cinema

North Raleigh News
Published: Dec 29, 2006

Davids survive in era of Goliaths
For these theaters, two screens suffice

JOHN V. WOOD, Correspondent

      When it comes to movie theaters, the megaplex -- offering viewers up to 20 screens to
choose from -- has become the norm. But two North Raleigh venues that are tiny in
comparison have shown that size isn't necessarily everything. Raleighwood Cinema Grill
and Colony Theater each have only two screens, yet both have been able to survive by
offering a movie-going experience one can't find at most megaplexes.

      Raleighwood, which opened in 1993, shows plenty of nonstandard fare other than
movies. Monday Night Football -- a tradition at the theater -- brings in crowds on a night
when business would otherwise be slow. And it provides social events like a yearly Super
Bowl party and children's birthday parties. “We do, on average, 15 birthday parties a
weekend,” said Jim Keane, who with his family owns and operates the theater in the Shops
at Falls Village. The Colony Theater at Six Forks and Millbrook roads has been showing
independent and foreign art house films on its screens since 1994. While food is available
in any movie theater, alcohol generally is not -- but it is at Raleighwood and Colony
theaters. Raleighwood's setup more closely resembles a restaurant than a theater,
featuring tables, swivel chairs and a full dine-in menu. Both theaters also say that they pay
extra attention to their patrons’ needs.

      Raleighwood has a weekly newsletter list with more than 5,000 subscribers. “The
advantage we have is that we have the time to do our research,” Keane said. “We know the
movies our patrons like through feedback we get from the newsletter.” Raleighwood also
taps into popular television shows, giving the community a place to gather. In 2003 when
former North Raleigh resident Clay Aiken was making his run up the ladder for the FOX
television series “American Idol,” Raleighwood put the show on the big screen and opened
its doors to fans.

      Local ownership is a plus for the Colony, said Bill Peebles, owner of Ambassador
Entertainment Group, which owns four theatres in the Triangle, including the Colony. “We're
locally owned and operated, and we offer fair prices at the box office and concessions,”
Peebles said. “We focus on our patrons, and provide a good time without them having to
pay an arm and a leg.” Both theaters have competitive prices. At Raleighwood, seats are no
more than $4.50. At the Colony, regular admission is $8, but matinees are $6 and late
shows are $5. The Colony Theater prides itself on a relaxing atmosphere for its patrons,
Peebles said, pointing to comfortable couches in the lobby.

      “I'd rather take care of my patrons than go on a search for the almighty dollar,” he said.
At least one large chain has no desire to drive Raleighwood and Colony out of business --
Consolidated Theatres, a Charlotte-based company that owns five theaters in the Triangle.
Marie McClaflin, Consolidated's marketing director, says that the chain also keeps a sharp
eye on customer needs, but added: “There was a time [Consolidated] was that small of a
company, and we know what it's like.” “There are a lot of locally owned theaters across the
country, and they are still a staple in this industry,” McClaflin said.