The operator of a combination moviehouse and eatery in Indianapolis, Bulthaup is bringing his concept home after entering into a long-term lease with New Hyde Park, NY-based Kimco Realty Corp. Given the number of theaters in the market where picture shows no longer are shown, Bulthaup's "Hollywood Boulevard, a Cinema Bar and Eatery" here may generate sequels, he tells GlobeSt.com.
"I want to pace myself," says Bulthaup, also eyeing a Dayton, OH site. "I don't want to grow too quickly and screw things up."
Nonetheless, Bulthaup has some heavy-hitting investors behind him, he says, led by one of White River Ventures' $150-million funds.
Although Bulthaup was able to pick up the lease on the former General Cinemas at bargain rates, he plans to invest "seven figures" in build-outs, including décor that includes authentic movie posters and black-and-white still photographs. The theater will occupy the southwest corner of the mall anchored by a Kohl's department store and also includes an MC Sports.
The concept of serving meals is not entirely new, as banquet halls are among the uses former movie theaters are seeing in the market, such as in northwest suburban Rolling Meadows. However, Bulthaup has tested what foods work in a dining-theater venue.
"What people find when they visit us is it's new and improved," says Bulthaup, adding features include executive desk chairs, and children are scarce. Meanwhile, the fare includes plenty of medium-priced "hand food" such as pizza, sandwiches and potato skins, he adds, which doesn't produce noise from silverware hitting plates. Theater-goers pay the price of a movie ticket in addition to their food bill.
In Indianapolis, Bulthaup reports his venue is No. 1 when the Oscar-nominated films are shown in his and competing theaters.
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