A REEL ORIGINAL
The first Alamo Drafthouse Cinema opened its doors in the heart of Texas in 1997. A unique combination of theater and restaurant, the Alamo shows the best first-run and independent films and offers an extensive menu of fresh, handmade dishes and a wide selection of beer and wine.
Imagine a traditional movie theater where rows of seats alternate with bench-style tables. Once seated, customers order from a menu that offers hamburgers, fresh salads and pizza, as well as beer and wine. A friendly wait staff takes their orders and brings the food to their seats. Customers can continue to order during the movie by writing their request on paper and attaching it to clips on their table. The waiters quietly collect and deliver these orders without distracting from the movie.
In addition to offering this comfortable, full-service environment, the Alamo is recognized worldwide for is eclectic programming, award-winning food, and one-of-a-kind special events. Everyone who visits the Alamo agrees: It’s not just a movie, it’s an experience.
“The Alamo is way cool.” Quentin Tarantino, Director – Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill
“It’s a real pleasure to be at an Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.” William Friedkin, Director – French Connection, The Exorcist
A PERFECT EVENING
While many movie theaters are just part of an evening out, the Alamo is the main event. Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas show the best first-run, independent, foreign and documentary films in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. Serving fresh food, beer and wine, and enforcing a “no children under six” policy, the Alamo is the ideal destination for a night out on the town.
Special Events
Unlike traditional movie theaters, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is a unique event destination and attracts screenings, world premieres and special events. Hollywood directors such as Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction), Robert Rodriguez (Spy Kids), Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings) and William Friedkin (The Exorcist) regularly screen movies at the Alamo , drawing enormous crowds.
In addition to traditional film programming, each Alamo theater is furnished with extensive state-of-the art AV capabilities to handle a variety of other revenue-generating special events, such as private screenings, meetings, conferences, parties and banquets.
Facilities
Each Alamo theater is equipped for slide and overhead presentation and all formats of video, 8mm, 16mm and 35mm film presentations. The theaters feature variable staging, Dolby and THX concert sounds systems and conference PA systems, as well as concert lighting rigs. This set-up allows for anything from a small gathering for a special movie screening to an innovative twist on a board-meeting luncheon.
“This is what the movie-going experience was meant to be – a perfect evening, a perfect enchanting world.” Harry Knowles, Ain’t It Cool News
THE FRANCHISE
In response to the tremendous demand, Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas has spread its unique brand of theater into new markets. Its first franchise opened in Houston in 2003, and many more are scheduled for immediate expansion. Whether you already own a theater or are looking to build your own Alamo as a retrofit or from the ground up, our franchise system offers the help you need to build your own success.
Our Commitment: Franchise Development
Real estate locating and site selection assistance
Layout and design resources
Construction manuals
Detailed equipment list and construction materials
Negotiated volume pricing options
Our Promise: Franchise Support Services
Regional field managers provide pre-opening and ongoing assistance
Franchise support programs to maximize your success
Comprehensive in-house and on-site training programs
Expert regional marketing consultation and support
Continuous support in operations, marketing and training
THE ALAMO BUZZ “I am impressed with the unique vision of the Alamo – a combination of love for movies and respect for the audience” Ed Solomon, Writer – Men in Black, Charlie’s’ Angels
“The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has done something that no other theater concept has been able to do – brand the experience.” Bob Mueller – Paramount Pictures
“The most famous chain of cinema-eateries in the world.” NATO In Focus Magazine – January 2004
Awards Best Theater in Austin - Austin Chronicle Readers Poll
Ultimate Place for a Brew and a Movie - Houston Chronicle
Best Theater in Austin - CitySearch online poll
Best Theater in Austin - Entertainment Weekly
Best Dinner and a Movie - Austin Chronicle Critics Poll
HOW TO GET STARTED
Currently we are franchising in select areas pursuant to multi-unit development agreements.
Qualifications
A minimum of 5-7 years theater or restaurant experience in a leadership role
A minimum net worth of $750,000 (exclusive of personal residence and property) and liquid assets of $360,000.
Prior theater experience or multi-unit franchise experience as owner/operator
The resources and capability to open, own and operate 6-12 locations in 3-5 years
Highly motivated to operate within the demands of the Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas® concept
Prior real estate development experience in the territory you are interested in developing
The applicant group may consist of up to five individuals and may not be a publicly traded company. The designated operator must have at least a 10% ownership stake in the applicant group.
If you wish to be considered, we ask that you please fill out the Application Form.
All information submitted to Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas® is used only to assist in the pre-screening of potential investors/partners, and will be kept confidential. If you are interested in developing a specific market and meet all of the preliminary requirements, please contact us by clicking on the link below.
Franchise Inquiries
REAL ESTATE INQUIRIES
If you know of a location that would be ideal for an Alamo location, be it a ground-up or retrofit, please contact us by clicking the link below.
Disclaimer: None of the communications made through this web page should be construed as an offer to sell any Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas, Ltd. franchises in, nor is any such communication directed to, the residents of any jurisdiction requiring registration of the franchise before it is offered and sold in that jurisdiction. No Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas, Ltd. franchises will be sold to any resident of such jurisdiction until the offering has been exempted from the requirements of, or duly registered in and declared effective by, such jurisdiction and the required Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (if any) has been delivered to the prospective franchisee before the sale in compliance with applicable law. If you have any questions concerning the registration status of franchises in your jurisdiction, please contact us.