Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas opened its first Los Angeles County venue Sept. 21 in Westlake Village. The theater features upscale amenities such as in-seat food service, reclining seats, swivel tables and a hotel-like lobby with a lounge. “More than anything, we have large auditoriums which have fewer seats,” said Carlos Wellman, a managing director with Cinepolis. Cinepolis, based in Mexico, is the largest movie theater chain in Latin America and fourth-largest in the world. It also operates theaters in San Diego, Carlsbad and Laguna Nigel. Cinepolis will open its next location in Santa Rancho Margarita, Wellman said. The Westlake Village theater in The Promenade shopping center had previously been operated by another chain. The Promenade is owned by developer Rick Caruso and Caruso Affiliated. “We chose to get into Caruso property in order to strategically have a landlord known for high end,” Wellman said. Cinepolis sees its theaters as being more than just a place to see a movie. With its lobby lounge and outdoor patio dining area, the theater aims to attract a crowd seeking a different type of hospitality venue. “People can come in before or after a move to mingle and socialize,” Wellman said. –Mark R. Madler
Promenade Welcomes New Theater
