Chance the Rapper Buys Out Newly-Remodeled 14-Screen Movie Theater Complex; New SMG Aims to Stimulate the Economy While Creating Over 100 Local Jobs
March 6, 2017 – Although official grand opening festivities for the newly-remodeled Studio Movie Grill (“SMG”) haven’t occurred, that didn’t stop Chance the Rapper recently from getting a head start by buying out the Chicago theater to treat his fans to a free movie at the long-standing Chatham community hub. SMG has a track record of creating ongoing positive economic impact in nine states and the company plans to do the same for Chicago’s South Side.
Studio Movie Grill has been hard at work on the completion of the remodel and update of this location at 210 W. 87th Street and is set to hold re-opening community events this month to celebrate. The remodel comes just in time for new blockbusters such as LOGAN, KONG: SKULL ISLAND, TRAINSPOTTING 2 and BEAUTY & THE BEAST. The 65,186 square-foot theater will be a social destination, encompassing 14 screens and over 1,247 luxury, custom-made Inorca © seats.
“After years of gathering input from community leaders and guests, it’s exciting to finally be completing our SMG Chatham remodel for local residents and delivering what the community has asked for. It’s also extremely important for us to further our commitment as a true partner in the community by providing our new neighbors in Chatham numerous economic and employment opportunities. We are building our team from the local community to serve the community,” said Studio Movie Grill Founder & CEO Brian Schultz.
Studio Movie Grill/Add One

SMG Chatham Manager Venisha White-Johnson strikes a pose with 2017 Grammy-winner Chance the Rapper as he visits the newly-remodeled theater.

SMG has already hired local managers and is continuing to actively hire  local team members looking to fill a number of positions – bartenders, cooks, runners and servers. Once hiring is complete, the theater will employ more than 100 local residents. Prospective employees are welcome to apply in person to General Manager Stephen Buckus or his team at the theater’s employment office at 210 W. 87th Street from 9:00am-6:00pm Monday-Saturday or through the SMG website at www.studiomoviegrill.com.
SMG Chatham will offer guests an enhanced movie-going experience. The remodel includes auditoriums equipped with leather lounge seats and a contemporary-casual entry and bar area. The updated SMG location will offer a true marriage of hospitality and lounge experiences as SMG continues to innovate fresh ideas into its concept including its SMG Signature Service and SMG Live stage performances in March.
“We all love the excitement of going to the movies and Studio Movie Grill has enhanced the experience by offering dinner at the movies. SMG is a tremendous addition to the community and will prove to be a wonderful entertainment and economic partner in the area as well,” said 21st Ward Alderman Howard Brookins Jr. “We look forward to their bringing the best in casual dining and entertainment to all of our residents for years to come.” SMG is sure to be a major attraction and drive traffic to the Chatham location. The concept has historically proven to be a boon to surrounding businesses through its ability to reinvigorate the area, provide advertising 365 days a year, and increase the volume of customers to nearby establishments.

About Studio Movie Grill

Studio Movie Grill, the leader in in-theater dining exhibition and named to Inc. Magazine’s 35th Annual List of Fastest Growing Private Companies, modernized the traditional movie-going experience by combining first-run movies with in-theater dining. Since 2000, SMG has swiftly grown to 24 locations in 9 states. Its long-standing Special Needs Screenings and Chefs for Children community programs continue to help families everywhere. SMG ranks No. 1 in box offices in in-theater dining concepts. For additional information, visit: www.studiomoviegrill.com.
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Media Contacts:
ADORN Lewis-Mitchell, (312) 318-9696, ADORN@abmitchellassociates.com
Lynne McQuaker, Studio Movie Grill, (972) 388-7888; lmcquaker@studiomoviegrill.com

By CCNM

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