A longtime coming
The theatre has been in operation since 1939 but closed in 2021 due to lease complications.
Culinary Khancepts, an affiliate of Star Cinema Grill and developer of Reel Luxury Cinema in The Woodlands, acquired the property in 2022. President Omar Khan announced the company had plans to restore and reopen the theater.
Construction on the 85-year-old theater began in 2023. The company completely renovated the inside of the theater adding a full kitchen and two bars, a new roof, an enhanced sound and lighting system, improved theater seats, new screens, and a live stage.
Owners of the River Oaks Theatre hosted a press preview Oct. 1 to give a glimpse into the revamped space before opening to the public Oct. 3.
The main downstairs theatre includes 243 seats with a large stage for popular screenings and live performances. Upstairs there are two auditoriums that offer smaller screens for more private and niche films, Jason Ostraw, Culinary Khancepts' vice president of development, said during the tour. The two rooms can accommodate 50 visitors each.
The theater also includes a full bar downstairs and upstairs, a VIP private screening room and food service at each seat.
The River Oaks Theatre officially opens at 6 p.m., Oct. 3, with the "Joker: Folie a Deux," showing at 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. The American indie film, "In the Summers," will also be screened at 8 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. The classic "Rocky Horror Picture Show," will return to the theater Oct. 5 at midnight.
The first 800 visitors to the theater will receive a commemorative gold coin engraved with the River Oaks Theatre logo and grand reopening date.
