Regency San Juan Capistrano Theater
26762 Verdugo Street,
San Juan Capistrano,
CA
92675
26762 Verdugo Street,
San Juan Capistrano,
CA
92675
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Regency Theatres to Permanently Close in San Juan Capistrano By Kaila Mellos Jul 25, 2025 For 15 years, the Regency Theatres has been a mainstay in the community. On July 27, the longstanding landmark in San Juan Capistrano will be closing its doors permanently, leaving behind just its legacy.
The theater group took to its social media to announce the closure on July 7, sending a shockwave to customers who visit the theatre regularly. According to Regency Theatres owner Lyndon Golin, it has been tough since the pandemic to remain open, due not only to rising costs but also to some changes in downtown San Juan Capistrano.
“The movie theater’s lease has ended, and the landlord has chosen to go in a different direction with the theater space,” Golin said. “The economics of movie theaters have changed post-pandemic, and in San Juan Capistrano, this has been further compounded by paid parking.”
The theater, along with the rest of the community, found out about the venue’s future through a note posted on its doors, citing the changes to come to the area.
“There was a city of San Juan Capistrano ‘notice of proposal’ posted on the theater to ‘convert the existing theater to a live entertainment venue,’” Golin said.
Many in the community took to commenting on the theater’s Facebook and Instagram posts, wishing that these changes would stop erasing the relics of San Juan Capistrano that many had grown up with.
As this theater has been in the community for over a decade, customers have come into the venue with sadness as the final few days arrive for the establishment, Golin shared.
“Guests understandably have been sad about the closing, but have enjoyed sharing fond memories,” Golin said. “Visitors to San Juan also love the theater, as it is the first thing they notice from the train, and it draws them in. It successfully delivered a meet-up spot to the community and had intrinsic value.”
Golin recounts the charm the theater held for many, including Rick’s Cafe, which was attached to the theater for guests to enjoy drinks before a showing.
“It’s a special place,” Golin said. “Whether guests were coming to see a movie, grabbing a drink at Rick’s, watching the continuous showing of “Casablanca” above the fireplace or just hanging out on the balcony watching the sunset and trains come and go.”
The Regency Theatres was home to many memories for the community and the employees who worked there, hosting celebrations and events that filled the space with laughter and joy.
“Over the 15 years Regency has been open, there are too many memories to count,” Golin said. “We had many wedding proposals, wedding receptions, birthday parties and other milestone events. The San Juan Capistrano community loves to have fun and loved coming to the theater. The Kentucky Derby events were great, and the “Blazing Saddles” screenings, complete with chili, cap guns and whoopee cushions, were iconic. Guests dressed in theme, and some even arrived on horseback. My favorite was Vicki Caribinis’ Italian Nights, which drew sell-out crowds on the first Thursday of every month.”
While the San Juan Capistrano community is losing its theater, there will still be one nearby in Laguna Niguel for those who wish to continue supporting the business. Vicky Carbini nights, according to Golin, will even be moving there for those who enjoy celebrating that tradition.
“We have a theater nearby in Laguna Niguel, the Regency Director’s Cut, and we hope San Juan guests will visit us there,” Golin said. “We are pleased to announce that Vicky Caribini is moving the Italian Nights there as well and hopes for the same success there.”
With a lasting legacy, Golin wishes the community the best for its extensive support of the business and hopes for the best regarding the future of the area’s development.
“We are grateful to the community for the support, and our team at San Juan, many of (whom) worked there for many years, and many over the years who strove to deliver a first-class moviegoing experience to our guests,” Golin said. “We cheer on and hope the new use for the theater space provides excellent entertainment and memories for the community.”
Regency closed here July 27, 2025 At the end of its 15-year leasing agreement.
Please update total seats to 445 and 4 screens
Seating Capacity:
Theatre 1 144
Theatre 2 123
Theatre 3 130
Theatre 4 48 (VIP)
December 15th, 1989 grand opening ad in photo section
Food/alcohol service is fantastic in your seat during the movie upstairs in the VIP theater. Chairs are super comfortable. This is how you see a movie. It is pretty pricey, but it’s worth it for special occasions.
Hey “history fans”… This place MUST re-open with “CASABLANCA”.
And how about getting some of the “Hollywood look-a-likes” to be on hand for a grand opening; 1940’s costumes, old cars, French cops, German troops… HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU KID!!!
The theatre now features a Moroccan theme interior, second floor cafe/lounge (in another nod to the film “Casablanca”, the area is branded “Rick’s Cafe”), and food/alcohol service in one of the auditoriums.
The theatre reopened on 5/7/10 with “Oceans”, “The Back-Up Plan”, and two screens of “Ironman 2”.
The reopening is now set for April, 2010: View link
The re opening has been pushed back to March. The theatre will now be a four screen and feature a bar. The venue has converted to stadium seating, so the seating has likely been cut dramatically.
Regency Theatres has officially signed on to reopen the Franciscan Plaza. The opening is slated for November 2009. Along with an extensive remodel, partially funded by a $450,000 loan from the city, a bar/lounge will be added to the second floor.