Budget movie theater reopens

Remember when going to the movies was a night out just about anyone could afford? Those days are back.

The Cinema Grill @ Embassy 6, which closed its doors last November, was a second-run, or sub-run, movie theater. For those West Pasco movie fans who didn't mind waiting a month or two after a film's opening weekend, it offered the opportunity to enjoy old-fashioned movie nights at old-fashioned prices.

Just like many a character that has filled its screens, the theater in the Embassy Crossing shopping center, on U.S. 19 just north of Embassy Boulevard, is back for a sequel. Its new proprietors have spiffed up the place, and it will soon have a new name.

"We're changing the name to Cinema 6; it won't have any association with Cinema Grill," said Chanel Casteel, who along with Jason Dover, reopened the movie house Aug. 22.

"Right now it's just a soft opening," Dover said. "I don't consider it a grand opening. Right now it's not that grand; it's just open."

After working out the financial details, it took two more months to get the theater into working order. Besides needing a thorough cleaning, they had to repaint, there were leaks in the roof and the men's room needed a lot of work.

Renovations are still in progress, but once the couple had gotten three theaters, the concession stand, lobby and restrooms in working order they decided to open up and let the public discover the discount theater was open again.

"I'm an LPN; he's worked at Pizza Hut for the last 10 years," Casteel said. As a working couple with five children, they understand the desire people have to be able to afford to go out and treat themselves or the family to a good time once in a while. They said they've already heard from so many people who were excited to see the theater had reopened.

"They're just thrilled to death because they can't afford to go to the movies anymore," Casteel said.

Though the theater is no longer part of the Sarasota-based Cinema Grill chain, Dover and Casteel plan on following the basic concept. Instead of going out to dinner and then to a movie, guests can come there and have dinner and a movie at the same time.

"They used to have, pizza, subs and beer, which we will do again," Casteel said. About three-fourths of the seating includes tables between the seats. A family can order a pizza, mom and dad can have a beer and the whole family can have a good time together.

So many customers their first two weekends said that's what they liked about the place. Dover and Casteel plan on replacing the pizza oven, bringing in a deli slicer and they are working on getting a beer license.

Movie tickets at Cinema 6 are $3. Meanwhile, they are offering value combos on traditional concessions, beginning at $7. Patrons can get a movie ticket, large popcorn and large soda for $9.

That's less than the price of admission alone at some theaters. Casteel and Dover think that in this market these days, there are a lot of people who won't mind waiting a few extra weeks to see that must-see blockbuster if they can get a deal.

As of this week, the Cinema 6 has four of its six theaters up and running. The current line-up includes "Ice Age 3," "Transformers 2," "Night at the Museum 2" and "The Hangover."

The theater is open Tuesdays through Sundays. Call 727-264-8978 for show times.