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WILKES – BARRE, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) — For the last 20 years, Movies 14 has been one of downtown Wilkes barre’s anchors, but owner Scott Cohen has seen business steadily decline and he pinned it on one reason: reclining seats.
“We watched the business just decline because people were going to theaters that had them,” said RC Theaters CEO and third generation owner Scott Cohen.
So over the last eight years they wrestled with either upgrading the theaters or closing, but with some help from local lawmakers and a Local Share Account grant they’re now reopening with new heated reclining seats throughout the theater replacing the original chairs – something RC Theaters says will help the family business compete against big national theater brands.
“This is what people want,” said Cohen, reclining in one of the new chairs. “This is what they’re demanding. And we’re bringing it to the town to make this theater back as nice as it was when it opened 20 years ago.”
At the ribbon cutting event Thursday, State Senator Marty Flynn, Wilkes Barre Mayor George Brown, and more congratulated the company, saying that the renovations are the next step in rebuilding Wilkes Barre’s downtown and that reinvesting in local businesses is exactly what the LSA grants are for.
“It’s great to take public funds and invest into business that you know pays taxes, are on the tax rolls, that brings the vibrance back into downtown Wilkes Barre,” said Sen. Marty Flynn speaking at the event.
Each theater within Movies 14 will have the heated recliners installed within two weeks, with the original seats kept at the front.
They also say they will be expanding concession options.
Customers shouldn’t fear however, as they aren’t raising prices.
