Alamo Drafthouse, that combination movie theater, restaurant, and craft beer bar, has reached a business milestone this year.
Tim and Karrie League, two Austin, Texas residents with a shared love of movies, decided one day to open a cinema. Theirs was a different type of movie theater than the ones common at the time. It was different because it served food and beverage- not the usual popcorn and soda, but rather restaurant style food and beer. In fact, they used this as part of their original advertising, promoting “good food, good beer, and good film, all at the same place.” The year was 1997 and over time, their concept would grow to include 28 separate cinemas across the United States.
This year, Alamo Drafthouse is turning 20 and while not quite at legal drinking age, Alamo is ready to celebrate two decades in existence with a series of events taking place throughout the remainder of 2017. Dubbed Alamo20, the Austin movie cinema chain will host several special movie showings at specific locations, including such notable films as War for the Planet of the Apes, Baby Driver, The Ballad of Lefty Brown, The Monster Squad, and more. Alamo Drafthouse founder Tim League says the decision to celebrate with classic movies aligns perfectly with Alamo’s mission.
“There is no better way for us to celebrate two decades of existence than sharing and celebrating movies we love. That’s what our company is all about, and that’s what Alamo20 is all about,” said League.
But movies are only part of the fun. Alamo plans to roll out a special line of 20th anniversary apparel that relives some of the cinema’s most iconic designs. The first clothing release is the 2017 Badass Cinema T-shirt, which will feature the eternally badass star of Coffy, Foxy Brown, and Jackie Brown, Pam Grier. And in keeping with Alamo’s spirit of community, a portion of the proceeds from shirt’s sales will support Project Angel Heart, a Denver-based nonprofit organization that Grier has been working with for years.
Most important to craft beer fans, Alamo Drafthouse is releasing a new beer. Brewed in collaboration with Austin Beerworks, this celebratory beer is named “Action! Anniversary Ale”, a limited edition pale ale, brewed with two different hop varieties. It will be sold in 16-ounce “tallboy” cans with six experimental, collectible designs. The ale is available right now at select Texas Alamo Drafthouse locations and will be offered while supplies last.
Alamo Drafthouse has been running movies, serving food, and pouring beer for 20 years now. What started as warehouse- turned- movie- theater on Colorado Street in Austin, Texas in 1997 has morphed into something amazing, leading other theaters to mimic the Alamo Drafthouse formula with their own full- service restaurant/bar/movie cinema combinations. But there is only one Alamo Drafthouse and Great Beer Now salutes this Texas establishment for showing the world that there is so much more to watching a film than the movie on the screen.
For tickets, the latest programming details, and more visit alamo20.com
For 20th Anniversary Merchandise, visit mondotees.com/collections/alamo-20
To follow Alamo Drafthouse on social media:
Facebook: Facebook.com/AlamoDrafthouse
Twitter: Twitter.com/drafthouse
Instagram: Instagram.com/drafthouse
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