Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline

Photo by Emilie Lutostanski

New location offers flicks, festivals, brews

Since Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline opened in July, the new movie theater in northwest Austin is drawing a larger audience than the company anticipated, CEO Tim League said.

In September, the Lakeline theater hosted the 2013 Fantastic Fest film festival, which typically takes place at the company's South Lamar location.

"Badges were sold out well in advance, and the sense of community, already strong at Fantastic Fest, was even stronger," League said. "Given the distance to drive back into the city, we had fewer people venturing downtown for alternative entertainment. The Fantastic Fest guests stayed at the festival the entire time, and that built both great friendships and business relationships."

In 2014 the company plans to increase its beer-centric programming at Lakeline, League said.

"Since we have the Glass Half Full Taproom adjacent to the theater, we're trying to build up a community around the appreciation of craft beer," he said.

Meanwhile, Southwest Theaters leased Alamo's former Lake Creek location in August. Chief Operating Officer Nathan Searer said Southwest Theaters plans to expand its brand in the area. The new theater opened in December.

Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline, 14028 N. U.S. 183, Bldg. F, Austin, 512-861-7070, www.drafthouse.com/austin/lakeline