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The Ultimate Movie Experience

This winter, a unique new offering will be open for resort guests and the local community: Waikoloa Luxury Cinemas at Queens’ MarketPlace. Scheduled to open around the beginning of December — “We don’t want to miss the new Star Wars release on December 15!” says Tony Dalzell, who along with his wife, Maria, own the new business — the Cinemas space houses three screens, two of which have 101 seats (one 3-D), and a third at 84 seats. A cocktail lounge and restaurant, Bistro at the Cinemas, will serve food and drink on a 5,000-square-foot covered outdoor lanai.
“The primary components are love seat-style seating with tray tables and recliners, the availability of gourmet food and alcoholic beverages, but most importantly, reserved seating!” says Dalzell. “No more having to show up early and wait in line to get a decent seat … just show up when you want, whether before the show to enjoy a cocktail or at the last minute as the curtain is raising — your favorite seat will be there waiting for you.”

Ticket prices will range between $12.50 – $18.50, and Kama`aina Cards that provide a 10 percent discount at the concession stand will be available for local patrons.

While the first-run movies will be the main attraction — heretofore the closest theaters were in Kona or Honokaa — the culinary offerings are sure to have their own following. The pizza chef comes to the bistro with more than 10 years of experience in restaurants in California, and the general manager of food and beverage operations comes from the Four Seasons Hualalai, right down the Kohala Coast.

“We’ll be specializing in ‘fun food’ items such as Neapolitan-style pizzas and six to eight different kinds of gourmet tacos,” Dalzell says. “Hummus or pub cheese appetizer plates, grilled cheese salted pretzels, salads, and our specialty, Hatch Chili Lobster Macaroni & Cheese Burritos, will be among the many other unique items available.” Although the Bistro will be there to primarily enhance the moviegoers’ experience, it is completely open to non-movie goers as well. “It will hopefully become a destination in itself, offering a warm, fun-filled atmosphere with live music every night and very affordable food & beverage options.”

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