CURTAINS FOR CINEMA PUB

Cinema pub to close after six-month run

Banquet Cinema is closing after only a six-month run

Banquet Ci ne ma, which introduced the mix of dining and a bar with a two-screen theater to downtown, is showing its last film on Saturday.

Owners Hunter Wheat and Lacey Pritchard opened Banquet Cinema in February in a decades-old former Pontiac and Chrysler showroom and garage at 800 NW 4.

The corner is within walking distance of where dozens of modern homes have been built in Midtown and the West Village mixed-use development along Film Row.

But much of the surrounding area set for development is still in planning, including 700 West, a mix of 138 apartments and 4,000 square feet of retail set to be built immediately east of Banquet Cinema.

Wheat said this week the concept itself proved confusing to patrons.

“The biggest challenge has been t hat t he movies have done really well, but people were confused t hey didn't need a ticket to come into the space,” Wheat said. “And then were those going to the movies and not knowing there was this whole dining experience up front.”

Pritchard said “Once Upon A Time in Hollywood” will be the last film shown, though talks are underway with potential partners to look at —it' s been selling out ,” Pritchard said. “But the only people coming in were those coming to see the movie."

Wheat said talks are underway f or potential brewery operators to take one or both of the cinemas. He and Pritchard still believe in their original concept, but add it may have been too soon to attempt the experiment at what is still the western fringe of downtown.

“Maybe it can be a group that has a concept that is already successful and has a good following, that could help with a venue that is slightly off the beaten path,” Wheat said. “If we could get to two years from now, I think it will be a screaming deal for anyone.”

OKLAHOMAN] [BRYAN TERRY/ THE Banquet Cinema Pub, 800 NW 4, is closing Saturday after attempting to draw customers with a mix of movies, a bar and dining.

[BRYAN TERRY/ THE OKLAHOMAN] Hunter Wheat hoped a two-screen cinema set up for drinks and food, along with an adjoining pub, would draw crowds to Banquet Cinema Pub at 800 NW 4. The venue will show its last movies Saturday night.