This morning our team toured the Orpheum & Grand Theaters with Cary Eisentraut. Cary grew up in the movie theater business, and his family has owned the Orpheum since 2003. Today, they operate 8 theaters across Illinois and Iowa.

He shared how theaters adapted during COVID, including selling popcorn curbside, and the creativity it takes to compete with streaming. We also learned about the importance of customer experience, resourcefulness in managing costs, and the value of strong employees in making everything run smoothly.

One of their staples is a long-running movie deal that includes a ticket, soda, and popcorn all for $10. It started at just $5 twenty years ago, and continues to provide families with an affordable and memorable night out.

A big thank you to Cary and the Orpheum & Grand Theaters for giving us a look behind the scenes of the movie business!