Opening January 2014, the first Ohio SMG will mark the company's 15th location
DALLAS, Dec. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Studio Movie Grill (SMG) Arena Grand will open in the Arena District of Columbus in mid-January 2014 and marks the first Ohio location for SMG and its 15th location in the US. The SMG Arena Grand opening is a part of a continuing strategic expansion plan for the Dallas based exhibitor. Formerly occupied by the Arena Grand Movie Theater, the existing location is undergoing a major conversion to the SMG concept including a full commercial kitchen, VIP stadium seating, and a two story bar and lounge addition. SMG looks forward to welcoming local patrons to its wide range of American grill menu items, premium beverage selection, and immersive viewing experience.
"Columbus is the perfect city for the movie grill concept and the Arena District presented an ideal location for SMG expansion plans. We can't wait to introduce ourselves to our new community. Alternate programming, outreach and special events will be a major focus alongside first-run movies because we appreciate that consumers today are looking for unique ways to get more from their entertainment experiences," said Brian Schultz, Studio Movie Grill CEO, founder and owner.
"We are thrilled to reopen the theatre as the Studio Movie Grill Arena Grand in the Arena District," said Nationwide Realty Investors President Brian J. Ellis. "The fully renovated theatre will greatly enhance the amenities we have in the District for our visitors and residents."
SMG Arena Grand will offer first-run movies with convenient 100% reserved seating. Once inside, patrons will enjoy modern comfort, crystal clear Dolby audio, the best in today's Christie projection systems and Masterimage's Clarity 3D. At the push of a button, guests can experience Studio Movie Grill's distinct kitchen-to-chair delivery and a skilled team trained to serve without compromising the view. "You become a guest of SMG the moment you purchase your ticket. With 100% reserved seating, patrons can enjoy themselves both in the theater or lingering at the bar before or after their movie, and never feel hurried to get to their seat, providing a no-rush feeling. We invite the Columbus community to come and experience what sets us apart from our competition when we open our doors in the New Year," says Schultz, who has spent the last 20 years refining the in-theater dining concept.
With an ever-evolving dining menu, Studio Movie Grill has upped the ante on what to expect from theater food. SMG's menu features an eclectic and varied menu offering Edamame, Ceviche Lettuce Wraps and Blackened Chicken Salad as well as house favorites such as Coconut Chicken, Gouda Bacon Burger, Blackened Chicken Fajita Quesadillas and Artisan Pizzas. In-theater or at the bar, guests can enjoy premium drinks including signature SMG Cellars wines from Central California. There will also be a tempting array of cocktails including the popular Texas Frozen Margarita paying homage to SMG's home state and a signature Studio Blue Grande Margarita alongside perennial favorites such as the New York Cosmo and Extra Long Island Iced Tea.
Studio Movie Grill proudly supports local initiatives through community outreach and will offer its SMG Special Needs Screenings for families raising children with special needs. These screenings offer first-run family movies free to children with special needs and their siblings. Additionally, SMG with A Twist provides affordable alternate and family programming including documentaries, cartoons, concert films, sports, and special advanced promotional screenings plus themed monthly film series such as "SMG Toons", "Girls Night Out", and "Brews & Views." A new series,"Family Rewind"- introducing our children to movies we loved when we were young – will launch with the new theater opening. This unique and distinct programming supports education initiatives, artistic creation and public awareness in SMG neighborhoods.
About Studio Movie Grill:
Studio Movie Grill (SMG) modernized the traditional movie-going experience by combining first-run movies with in-theater dining, and is differentiated in the market today by its continued ability to innovate and maximize movie and menu offerings. The SMG Arena Grand, Columbus opening marks SMG's 15th location to date. SMG has existing locations in Texas, Georgia, Arizona, Illinois, North Carolina and Indiana with more expansion on the way. New locations are planned for 2014. For additional information, please visit www.studiomoviegrill.com.
Media Contact:
Lynne McQuaker, Studio Movie Grill, (972) 388-7888, Ext. 232; Email