A new chapter in moviegoing is about to unfold in New York City, where Alamo Drafthouse founder Tim League is launching Metro Private Cinema - a bespoke, upscale take on the classic night at the movies.
Opening soon in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighbourhood, the concept merges private screenings with high-end culinary service, all inside a purpose-built 20-screen facility designed for group bookings.
Rather than selling individual tickets, Metro Private Cinema allows hosts to reserve entire screening rooms that accommodate between four and twelve guests.
Visitors can select the film, the time, and an optional multi-course dining experience tailored to match the theme of the movie. Rates begin at US$50 per person with unlimited popcorn, rising to $600 for the largest rooms, while food packages add $100 per person - with optional alcoholic beverages adding at least $50 more.
“It’s a night out,” League told The Hollywood Reporter. “If you want to have what we’re trying to create — a very special experience with dinner, friends and a movie — I think there’s an audience for it here.”
The initiative, financially backed by Alamo Drafthouse and supported by League in his role as a strategic advisor, will debut at 131 Eighth Avenue. A firm launch date has yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to open by late August or early September.
The project was initially sparked by a conversation in 2016 between League and Homeaway founder Brian Sharples, who observed how often friends would invite themselves to his home theatre.
League built a prototype in 2017, but the concept only moved forward seriously in 2021. Construction wrapped this year, with Metro Private Cinema emerging as both a passion project and a potential model for expansion.
When it opens, audiences will be able to watch summer blockbusters, delve into a curated catalogue, or, for those seeking a specific film not in the catalogue, the theatre offers a bespoke option - for an added fee, staff will source it.
The food program takes Metro Private Cinema a step beyond traditional dine-in movie theatres. Led by chef Joshua Guarneri - formerly of Bar Avalon in Los Angeles and The Breslin in New York - the offerings include seasonal menus and themed culinary experiences.
League explained that there are already seven or eight “culinary cinematic adventures” designed for specific films.
“Whenever we’ve done that type of thing at Alamo, it’s been some of my favourite moments and we’re just trying to go even further [here],” he said.
Diners can pair, for instance, Garlic Is as Good as Ten Mothers with a meal of chilled almond soup, charcuterie, roasted rabbit, and succotash - each dish “kissed or clobbered by God’s gift to cuisine: garlic”, according to the cinema’s website.
Other themed menus include a Wicked dinner, a Goodfellas-inspired Italian spread, and a holiday A Christmas Story duck feast. Each experience includes time after the screening for guests to linger and enjoy the space.
The new cinema arrives at a complex time for the industry. The future of in-person moviegoing remains uncertain as cinemas grapple with streaming competition, changing habits, and financial pressures.
While major chains have pledged billions in upgrades, others - like AMC - have introduced changes, such as pre-roll advertisements, that have drawn criticism.
League’s bet is that audiences still crave shared cinematic experiences - but with an added sense of occasion and exclusivity.
One notable departure from Alamo’s famously strict etiquette? Guests can talk and text - if they want to. “You can text, as much as it pains me to say it. You can talk,” League admitted.
“It’s just you’re a worse person if you do.” Ultimately, it’s the host who sets the rules, with dedicated attendants on hand to ensure a seamless and personalised evening.
While Chelsea is just the beginning, League is already eyeing additional locations. “The intent is to open more,” he said. “But first we need to open this one.”
