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Rochester’s Chateau 14 closes suddenly
posted by
CSWalczak
on
February 2, 2011 at 7:45 am
ROCHESTER, MN — The Chateau 14 originally a ten-plex that opened in 2002, was abruptly closed by CineMagic Theatres on January 26. Performances for the day had already begun when staff were told to close the megaplex.
Florida-based Paragon Theaters says it will renovate the lobby, add a bar and lounge, all-digital Sony 4k projection, premier and reserved seating and 3D screens.
The theater will remain closed for a while for renovations and staff training. It’s expected to re-open in late February or early March.
There is more in the Post Bulletin.
Comments (5)
Tell us that that “sudden closure” was not just thought of at a moments notice, eh? And management expect employees to hang around for a possible return to work in a month or two AND remain loyal to the company? Dream on CineMagic!!!
Unfortunately, the link to the story in the Post Bulletin is now basically dead and only accessible as an archival item which requires a subscription (I hate the news sites that do this).
There is something a bit odd about this; I had posted the original version of the story about the closing which did not mention anything about a bankruptcy or about the acquisition of the theater by Florida-based Paragon. The story was then updated on the Post Bulletin site to mention the Paragon acquisition. As I recall, the original story quoted the owner to the effect that theater was not doing well due overscreening in the area. The news about Paragon buying this theater and the Odyssey 15 in Burnsville /theaters/32903/, also a former CineMagic operation, broke yesterday. Whether this purchase was in the works before the CineMagic suddenly closed it or if Paragon (which is currently a fairly small operator) suddenly saw or was alerted to an opportunity to acquire two, fairly new multiplexes, perhaps at a fire-sale price, is unclear.
good points Simon and CW.
Sure hope the former employees get paid.
Wonderful Post and look forward to reading more similar articles.