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The theater newly re-named as the Lincoln Grand has been open for a
couple of weeks and according to acting manager Josh Ward business has
been good and visitors to the theater have been optimistic about the
return of the theater.
VIP Cinema’s owns a network of theaters, mostly in Illinois. They have
been in operation for ten years, and have gained knowledge and
experience in how to successfully operate a movie house in a small
community.
Friday evening there were several visitors to witness the ribbon
cut. Behind the ribbon were former Theater Manager Richard Casad,
newly hired assistant manager Emily Hyde and Ward represented VIP
Cinema’s Lincoln Grand. Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch along with
Alderman Rick Hoefle, City Clerk Peggy Bateman, and Lincoln Fire
Chief Bob Dunovsky were present along with Miss 2020 Logan County
Fair Queen Faith Doerr and Little Miss Aubrey Rogers, and Small Town
Creations owner Kathie Williams represented the Logan County Tourism
Bureau.
Karen Hargis and Lisa Ramlow of Lincoln Daily News
held the ribbon for the cut. Also on hand from LDN was Nila Smith
behind the camera.
The staff at Lincoln Theater was introduced starting with Casad. He
received a round of applause after the introduction. Casad had said
before the cut that, yes, he was back, but it was fully his intent
to “pass the torch” at some point in the future.
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Nonetheless, for
the time being at least Casad is a familiar face in the theater that
many appreciate seeing when they come in.
Ward spoke briefly saying that VIP Cinemas was happy to be in
Lincoln. They were enjoying the response to the theater and were
hopeful that the momentum of the first couple of weeks would keep
up.
Mayor Welch also spoke saying that it was good to see the vacant
theater up and running. Having the theater open is good for the
community and good for the local economy. He wished the new owners
much success and thanked them for investing in Lincoln.
After a posed picture, the traditional count down was called out,
then Ward snipped the ribbon. Guests were invited to go inside and
check out the theater and also enter to win two free movie tickets
for future use.
[Nila Smith] |
