May 29, 2009: The Plaza Cinema Cafe had its first full day of operation today and we were second in line thanks to a tip from local performance artist Brian Feldman, who was the very first person to buy a ticket to a movie at this new downtown theatre. Here he is above being interviewed by Channel 9 WFTV about the occasion.
Felman attempts to buy the very first ticket for the film "The Odd Couple," which is advertised for an 11:30am showing, but is told the film is not being shown. The titles displayed on the signage behind the ticket person are unfamiliar to myself and Feldman, so I shout out the only title I do recognize: Dance Flick. Yes, the first ticket EVER purchased at the Plaza Cinema Cafe was for Dance Flick. Also, the Buy Local Orlando card is unable to be used by Feldman due to the ticket person's unfamiliarity with how it works.
Both of these problems are understandable as its the theatre's very first day of operation, so no hard feelings. We'll see Dance Flick.
The lobby is small with two large minimalist chandeliers which look more like leftover metal from a cable wheel than pieces of interior design. The wooden panels add warmth and flat-screen monitors show a repeating promotional video for the Orlando Film Festival.
The snack bar is bare, with no menus covering the lighted signage. Again, opening day. No worries.
Paper menus arrive in a cardboard box as we wait in line. They reveal that a full restaurant's offerings are available, including things in a section labeled "Happy Endings."
We see on a wall that Star Trek is playing. That was not displayed in the ticket booth, so the ticket person kindly offers to exchange our tickets.
Feldman is now the very first person to buy a ticket AND exchange a ticket.
Your first look at a theatre (currently showing Star Trek)
A peek behind the screen
I was not allowed by Feldman to video or photograph the final part of the visit, which was getting a refund for his ticket. According to Feldman, the smell of the new faux-leather seats was overwhelming. So, Feldman is now the very first person to buy a ticket, exchange a ticket and get a full refund at the Plaza Cinema Cafe.
4 Comments:
You guys do know that Jim "Slug" Duffy has either abandoned or been evicted from every single theatre he has ever operated right? This guy has one of the worst operator records in the movie industry. He gets developers to build him a building that he then milks and does not pay the rent. Past employees have had paychecks bounce, never received W2's, and he simply vanishes. Check out the history of Cinema Grill Systems, Restaurant Entertainment Group, EFW (Entertainment Film Works - yep the one that ran Altamonte Springs and Fashion Square for a few months until evicted) Backlot Management, Screenworks - specifically Oxford, MI, and Dekalb Ga, those were the only two he was able to open before his past caught up with him. Good luck with this guy...he wont be around long before the building will be dark.
Wait, wait, wait.... Jim Duffy was the same "mastermind" behind EFW?? I know so many people who were not only screwed over by that company, but were subpoenaed to appear in court because of all the nonsense surrounding that company. Everything is true: Bounced paychecks, "lost" W2s. My friend was working at the Colonial Promenade when federal agents came in and demanded they cease operations.
Anyone want to help me reopen a downtown theater any time soon?
Surprise, surprise... Jim Duffy was out before Christmas and it still looks like nobody has a clue how to run that theater. What a total and utter shame.
I think Egos have a huge part in this whole mess. If everyone involved (City of Orlando, RP Realty, etc.) would just quit playing politics, hang their personal laundry out to dry, and put someone in charge who knows how to run a theater, there may still be a glimmer of hope for the Plaza.
Someone needs to find out who is making all these promises to these people who keep jeopardizing the success of this theater and beat them about the face and neck. It may not improve the theater, but the satisfaction alone will ease the stress.
You guys should check out the mess he left behind at the Roxy Cinema Grill in Palm Bay, Florida. He owns a business, makes the initial investment and then allows incompetent buffoons to run the local day to day operation. Ripping off employees and vendors alike. Check him out closely. If there are a lot of lawsuits against him, there's a reason for it!
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