Studio Movie Grill is officially coming to Tyler.
The business has been on the site plans for about six months as a possible tenant for the 80-acre retail development, Village at Cumberland.
Brian Schultz, CEO, confirmed the news recently when he announced a major expansion initiative that has seen new theaters open in Indianapolis, Columbus and Dallas in the past several months, with plans for new locations opening in Chatham, Ill., Colleyville, The Colony and Tyler, according to a statement on www.prnewswire.com.
Mark Whatley, broker for Burns Commercial Properties, said Thursday Studio Movie Grill is coming to Village at Cumberland, off South Broadway Avenue, and will offer "another option for people to do something" in Tyler.
David Wilson, president of Connected Development Services for The Retail Connection L.P., the Dallas-based owner, said the retail center will be a fun place to shop, eat, play and stay. The center could become home to more than 90 businesses, which will start opening this year. Construction is well underway.
Studio Movie Grill (SMG) Tyler will have 10 screens. The 42,000-square-foot theater will seat 1,400 people and is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2015. The theater will offer casual dining and lounge areas for socializing before or after the main feature and dinner.
"The Studio Movie Grill is so much more than movies," Schultz said in the statement. "We offer one-stop destinations for dining, entertainment and a welcoming place to meet with friends and family. We're a great choice for both special occasions and a simple night out.
"SMG is excited to transform the typical cinema experience and offer a community gathering place alongside dinner and a movie."
Since Schultz developed the concept in 1993 and established SMG in 2000, the company has grown to 16 locations and 158 screens in seven states.
"Studio Movie Grill is excited to be expanding and to be on the forefront of enormous growth in our segment of the movie exhibition industry," Schultz said. "We are always seeking new ways to provide the guest with a relaxing, no-rush experience in an appealing environment, coupled with the best technology, dedicated service and a continually evolving, eclectic menu."
Studio Movie Grill plans to roll out a new menu in May that will feature dishes such as sage-dusted pork chops, pork belly macaroni and cheese and mahi mahi fish and chips, as well as a premium liquor selection and new beer choices.
Studio Movie Grill supports local initiatives through community outreach and by offering programs that make an impact, according to the statement. One example is Studio Movie Grill's Special Needs Screenings for families raising children with special needs. Established more than seven years ago, these screenings offer first-run family movies free to children with special needs and their siblings. Additionally, Studio Movie Grill provides alternate, educational and family programming, including documentaries, cartoons, concert films, sports and special advanced promotional screenings, plus themed monthly film series. This supports local community initiatives, artistic creation and public awareness in SMG neighborhoods.
For more, visit www.studiomoviegrill.com.