Page 13 - The Wayne Dispatch

Phoenix Theatres announces re-open plan

Phoenix Theatres’ humble begin- “The cinema has always been a way
nings took root in the late summer for people to escape reality for a few
of 2000, and in the two decades hours. It is our job now more than
since they have risen above more ever to provide this experience to our
than their fair share of difficult chal- guests while keeping them safe.”
lenges that are typical to a small To view Phoenix Theatres re-
business. However, none of these opening video plan and a complete
problems have been as serious as listing of safety protocols, please visit
the current COVID-19 Pandemic. the web site in advance at:
“This challenge was completely www.phoenixmovies.net/covid
unexpected, and affects literally
everyone in the world,” explained Coming Attractions:
Cory Jacobson, owner of Phoenix In the past several weeks, the
Theatres. “We have faith in the movie industry has received some
human need to interact with one an- very hopeful news with Solstice Stu-
other and the art we present at the dios announcing a July 1st opening
movies. It is unique to our American for their new Russell Crowe film “Un-
experience, as movies are one of our hinged,” with Warner Brothers fol-
greatest cultural contributions to the lowing with their new Christopher
world. Our business is both local Nolan film “Tenet” on July 17th and
and very social by nature and Walt Disney Studios opening their
uniquely disadvantaged in a pan- long awaited “Mulan” on July 24th.
demic crisis.”
The movie industry is not only New Online Store:
closed at your local theatre, but all The past few months have also
production has stopped on new fea- been a time of great creativity and
ture films as well. The film studios several very technically talented em-
have responded by literally resched- ployees have worked together to de-
uling all films beginning later this velop a new Phoenix Theatres Store
summer and in some cases 2021. on the website that for the first time
As the film industry grapples with will allow customers to purchase gift
these unprecedented problems, The State Wayne is Phoenix Theatre’s company jewel. Photo by John Rhaesa cards on line (in increments of $25,
Phoenix Theatres decided to proac- “Prior to our re-opening, we will automatically be configured within $50, $100) and are available by vis-
tively shift their focus to offer solu- be traveling to our theatre locations the reserved seating computer soft- iting on the web at Phoenix-
tions that could make a difference. in Iowa, Massachusetts, and Michi- ware, so that customers will not be movies.net. As this is the only area
“Our management group has gan with our small specialized train- within six feet of other guests not in of the business that will be open for
spent the past few months working ing group to individually work with their family group. many weeks, Phoenix Theatres
on developing a comprehensive plan every employee in the company,” • Each employee will wear masks would certainly appreciate your sup-
with CDC guidance to carefully re- said Sheena Hohman, Director of and other protective equipment. port. The gift cards can be used for
open our theatres,” Jacobson said. Employee Training and Develop- • Transactions will be stream- any film and concession items once
“We are hopeful that all of our loca- ment. “This will ensure a complete lined at the ticketing and concession the theatres reopen for business.
tions will be able to open by July 1st understanding of the importance of stand to further minimize touch There is no doubt that the coron-
to support the return of Hollywood’s following our newly established points. avirus has wreaked havoc on the
summer blockbuster movies to the guidelines for operations. By provid- • In between each showing, a movie industry in ways that are visi-
big screen.” ing our employees with the tools and food grade disinfectant spray will be ble to us. However, theatre owners
Phoenix Theatres was founded in training necessary we can establish used on all seats that removes all over the country remain hopeful.
Southeast Michigan 20 years ago, a safe movie-going environment for 99.99% of all viruses on surfaces Just like in the past, with a de-
and 2 years ago opened a location in both our employees and guests.” within 30 seconds. termined effort we will prevail,
Dubuque, Iowa -- where on May Phoenix Theatres plans to incor- • This disinfectant spray will also again,” Jacobson said. “It is our sin-
22nd Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds porate both CDC and our local gov- be used on high touch points cere hope that our society can safely
made the announcement that movie ernment standards on how a theatre throughout the building including return to a normal routine of enjoy-
theatres could reopen with restric- should safely operate. Working the restrooms and concession areas. ing our lives and love of movies. The
tions. Phoenix Theatres however, de- closely with the National Association • Hand sanitizer stations will experience of living through this cri-
cided to wait and utilize this time of Theatre Owners and with the help also be provided for customer use sis has certainly been very humbling
instead to train local management of theatre management and employ- throughout the theatre. for all of us. I want to personally
and employees on their new proto- ees, new safety protocols have been Detailed Video Re-Opening Plan: thank many of you that have called
cols and make upgrades to their tick- established for every aspect of the “In order to help easily demon- us and took the time to send us let-
eting system that will allow the theatre: strate these new policies, we devel- ters of support. These little niceties
computer to automatically practice • There will be social distancing oped a video to help illustrate what are just a little more appreciated
social distancing inside each audito- guidelines in all the common areas you can expect to see during your than ever and proves to us that it’s
rium by implementing reserved seat- and most importantly in the theatre next trip to the movies,” said Tearis incredible customers who have sup-
ing. auditoriums. The seating layout will Reid, Vice President of Operations. ported us the last 20 years.”
The Wayne Dispatch · June 2020 · 13