By Kathleen Swift
Area movie lovers are in for a treat as B&B Theatre in Neosho, Missouri, is undergoing an extensive remodel. Paul Farnsworth, director of public relations for B&B Theatres, noted, “The Neosho location has been very good to us for many years. Since its initial opening in 2000, we’ve routinely reinvested in efforts, including a total digital projection install and various aesthetic updates. This effort is entirely different and will redefine the guest experience.
“As B&B Theatres expands and enters new markets, we also want to be sure to bring our small- town properties into alignment with our signature style and amenities,” said Farnsworth. “While there are some great films coming out in the coming weeks, the fall months present us a little breathing room to hammer out this remodel before the blockbuster November/December months. We anticipate a closure of no longer than eight weeks and estimate a late-November reopening date.”
The changes patrons can expect to see include replacing outdated seating with electric recliners in every auditorium, a full-service bar, a new exterior façade, a completely gutted and redesigned lobby, new digital signage, new carpet, and gutted and renovated restrooms.
“The leather recliners are notably wider than the existing rocker seats,” said Farnsworth, “so guest comfort will be greatly enhanced. As the seats are larger, there will be fewer seats in each auditorium. The spacing between rows has also been dramatically widened. This means that even when a guest is fully reclined, there is still plenty of clearance for guests to cross in front when entering or exiting the theater.”
One of the biggest changes for the theater is the addition of the full-service bar for guests ages 21 and older. Farnsworth said, “The alcohol is not the defining component of the experience; it is merely an optional part of it. The key is the responsible incorporation of the amenity, and B&B Theatres has been doing it for nearly 10 years in various markets across the country. Our employees are trained and strict about alcohol service.
“We will offer a wide array of wine, beer and mixed drinks. We are currently in talks with some local microbreweries and looking to carry some of their product. The drinks can be enjoyed at some high-top tables adjacent to the bar or taken into any of the six theaters.”
For B&B Theatres, the guests are a top priority.
“B&B is committed to the guest experience, and in Neosho, we have long enjoyed active, engaged and enthusiastic managers and team members. Our staff enjoys the magic of the movies, believes in the theatrical experience and values the community in which we operate. Our guests, we hope, feel that genuine quality. Their support and patronage encourage us to recommit to the community,” said Farnsworth.
“B&B has been aggressively expanding, but at a calculated and measured pace. We pride ourselves on commitment to our core values: family, fun, innovation, joy and integrity,” said Farnsworth. “Our belief in and adherence to those principles has permitted us to grow responsibility, develop new and exciting entertainment options, and access new markets.
“Guests can anticipate a greater level of convenience and comfort as well as a sense of pride regarding their hometown theater. The transformation will be dramatic and comprehensive. It will look almost like a new build. It is thrilling to watch guests reenter their theater after a remodel and get reenergized about visiting a place that is both familiar and new to them.”
B&B Theatres will continue to offer their guests great entertainment experiences at best-in-class facilities. There is always something going on at B&B, and guests can follow them on social media or subscribe to their YouTube channel for the latest information regarding the goings-on around the B&B circuit.
New Amenities at
B&B Theatre Neosho
Electric leather recliners in every auditorium
Full-service bar
New exterior facade
Completely gutted and redesigned lobby
New digital signage
New carpet
Renovated restrooms