SMG further distinguishes itself from competitors with a menu that would easily hold its own in any sit-down restaurant. A far cry from "bar food in the dark," the company has just rolled out a new chef-driven menu at all locations. Guests can also choose from an impressive wine list, premium cocktails and a huge beer selection.
Being good citizens and making an impact in the community is important to everyone at SMG. A shining example of this spirit is the Special Needs Screenings for families raising children with special needs. These screenings offer first-run family movies free to children with special needs and their siblings. Another such program is SMG With A Twist, which provides educational and family programming, including documentaries, cartoons, concert films, sporting event broadcasts and advanced promotional screenings. SMG strives to support local community initiatives, the arts and public awareness of important issues in every neighborhood served.
Schultz added: "Making a difference starts with being a good neighbor. We understand that our theater teams, vendor-partners, investors, community and guests are all inter-related. For SMG, conscious business not only benefits our guests and our communities, but also enriches the lives of our team members, vendor-partners, and investors. It's truly a win-win-win-win-win proposition for everyone and the type of purpose-work SMG takes very seriously."
The community-building values on display within the SMG organization have even earned Schultz recognition in John Mackey and Raj Sisodia's "Conscious Capitalism," a landmark book that explores how businesses and leaders can embrace this new paradigm.
All SMG locations offer 100% reserved seating online or at the box office. The company routinely advertises special offers on Facebook (www.facebook.com/studiomoviegrillfan) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/studiomoviegril). More information, along with a mailing list sign-up form, is available at www.studiomoviegrill.com.
About Studio Movie Grill
SMG modernized the traditional movie-going experience by combining first-run movies with in-theater dining and is characterized in the market today by its continued ability to innovate and its dedication to the communities it serves. For additional information, please visit www.studiomoviegrill.com.
Contact:
Lynne McQuaker, Director of Public Relations and Outreach
Studio Movie Grill
(972) 388-7888 Ext. 232
Email