Alamo Drafthouse Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

The Alamo Drafthouse theater chain announced yesterday that they filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after experiencing substantial losses throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

This is truly tragic news, because this is not just any old movie theater chain we’re talking about here. There’s a reason why it’s been called “the best theater in America” by Entertainment Weekly and “the best theater in the world” by Wired.

I live in Seattle, where sadly Alamo Drafthouse does not exist. But I used to live in Colorado, where I frequently enjoyed the ones in the Denver area. My boyfriend and I would happily drive over an hour down from the mountains just to spend an evening at one of these awesome movie theaters, run by cinephiles for cinephiles.

They have a strict “no talking” policy in order for everyone to actually enjoy the movie, and oh man, the movies! In addition to showing new releases, most Alamo locations take pride in showing cult films and fan favorites from over the decades. I went to a showing of Superbad in 2018, and I have never laughed harder at that movie than I did that day. I also got to see Young Frankenstein, Die Hard, and The Last Waltz, just to name a few of the films I was able to enjoy in theaters despite their initial releases being back in the day before I was born – thanks, Alamo!

Of course, there’s also the bars. Each theater has its own customized, full-service bar, with a custom cocktail menu and a fantastic draft list (hence Alamo Drafthouse). The food is also impeccable, or at least it was at the Colorado locations, as well as the Brooklyn location I went with my parents to once when I was visiting home. So, naturally, I assume all Alamo Drafthouses take their cuisine quite seriously. And if you’re a traditional soda and popcorn moviegoer, they have that too.

Believe it or not, all of that is just the tip of the iceberg that is Alamo Drafthouse awesomeness. From the Mondo movie swag to the custom reels played before each movie (no standard quizzes or boring refreshment ads here!) to the celebrity guests popping up onscreen to enforce that aforementioned “no talking” policy, there’s tons to love here. Heck, I’ve made random new friends by bonding over our mutual love of the Alamo Drafthouse.

The good news is that, so far, only three locations are slotted for closure – Alamo Drafthouse Ritz in Austin (the chain’s flagship), and theaters in Kansas City, Missouri, and New Braunfels, Texas. All three are owned fully by the company rather than franchised. Currently, there are 41 locations spread around the U.S., starting with their original spot which opened in downtown Austin 23 years ago. The theater has promised its local Austin fans that it will move some of its most beloved signature events from the Ritz to other locations.

As the pandemic gets more under control (fingers crossed) and restrictions ease, it is possible that Alamo Drafthouse could make a comeback. At least, they appear to be hoping for just that.

“Alamo Drafthouse had one of its most successful years in the company’s history in 2019 with the launch of its first Los Angeles theater and box office revenue that outperformed the rest of the industry,” said Alamo Drafthouse CEO Shelli Taylor in a statement. “We’re excited to work with our partners at Altamont Capital Partners and Fortress Investment Group to continue on that path of growth on the other side of the pandemic, and we want to ensure the public that we expect no disruption to our business and no impact on franchise operations, employees and customers in our locations that are currently operating.”

The battle of the Alamo isn’t over! To find an Alamo Drafthouse location near you (you know, for when disease spreading is no longer as great of a risk), check out their website.