Newsroom - Press Release

Phoenix Theatres to Relaunch Theatre at Northtowne Mall

Michigan-Based Co. Invests $1.43 Million to Return First-Run Films with First-Class Amenities, To Open Western Ohio's First Theatre with Dolby ATMOS

September 18, 2022

Defiance, Ohio September 19, 2022 – Movies are returning to Northtowne Mall as Phoenix Theatres has signed a long-term lease to bring first-run movies and first-class amenities back to the mall, including becoming the first theatre in Western Ohio to have Dolby ATMOS®.

Phoenix Theatres, the 22-year-old independently owned movie theatre company plans to invest $1.43 million to refurbish the 9-screen theatre, creating a new premiere movie-going experience in the greater Defiance area. Renovation plans have been developed for the 27,857-square-foot building, which will feature all-new premium reclining heated seating, digital projection, Dolby ATMOS audio, a new spacious lobby & concession stand, first-run movies and family-friendly pricing. The plan matches very similar activities and upgrades by Phoenix Theatre's ongoing amenities in its six additional theatre facilities in three states.

The Northtowne Mall project marks the 59th screen for Michigan-based Phoenix Theatres, which operates theatres in Michigan, Iowa, and Massachusetts. This is the first location in Ohio for Phoenix Theatres, which expects to welcome its first Northtowne Mall moviegoers in early 2023.

"We are excited to welcome Phoenix Theatres to Northtowne Mall as we believe they will be a tremendous asset not only to the mall, but also to the greater Defiance community," said Teresa Page, Northtowne's Mall Manager.

"We have been extremely impressed with how fully engaged and professional the entire Phoenix team has been throughout this process to bring such an upgraded theatre experience to the mall," Page said. "I think our patrons are really going to be pleased with the addition. We certainly are."

Phoenix Theatres President Cory Jacobson said he knew they would be a good fit for the Defiance property right from the start. "We have been keeping a very close eye on the Defiance community for over 7 years and waiting for this opportunity to become available," Jacobson said.

"Phoenix Theatres has always been a neighborhood theatre company, and that's something we're very proud of," Jacobson added. "After spending several weeks exploring the city, we felt very much at home in the culture of the community. Movie theatres are places where people come together to enjoy themselves. Creating an environment that celebrates community has always been our highest goal."

As a reflection of what West Ohio residents can expect, Phoenix Theatres offers the following amenities for each of its guest:

• Every seat in every auditorium will be a large love-seat style (with adjustable middle armrest), fully reclining, heated chair with 75 inches of leg room
• Specially equipped premium format auditoriums featuring Dolby ATMOS® for a premium, immersive, audio experience and Christie® Digital projection
• A new spacious lobby and concessions area
• Phoenix mobile app and online ticketing that allow customers to easily reserve their seats
• Self-serve Pepsi drink stations for added service speed and convenience
• Combined ticketing and concession purchases in one line
• Family-friendly prices

"We are thrilled to continue our relationship with Phoenix Theatres, they are a very welcomed addition to the Dolby Atmos family," said Michael Archer, Vice President, Worldwide Cinema Sales. "Their commitment to bringing a first-class presentation to the community and having auditoriums equipped with Dolby Atmos will ensure a premium, immersive audio experience. We congratulate them on this new endeavor and are so proud to be a part of it."

"We were one of the first in the United States to offer 100% reclining seating in every auditorium," said John Scanlan, COO of Phoenix Theatres. "Our goal is to offer the highest-quality first-run movie-going experience by offering state-of-the-art digital projection and Dolby ATMOS audio along with comfortable luxury amenities. We focus on the little details that large national theatre chains just cannot provide at the local level. "

"We were fortunate to be considered for this opportunity at Northtowne Mall and look forward to bringing our own unique amenities to the greater Defiance community. Phoenix was originally formed with the idea of refurbishing closed theatres in viable retail areas and returning well-operated neighborhood theatres to their respective communities."

Background:

The Michigan based Phoenix Theatres opened its first Detroit-area theatre in 2001 and currently operates 7 theatres, with the introduction of Northtowne marking their 59th theatre screen.