Earlier this month, it was announced that a new operator would move to a closed cinema and bowling alley on Glendale’s Bayshore.In an interview with BizTimes Media, executive vice president Michael Barstow said…
announced earlier this month, new operator Move to a closed movie theater and bowling alley bay shore at Glendale. In an interview with BizTimes Media, Michael Barstow vice president ACX Cinemas, shared his family’s vision for the space. Barstow’s mother and father made him start ACX Cinemas in 1988. The family grew up in Detroit and has since developed a presence in the hospitality industry. ACX operates four movie theaters in Nebraska and Iowa. The Bayshore location will be the company’s first venture into the Wisconsin market. His ACX’s new 42,951-square-foot location in Bayshore includes six movie theaters, bowling, games, and a full-service bar and restaurant. Backlot Pizza + Kitchen. Below is part of an interview with Barstow. How did you find the Bayshore cinema locations? Barstow: “It was weird. COVID had just basically shut down the whole world in March 2020 and I was in Chicago. A few in Mid America (real estate) brokers across Bayshore complex There’s a broker in. I wasn’t doing anything, so they were like, ‘Would you like to go check out some places in Milwaukee? I was looking at a restaurant space in Milwaukee and one man didn’t know we had a movie theater background. ?” What attracted you to this space? Barstow: “Bayshore today and Bayshore in March 2020 are two very different pictures. It’s been an interesting time to see this space from a completely different perspective, and there’s the opportunity for this full-service restaurant, not just a movie theater, but a family We were having internal discussions about doing more entertainment for people, and I came back to Chicago and kept thinking about it, and we had conversations that lasted two years. We’ve seen everything that they[Cypress]talk about come true, they’ve done a really good job in that area and they’ve given us what they’ve sold to us many times. As a company, we can’t help it, but we’re excited.” What format do your other cinemas follow? Barstow: “Our last project was ACX Cinema 12+ (Omaha, Nebraska), which is also attached to our Backlot Pizza + Kitchen. We’ve invested a lot internally in food and beverage offerings, it’s the world we love, it’s our niche. When we deliver an experience, whether it’s bowling or a game, we elevate the food service we offer. We had a football game on the big screen, had a private birthday party in the lounge, another party plus the usual Saturday night activities. Those two things (activities and restaurants) in the same building, what we can offer far exceeds our competitors.” What draws people to the ACX Bayshore location? What’s different this time? Barstow: “I think times are different. Obviously, I think it’s a very different time coming out of COVID. The world is a little different, and I think that’s changed the model of the movie-going experience. Our biggest separation is , I think it goes back to food and drink, it’s all driven by what you’re trying to do in that restaurant. I argue the opposite. ” What staples do you have on your menu? Barstow: “Something like our calling card is this Detroit-style pizza. Very good for the environment.Beyond that, we think our burgers are as good as any burger you can eat.Wraps,chicken,sandwiches and more of that nature.Also nice We also have a nice salad collection and pasta.” What kind of work do you do in the auditorium? Barstow: “Mostly the same, but the building has undergone a rather extensive multi-million dollar renovation. We’re installing chairs, and within the restaurant space, it’s going to be a pretty significant facelift for the bar and dining areas. We want it to have a feeling and let in as much light as possible.We want to create an uplifting experience that makes you want to hang out.” What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the last few months? Barstow: “I have to say Top Gun. At one of our bases we have an auditorium with a screen over 70 feet wide with Dolby Atmos sound. It was the first blockbuster to come out of COVID, and sitting in that auditorium and watching Tom Cruise with jet fighters on the big screen was an amazing experience that I’ll probably always remember.
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