Tim League, the mind behind Alamo Drafthouse, is back at it with the Metro Private Cinema set to open in Chelsea. As reported by Eater New York, this new theater is bringing a touch of luxury to the movie-going experience with 20 private screening rooms that offer table service from chef Joshua Guarneri. Fancy multi-course dinners will pair with film themes, starting from prices at $300 for an initial booking.
Located at 131 Eighth Avenue, this latest brainchild of League is set to open its doors on October 29. While patrons can expect the customary hush demanded at Alamo Drafthouse, according to Time Out New York, they’ll be allowed, as much as it may cause League pain, to text and to talk. Throwing in a bit of humor, he quipped, "It’s just you’re a worse person if you do."
In addition to the usual cinematic offerings, Metro Cinema promises to curate special menus corresponding with select films, offering an eventized dining and viewing experience. For instance, a $125 per person themed dinner will accompany the film "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" this Thanksgiving. Eater New York provides specifics like the fall menu dishes, including kampachi crudo and mushroom risotto.
The venture is not just a replay of the lux cinema experience. It’s a discerning move considering the reported past controversies surrounding League's leadership at Alamo Drafthouse. The theater remained popular even after a report by the Texas Observer, uncovered by Eater New York, discussed financial struggles, layoff and bankruptcy, and accusations of oppressive working conditions. Sony Pictures snatched up Alamo Drafthouse in 2024, further solidifying its brand amidst previous allegations of union-busting and sexual misconduct.
