Mt. Kisco Movie Theater Gets New Owner

This story was written and reported by Robin Traum. It was posted by Tom Auchterlonie.

Cablevision reached an agreement to sell 41 cinemas including the eight in Rockland and Westchester counties to Bow Tie Cinemas.

The deal is not expected to be finalized by the end of the first quarter but details of the contract including the price have not been disclosed. The sale includes Mt. Kisco Cinema, New City Cinemas, Bedford Playhouse, Bronxville Cinemas, Central Plaza Cinemas, Cinema 100, Larchmont Playhouse and Mamaroneck Playhouse.

For movie goers who are customers of Cablevision’s Optimum Rewards Program, it means the loss of free Tuesday movies. Optimum alerted its subscribers that the free movie perk will end on Tuesday, May 28 and everyday discounted tickets will expire on May 31.

Bow Tie spokesman Christopher Beattie said Tuesday the company has its own loyalty rewards program that enables customers to earn points for free movie passes.

“I think customers will be eligible for the Criterion Club around July 1,” said Beattie.

He said moviegoers would notice other changes. “First and foremost, Bo Tie is going to upgrade all the screens to digital projection,” said Beattie.

Concession stands will be renovated and seating and carpeting may be replaced in theaters. He did not have specifics.

“Renovation plans haven’t been mapped out yet,” he said, adding that he did not anticipate any prolonged disruptions to theater operations.

Following the acquisition, Bow Tie Cinemas will become the eighth largest theater circuit in the United States with 388 screens in 63 locations in seven states. The company will have the largest number of theater locations in the New York metropolitan area.

Founded by B.S. Moss over 100 years ago, Bow Tie Cinemas is a fourth generation, family-owned business and the oldest cinema company in the United States. 

“This is a transformational acquisition for Bow Tie Cinemas and an exciting new chapter in our company’s rich history,” said Ben Moss, CEO of Bow Tie Cinemas. “Going to the movies is a tradition deeply rooted in the local community. Bow Tie makes long-term commitments in the communities where we own theaters by building local partnerships, employing local people and engaging with our patrons. Our mission is to return style and elegance to the movie-going experience™, and we look forward to applying the same approach at our newly acquired locations.”