The long-anticipated Alamo Drafthouse Richardson, famous for their “No talking/No texting rule will open August 16, 2013!
Since 1997, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has provided a unique combination of both theater and restaurant: showing first-run movies, independent film, and alternative content, while offering in-theater food and beverage service.
Dubbed by Entertainment Weekly, as “The Best Theater in America,” by Time Magazine as “The Best Theater Ever,” and by CNN International as “One of the Top 10 Theaters in the World,” Alamo Drafthouse offers a movie-theater experience unlike any other in the world.
Their extensive menu features an array of freshly prepared food made in-house from scratch with a wide selection of craft beers, great wines, cocktails and adult milkshakes. Alamo’s attention to detail in film presentation and programming has made it a second home to movie fans all over the world, and Dallas/Fort Worth’s first Alamo opens in Richardson Friday, August 16, 2013.
A Theater for Movie Lovers
“People always ask us what makes Alamo different from other theaters. It is our culture and our people,” said Bill C DiGaetano, Alamo Drafthouse DFW, COO. “Alamo always has been and will always be for movie lovers, by movie lovers.”
“Since we are a theater for movie lovers, we took the 3 biggest annoyances of theater goers OUT of the Alamo equation. These include: concessions that cost more than your first car, advertisements longer than a line at the DMV, and talking/texting on cellphones during a film. At Alamo, you won’t find any of these! “
Opening Credits: Roll ‘em
Bill DiGaetano expounds: “Nobody should have to pay for a movie ticket and then be bombarded by commercials. Isn’t this the reason we all have DVRs? Commercials and advertisements are out, custom pre-show shorts that are typically tailored to the show you are going to see are in, so come early and enjoy!”
What You Should Know About the Alamo Drafthouse
The Alamo Drafthouse is a lifestyle entertainment brand with an acclaimed cinema-eatery, the largest genre film festival in the United Sates and an online collectible art store. Named “the best theater in America” by Entertainment Weekly, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has built a reputation as a movie lover’s oasis not only by combining food and drink service with the movie-going experience but also introducing unique programming and high-profile, star studded special events.
What is the idea behind it? A Haven for Cinephiles, Foodies and Craft Beer/Cocktail Enthusiasts. And WAY over the top events!
Leaders in: Presentation quality. If filmmakers put that much effort into making high-quality films, shouldn’t theaters show the the decency they deserve when showing their films? The answer is yes.
Alamo supports: Local breweries. And Alamo only serves fresh, high-quality food. Yum.
Most strict rule: The famous (imfamous) No Talking/No Texting Rule: No talking or texting in the theater, and Alamo means business. Patrons are given one warning, then they are asked to leave if the disruption persists. Alamo insists, however, that laughing, crying, sighing and quietly asking your better half to pass another cold beer are all OK.
What’s missing? The front rows of seats. NO ONE wants to sit there, so Alamo just left ‘em out!
Signature special effect: Ad-free custom pre-shows. No one deserves to be inundated with ads after paying for a ticket so Alamo has none. Instead moviegoers enjoy a custom pre-show made in-house. Many times the pre-show will be directly related to the film, so get to there early.
Special events: Alamo’s known for them. Special events, Alamo-style, will begin rolling in shortly after opening.
Food and drink: Freshly prepared food made from scratch, great cocktails and wine, and 32 craft beers on tap. Drafthouse is their middle name after all. Also check out their signature wine Series. For example, last year, Alamo partnered withThe Princess Bride with the wine: BOTTLE OF WITS. This year, patrons could chose to eat some liver with fava beans paired with a nice Chianti.
Bill DiGaetano reiterates: “Food and film are our passions. Whether watching the latest Hollywood blockbuster and enjoying our traditional menu or coming for one of our signature feasts where food and drinks are paired in a multi-course feast that complements the film, our food is always made from scratch inside our 3,000-square-foot kitchen.”
Theater Specs: Seven theaters seating a total of 820 fans. Featuring the largest theater in Alamo history (60’ screen and seating for 250 people). Two of the auditoriums are also less than 50 seats each perfect for private events, birthday parties, and film screenings.
Theater Details: Every theater is equipped with 4k digital projection, digital 3-D and the latest in sound. Two auditoriums are equipped with two 35mm in order to project classic films the way they are meant to be seen.
Ninja-like service: Servers are so unobtrusive patrons may be startled when their food seemingly appears from thin air.
Kids: Alamo loves ‘em, and patrons are welcome to bring kids with them. Unaccompanied kids under 18, however, are never allowed at Alamo. Kids under the age of 6 are only allowed at select “baby day” screenings.
Tap into Alamo: Alamo Richardson features a full-service lounge and patio called Glass Half Full Taproom. Featuring 32 craft beers on draft, as well as bottles, cask-conditioned ale, and a great selection of wines. Custom cocktails are definitely in focus, too. Come and enjoy Glass Half Full even if not seeing a film. They’ll have great happy hour specials!
Alamo Pre-Opening Events
Alamo’s FREE OUTDOOR SUMMER SERIES kicks off on July 13 with Richard Linklater’s coming-of-age classic, DAZED AND CONFUSED.
Each evening will be filled with film, food trucks, beer from local breweries, giveaways and a few film-themed surprises here and there. Party is at Alamo Richardson’s parking lot (located at the SW corner of Central Expressway and Beltline Rd. in the Richardson Heights Shopping Center).
Gates open at 6:30pm. Film rolls at sunset
July 13: DAZED AND CONFUSED
July 20: THE LOST BOYS
July 27: THE GOONIES
Role Play and Soft Opening
Role Play with ½ off food and $2 movie tickets: August 8, 9, 10 and 11
Soft Opening with discounted food: August 12, 13, and 14
The Alamo Drafthouse is located at 100 S. Central Expressway, Building 14, Richardson, TX 75080 (SW corner of Beltline and Central Expressway in the Richardson Heights Shopping Center)