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River Oaks Theatre Extensive, Multi-Million Dollar Restoration Finally a Reality

River Oaks Theatre Extensive, Multi-Million Dollar Restoration Finally a Reality

The iconic, historical theatre reopens to the public

Main Theatre – Jason Ostrow

After undergoing a two-year, multi-million dollar restoration and modernization, Houston’s beloved River Oaks Theatre finally reopened to much fanfare with Culinary Khancepts leading the extensive effort to rejuvenate the theatre with a stunning new design blending the theater’s original rich burgundy and gold Art Deco charm with luxurious modern touches and a new full-service food and beverage experience. It has been repurposed for both cinematic and live entertainment in Houston. The theater was originally built in 1939 and is located in the iconic River Oaks Shopping  Center owned by Kimco Realty.

As part of the grand reopening, the theater hosted an advance screening of Joker: Folie à Deux, the  highly anticipated sequel to Todd Phillips’ Oscar-winning film, marking the beginning of a dynamic slate of  films and events.

The River Oaks Theatre has transformed into more than just a movie theater—it is now a full-fledged venue for live events. The main auditorium features sound, lighting, and stage systems designed to host concerts, comedy shows, and other live performances. The grand opening weekend will also feature  films, including “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” 50th-anniversary screening, “The Rocky Horror Picture  Show.”

The restoration focused on preserving the theater’s original Art Deco  architecture, maintaining key historical elements, including the iconic marquee, terrazzo flooring, and  statues that grace the main auditorium. The team worked meticulously to maintain the venue’s vintage  charm while enhancing the overall aesthetic with bold geometric patterns, opulent materials, and modern  conveniences.  

“We feel incredibly honored to have played a part in preserving this historic theater,” said Omar Khan,  owner of Culinary Khancepts. “This project has truly been a labor of love for years, and we are beyond  excited to share the results with the Houston community. We’ve carefully restored the theater’s iconic  charm while seamlessly integrating modern technology and amenities, ensuring it will be enjoyed for  generations to come.” 

The theater’s main auditorium now seats 237 guests and is equipped with a state-of-the-art Barco laser projector, a custom Danley sound system, and full live theatrical lighting and sound systems powered by  Q-Sys. Additionally, the theater’s two upstairs auditoriums seat 50 guests each, while a newly added  Private Theatre Lounge that accommodates 20 guests, offers a private, intimate viewing experience with private party and meeting space capabilities.

“We’ve curated an eclectic lineup of films and live events to mark the reopening, featuring everything from  beloved classics to independent gems,” said Robert Saucedo, Artistic Director of River Oaks Theatre.  “We aim to offer something for everyone while preserving the theater’s legacy as a cultural hub for  Houston.”  

Besides the classic movie snacks like buttered popcorn and candy, River Oaks Theatre will now offer a  new, refined food and beverage menu that enhances the guest experience and can be delivered right to  the seats. Guests can enjoy seat-side service in all auditoriums, ensuring they never miss a moment of  the action.  

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Painting

The Lobster Roll – Corey Watson

New lavish bars are located on both the first and second floors and offer craft cocktails, wine, and beer, including cocktails inspired by all of your Hollywood iconic films like You Wouldn’t Make Fun of it if… inspired by the  David Fincher classic Zodiac, a vibrant mix of vodka, gin, blue curacao, and Sprite, (including the infamous paper cocktail umbrella!) or That Rug Really Tied the Room Together based on The Big  Lebowski, featuring vanilla vodka, Kahlua, and heavy cream. 

Menu highlights include the Free Range Popcorn Chicken, served with charred jalapeño ranch and  honey mustard, as well as the indulgent Veal and Pork Fried Meatballs, crisped in oil and served with  spicy tomato basil and parmesan. Other entrées feature The Lobster Roll, made with Atlantic lobster,  tarragon, and lobster butter on a toasted croissant. 

The theatre will be launching the “Cinema Savant” subscription program, providing unlimited access to  films for just $20 per month. This program offers movie enthusiasts an affordable way to experience the  diverse range of independent, arthouse, and classic films showcased at River Oaks Theatre. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.theriveroakstheatre.com, @riveroaktheatre or stop by the  theater’s box office, which opens one hour before the first scheduled showtime.

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