Just last week, we wrote about Macy’s in Rivertown Crossings closing after about 20 years. We wondered what the closure of an anchor store in the increasingly vacant mall would mean, given recent major changes there.
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But just a few days after that news broke, an equally big announcement from Celebration! Cinema Rivertown showcases a continued investment in the mall and provides one of the biggest renovation projects for the Rivertown Mall food court in years.
Celebration! Rivertown Renovations Phase 1
Here’s a little surprise for you all: I used to be a Projectionist at Celebration! Rivertown before taking this job. Yes, among my many random tasks around the theater, I was one of the people who would periodically put down the black duct tape on the carpet that everyone loved* so much. *Did not love.
But after many years of literally being held together with duct tape, the theater received a multimillion-dollar makeover, with a fresh coat of paint, new carpet, and auditorium overhauls featuring new speakers, projectors, and heated recliner seats.
Celebration! Announces Phase 2
However, this was just Phase 1 of the renovations. Yesterday, Celebration! Cinema announced that Phase 2 of renovations began on January 5th, which will overhaul the lobby by adding an arcade, restaurant, and bar. This will allow visitors to order food and drinks directly to their seats via a QR code.The menu will be similar to what Studio Park, North, and South currently offer.
Renderings of the new lobby are available below.
We reached out to Celebration! Rivertown General Manager Austin Mueller, and he had this to say:
“Movies naturally bring people together — it’s always been about more than a movie. Phase One elevated the experience inside our auditoriums with heated recliners and Dolby Atmos, and Phase Two completes that vision by transforming the lobby into a social, welcoming destination. With Oscar’s Restaurant & Bar, we’re creating a space where that connection can grow before and after the show.
Whether it’s friends meeting for a drink, families grabbing a bite, or couples staying to talk after the movie, this adds a whole new social layer to what it means to go to the theatre. That sense of connection is what makes this project so exciting for our community and for Rivertown Crossings Mall.”…