The GQT Three Rivers 6, the first-run multiplex movie theater at the north end of Three Rivers, is reopening for business today after a long closure. The theater has been closed since March 16 when it responded to the first pandemic-related shutdown order. Manager Brian Willoughby said the theater will reopen with a variety of feature films, an operating concession stand, and pandemic safety measures in place.
The theater belongs to the Goodrich Quality Theaters chain, which was founded in 1930 by a Grand Rapids radio station owner. The chain came under new ownership in July following bankruptcy proceedings with the previous owner. A real estate partnership based in Great Neck, New York, including Mason Asset Management and Namdar Realty Group, took ownership of the chain and began planning changes, improvements, and reopening for its theatres.
The partnership specializes in owning and operating enclosed shopping malls and other entertainment venues. “They have some good experience,” Willoughby said of the partnership’s owners. “They’ve come from theater and entertainment backgrounds, and we are looking forward to this being a good opportunity for us here.”
With many pandemic restrictions lifted, Willoughby said, “we feel that we can safely open, operate, and bring some good some good movies back to people, but doing it in a safe and careful manner.” There will be dividers up at the concession stand, and all staff will be masked. Personnel will thoroughly clean each theater between showings and wipe down all seats. Attendees will be asked to space their groups out within theaters, and tickets will be sold at only 20 percent capacity to ensure people have opportunities to socially distance themselves.
The four starting features for the reopening will include comedy film The War with Grandpa, starring Robert DeNiro, action and drama film Honest Thief, starring Liam Neeson, action and sci-fi film Tenet, starring Robert Pattinson, and romantic drama 2 Hearts, starring Jacob Elordi. Showtimes and ticket information are available on the theater’s website, and updates on the reopening are available on its Facebook page.
Dave Vago is a writer and columnist for Watershed Voice. A Philadelphia native with roots in Three Rivers, Vago is a planning consultant to history and community development organizations and is the former Executive Director of the Three Rivers DDA/Main Street program.
