Alamo movie theater closing in downtown Kansas City: ‘So much history in its walls’

Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas temporarily closed its U.S. theaters at the start of the pandemic a year ago, including Mainstreet in Kansas City’s Power & Light District.

But that location will not reopen.

In a message on its website Wednesday, the Austin, Texas-based dine-in movie chain said: “Nearly a year later, we’re incredibly sad to tell you that because of the ongoing impact of COVID, we will not be reopening Mainstreet.”

“We are saddened by the closing of Alamo Drafthouse Mainstreet,” Nick Benjamin, executive director of the district, said in a statement. “The impact of COVID continues to be a challenge for businesses both locally and across the country. The Power & Light District is a proud steward of this iconic building, which plays a key role in Kansas City’s downtown neighborhood. We are working hard to find the perfect addition to write the next chapter for this historic venue, and we hope to have exciting news about its future soon.”

Bloomberg also reported Wednesday that Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas Holdings has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. It listed assets and liabilities of as much as $500 million each. Alamo has more than 40 theaters across the country.

The Kansas City theater, formerly the Empire at 1400 Main St., was restored at a cost of $30 million in a joint venture between the Cordish Cos., developers of the district, and AMC Entertainment. It reopened in 2008.

After AMC moved its headquarters to Leawood, Alamo took over in June 2012, offering food and drink service to moviegoers. Its six auditoriums seated more than 500 people. It also had bar service in the lobby.

“Opened a century ago this October, the theater has so much history in its walls, having hosted the likes of Cab Calloway, Charlie Chaplin, and the Marx Brothers,” Alamo said on its website. “We’re honored to have been its custodian for the past nine years.”

When the pandemic hit in March, theaters across the nation shut down. But as summer arrived, the chains, including AMC and Liberty-based B&B Theatres, began reopening, with safety protocols in place. Alamo reopened some of its theaters as well, but not in Kansas City.

Months before the pandemic, the Cinemark Palace on the Plaza closed in May 2019. Cinemark already had to close several screens to make way for Nordstrom’s plans to move in nearby.

The Alamo chain is known for its eclectic tastes, showing first-run films as well as classics. And it is known for its attitude. A 2012 story in The Star detailed how one of Alamo’s theaters in Austin kicked out a patron for repeatedly texting during a movie. She later called to complain, and Alamo turned her profane voicemail into a “don’t talk or text” announcement that ran before its movies.

“I will never be comin’ back to your ‘Alamo Drafthouse’ or whatever. I’d rather go to a reglear (sic) theater. … Thanks for taking my money, (expletive).”

Alamo responded onscreen, “You’re welcome. Thanks for not coming back to the Alamo, texter!”

In addition to shuttering its Kansas City location, Alamo will also close the Alamo Drafthouse Ritz in Austin and another in New Braunfels, Texas, the Los Angeles Times reported. Additionally, development of a location in Orlando, Florida, will permanently cease.

The company said Wednesday it will sell its assets to a group of senior creditors, including private equity firms Altamont Capital Partners and Fortress Investment Group, according to the Times. The investor group buying the assets also includes Alamo Drafthouse founder Tim League.

“We’re extremely confident that by the end of 2021, the cinema industry — and our theaters specifically — will be thriving,” said League, who is executive chairman. “That said, these are difficult times and during this bankruptcy we will have to make difficult decisions about our lease portfolio.”

This story was originally published March 3, 2021 at 11:39 AM.