For the last several months, Harkins Theatres has submitted liquor license requests for a number of its theaters across the Valley.
At the time, we did not know what Harkins' plans were. Now we do.
The Valley-based theater chain is spending $150 million to upgrade all of its theaters, both in Arizona and out of state, according to a news release.
Here are the improvements:
- In-lobby bars and lounges: The theater chain will add bars and lounges to its theaters, a concept that other chains like AMC, Studio Movie Grill and Alamo Drafthouse have done. According to the website, the bar will have custom cocktails and feature local beers and wines.
- Reserved seating and lounge seats: The theater has also implemented reserved seating where people can select and purchase their seats online. They will also debut their leather electronic reclining seats.
- CINE1 Auditoriums: These are the largest theaters with the biggest screen in the theater, according to Harkins. They have Dolby Atmos object-based 3D sound system and "state-of-the-art laser projection."
Other improvements include updating the lobbies.
Related: See inside Harkins' private luxury theater in Scottsdale
Harkins said its Scottsdale 101 theater, near Scottsdale Road and Mayo Blvd., has already been updated, and the Chandler Fashion 20 and Arrowhead 18 theaters are almost done.
Construction has reportedly begun at other Phoenix theaters, Harkins said, and individual updates would be released as they're completed.
There are 26 Harkins theaters in Arizona.
