Alamo Drafthouse: A Different Kind of Movie Experience

The Alamo Drafthouse is a movie theater with a unique concept. Instead of rows and rows of the usual movie theater chairs, movie goers sit in rows of chairs with cabaret-style tables in front. Also, instead of just popcorn and soda, patrons can enjoy draft beer and a wide variety of food which can be ordered by writing one’s order on a piece of paper and giving it to one of the waiters wearing a black uniform. Another thing that sets this movie theater franchise apart from the rest is their zero-tolerance policy for texting and talking while the film is being played. Customers only get one warning before they are asked to leave if they violate this policy.

The first Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, Texas opened up in 1997. The theater’s owners, Tim and Karrie League, set up the place to be a second-run movie theater which shows films after they have finished their run at bigger, more conventional first-run theaters. Aside from that, they also had theme nights where they would have live bands play music to accompany silent films or have a “food night” where food themed films are shown and the customers are served meals that match what they see on screen. The company began to expand and opened its second theater in another part of Austin, Texas. Although the new theater is set up the same way, it became a first-run movie theater that featured new releases. The Alamo Drafthouse brand continued to grow through the years with more theaters opening in Austin and the rest of Texas. The movie theater brand has also reached other states such as Colorado, Michigan, Missouri, New York, and Virginia. Other locations will soon open in 2015 and 2016 namely theaters in Arizona, California, Louisiana, and Nebraska among many others planned.