UPDATED: Alamo Drafthouse gets thumbs-up from Richardson planning commission

Looks like Austin cult theater chain will finally come to North Texas.

Alamo Drafthouse

RICHARDSON — The City of Richardson's planning commission gave the go-ahead to a plan from Austin-based Alamo Drafthouse to open its first branch in Dallas-Fort Worth in the Richardson Heights Shopping Center.

The commission voted unanimously in favor of the theater; the Richardson city council will vote on May 14. The theater would go into an old Pep Boys store.

Residents and commission members spoke of feeling "euphoric" about the prospect of an Alamo coming in to a cherished but faded center that's been pining desperately for national tenants.

Bill DiGaetano of Alamo Drafthouse said that Alamo was excited about its potential first theater in DFW and its proximity to the University of Texas at Dallas.

The theater-restaurant would have 740 seats with a full kitchen and 40 beers on tap. Two neighbors who live nearby expressed their concern about "noise pollution," but DiGaetano said that no event would exceed movie sound levels.

"Our big season is holidays and summers, but Alamo has filled in the other times with special events, and that's what separates us from what you might see in this area," he said. "The special events are based on movies, like a Caddyshack quote-along or a Princess Bride feature, where we pair menu items. We might do a beer fest where we do a local brew paired with menu items. It's almost always related to the theater and what's on the screen. We've never had a concert since 1997, and never had an event so noisy that it would disturb the other movies in the theater."

In response to questions about the bar, DiGaetano said that its primary use was for customers to come before and stay after a movie. "But we run happy hour specials, and you don’t have to see a movie to come -- we want people to come there," he said.

Proposed facade for Alamo Drafthouse in Richardson

Alamo Drafthouse expressed its intent to expand to Dallas in 2008. Last year, the chain, which observes a strict no-talking no-texting policy, made national news when it kicked out a patron for texting in the theater; they subsequently used the patron's angry voicemail as a PSA.

The commission devoted nearly an hour to discussions about signage and the theater marquee, with some requesting that the theater observe a mid-century modern design that would match the values of the neighborhood, and others protesting the theater's request for a large sign. It seemed like it might get stalled until DiGaetano made clear that there was a sense of urgency -- one that also explained why news of the theater had been kept on the downlow.

"It is urgent -- the reason is that old theater on Spring Valley," he said. "It's an existing theater, and if a theater group comes in there before we announce, [then] we're not coming into Richardson nor will any theater come back into Richardson. Because in order to show first-run Hollywood movies, you have to be three miles from an existing theater. So once you plant your flag, nobody can come within three miles of you simply because they won't get the same films as you. Delaying this causes us to delay announcing it, and delaying announcing it could be detrimental to the whole process. We have contingencies in our lease that if something like that happens, we’re out."

Assuming the city council gives its approval, construction would begin almost immediately; DiGaetano said that Alamo's lease was for 15 years.

UPDATE: Official release is here.

blueskies758, anonymous:

Best news for DFW art scene. And best news Ive had since moving from Austin since I moved 2 yrs ago. Get ready Dallas.

1 year, 1 month ago
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James Scott, verified:

I'll still prefer Texas Theater, but this is good news from a food perspective, as their menu is a little more vegan-friendly (and overall more interesting) than the generic stuff at Studio Movie Grill.

Best news for DFW art scene will be when The Citizen Theater opens in Fort Worth!

1 year, 1 month ago
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Teresa Gubbins, staff:

James Scott, for me, the appeal of Alamo is the BEER

1 year, 1 month ago
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Jason Rice, verified:

For me - give me the ATTITUDE!
You can chomp celery anywhere...

eg Princess Bride Wines

1 year, 1 month ago
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Jack Reed, verified:

Finally. They tried to put one into the old Casa Linda Theater years ago but the landlords made it too expensive. I've heard great things about this company. Just with Dallas could get one.

1 year, 1 month ago
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Jack Reed, verified:

Just WISH Dallas could get one.

1 year, 1 month ago
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Teresa Gubbins, staff:

Jack Reed, i guess the odds of having another in DFW are slim - but they DID say that as long as it's not 3 miles from another theater... so we can dream. (i never knew that rule, about not having a theater within 3 miles of each other.)

what i'd really like now is for Richardson Heights Shopping Center to have a DART Rail stop. and OK, a Starbucks would be good. it will be interesting to see what other businesses might now move in

1 year, 1 month ago
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thedangernation, anonymous:

Awesome indeed,This'll make up for the Casa Linda fiasco. I'll be looking forward to it.

