East Bend Drive-In

This closed in 1982, but the screen and traces remained intact for years afterward.

Street view shows it mostly all gone now. Screen is down, ticket booth is gone. The concession building looks like it might still be standing, but pretty overgrown and in much worse shape than last I was there a decade ago.

I’m not sure. I actually was going to buy it, but I had promised myself to not go over $30k. I had a pre-qual drawn up to $35k just to have a little overhead. This bid was in and they wanted $33k and I stuck to my guns. I was planning on re-opening if I bought, but the ROI was suspect. I had quotes on screen ($85k), digital projector ($70k), building upfit ($100k) and new appliances in the concession stand (roughly $45k). So, roughly a $330k investment. Unfortunately, I’m not sure with a loan of nearly $3k a month, the location, the seasonal nature of drive-ins, etc. I could have really done that well. I probably could have made a living, and kind of hate I didn’t go a little higher just to have the land and see where it goes, but I am happy I stuck to my guns too. Easy to get auction fever and keep throwing the hand up.

Property sold this Saturday at absolute auction for $31,000. 6.3 acres, concession stand, ticket booth, dilapidated screen. Land is still nicely graded.

Approx. location around 9299 North Carolina 67. Note: Speedway Dr. was to the LEFT of the drive-in next to the entrance; now to the RIGHT (rear) of where the drive-in is located.

thanks Silicon Sam.

It might have been off HWY 67 east of town,Not sure guys.