After shuttering almost a year ago to the day at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Railyard-based movie theater Violet Crown Cinema announced today via press release that it will reopen in a limited capacity starting March 19. The reopening represents the first of a multi-phase plan and is dubbed "RSVP Cinema."
"Unlike the traditional cinema experience, showtimes for RSVP Cinema are not connected to a specific movie," the announcement reads. "Instead, customers choose the day and time most convenient for them, and then select a movie from a library containing more than 100 films, both current releases and classics."
Public screenings will be announced at a later date.
Reserving an auditorium will run moviegoers between $50-$100 depending on the time of day they wish to attend, which does not include the ticket price. Additionally, a new text-based food ordering system called "Order More" will allow patrons to use their phones to order food without leaving the movie so long as they open a tab with a Violet Crown employee upon arrival. The theater also plans to offer an updated food menu alongside the new system, including pizzas made with sourdough.
"Our revamped menu reflects the lion's share of our mission: Fantastic film paired with fantastic food," Violet Crown General Manager Peter Grendle says in the announcement.
With Santa Fe county phasing to the green designation within the state's red-to-green public health framework, other venue re-openings are probably not far behind. Just last week, Meow Wolf announced it will also reopen in a limited capacity on March 19. Restrictions are being relaxed across the board, including an increase for indoor dining capacity from 33% to 50%. Outdoor dining will remain at 75%, but businesses that sell alcohol will no longer be forced to close by 10 pm. Bars and clubs can provide outdoor-only service at 25% capacity under the new green guidelines.
The entire list of changes at each level can be viewed here, and the categories of businesses are located here.
