Senior Aly Tennis stands outside the recently modeled B&B movie theater on Tues. Nov. 28. “I didn’t work there before the remodel, but I did go to movies a lot, and it was a little rough because it really needed the remodel. The carpet was kind of gross, the seats were all rickety and it just wasn’t the nicest,” Tennis said. “I just went there because it was cheap. So after [the renovation], it became clean and new.”
B&B Theatres changes movie-watching experience due to renovations
B&B 18 stands as the only theatre in Shawnee
The interior of B&B Theatres, located at 16301 Midland Dr., is more modern and classier, but it wasn’t always like that. Since 1994, Westglen has remained the only theatre in Shawnee, but in October 2014, the B&B Theatres company bought out Westglen. This later led to the renovation of the theatre in 2016.
Loyalty and marketing specialist Paul Weiss believes the Westglen theatre was due for a remodel after they took over the theatre to improve business.
“The facility was well worn and had seen a great deal of traffic over the years, but continued to service a large area of moviegoers,” Weiss said via email. “B&B Theatres determined that a remodel would better align the facility with our branding efforts and corporate standards, as well as demonstrate our commitment to the community.”
When the renovation began, the company had many things to improve upon. After the renovation, there are new features such as leather recliners and a different concession stand setup. Senior Aly Tennis, who works at B&B, says these renovations have helped to boost business at the theatre.
“Once you get the recliner seats that are leather and so comfy, you can’t really go back,” Tennis said. “It’s a really good way to get people to be loyal to our theatre because we have that customization that not everyone has, and I think it’s really helped us be more
After almost a full year, B&B theatre runs stronger than before.
elegant as a theatre instead of just being kind of rough.”
With the change in ownership, junior Josie Carey believes the environment makes working at B&B better.
“I like working there because it is a fun environment and we get good discounts. Everyone is friends with eac
Remodeled concession stands has more food options of multiple different varieties.
h other,” Carey said. “The work environment is laid-back. All the employees are really nice, and the managers are pretty chill. Most of our customers are nice to us.”
Whenever the theater is open, Weiss makes sure the overall environment is “friendly, fast-paced and enjoyable” for both the employees and customers.
“We make it a point to cross-train employees in a variety of functional areas [and to] work around school and family commitments as best as we are able,” Weiss said. “[We] pride ourselves on creating a safe, approachable and fun work environment for our management teams and front-line employees.”