1 year, 1 month ago
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Alex Bentley, staff:

Teresa, if we lived in New York, you'd say that the proposed location is almost right next door to the Spring Valley DART stop. It's only a little over a mile away - practically nothing.

1 year, 1 month ago
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lakewoodhobo, anonymous:

Alamo Drafthouse would be smart to consider Victory Park or the old West End Cinema for a second location. It would attract all of Downtown/Design District/Stemmons. Who can we write to with this suggestion?

1 year, 1 month ago
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Teresa Gubbins, staff:

Alex, just a quick hop skip and a jump over the freeway

lakewoodhobo - Victory Park or West End is sheer brilliance. i'm thinking they'll want to see how Richardson goes first. but downtown D would be fantastic

1 year, 1 month ago
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Alex Bentley, staff:

Don't know how you do it, but there I'd go under the freeway - much safer.

1 year, 1 month ago
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Teresa Gubbins, staff:

Front Row summarizes some of the backstory:

http://frontrow.dmagazine.com/2012/05...

and SideDish has a nice Big Lebowski photo:

http://sidedish.dmagazine.com/2012/05...

1 year, 1 month ago
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OEsophagus, anonymous:

Most of their theaters in the state are in the suburbs. Lots of young people with kids and nostalgic tendencies out there.

1 year, 1 month ago
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Stephen Edmondson, anonymous:

So happy to have this coming to the neighborhood.

1 year, 1 month ago
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James Scott, verified:

Teresa - I need to get my priorities in check, look past the vegan food, and remember the BEER! Thanks for setting me straight.

1 year, 1 month ago
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yikescrawford, anonymous:

Hey, Teresa. Interesting to note that when I interviewed Tim League before very first Alamo Drafthouse opened, he credited Granada Theater as an inspiration. That piece of Alamo DH history has disappeared through the years.

1 year, 1 month ago
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blueskies758, anonymous:

Actually I live in Carrollton and there has been an Alamo Drafthouse permit sign (for alcohol) since 6-2011. Corner of Frankford and Old Denton, see for yourself. I think its stalled for some reason, because the mayor is really behind the prospect. Tim League (Alamo CEO) also said last year that they want to be in DFW in a big way - just need to line up the right locations - patron the Alamo Richardson in a big way and they WILL build more. When I moved I really wanted to like the SMG but they lack in so many ways to what the Alamo does, from attitude, fun, not to mention quality of food itself. Who else gives flutes for the flute scene of Anchorman! Other cities will take notice. Way too much money up here for the news not to spread.

Relocated Ausinite

1 year, 1 month ago
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Teresa Gubbins, staff:

blueskies758, Dallas-Fort Worth is happy to have a relocated Austinite like yourself within its midst. thanks for your comment.

You reminded me that we had a profile on Mayor Marchant back in January from our illustrious content partner Star Local News, in which he mentioned his enthusiasm for an Alamo:

http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2012/...

1 year, 1 month ago
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Nancy Nichols, verified:

We, at SideDish, are shomer shabbos.

1 year, 1 month ago
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Scott Doyle, verified:

Honestly not sure how I feel about this. Dallas already has Studio Movie Grill, let Austin keep Alamo imo - same for food trucks.

Not keeping Austin very weird here, buds.

1 year, 1 month ago
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blueskies758, anonymous:

Comparing the Alamo Drafthouse to the SMG is like comparing a dressed up girl with 2 lbs of make up who looks like everyone else and a natural home town beauty who is charming and beautiful.

Went to SMG Lewisville and bought some "queso". It was seriously like cheese whiz heated up, just nasty. Alamo Drafthouse queso won the best queso award in Austin either in 2010 or 2011.

I took my dad to the Plano SMG for his bday last month. We waited for 20 min after I turned on the table light for an attendant. Finally I went out to the server - he was out in the hall talking to friends. After asking him if he could take my order, he said nothing. That would never happen at the AD. As a former server, that is NOT service. Just my 2 cents.

As a former Austinite, I want to like Dallas. The jobs are better here, as are the home values. I think DFW is PLENTY big enough to have some cool enclaves sprinkled throughout that are safe and unique spots that arent cookie cutter chains one can find on any street corner. Besides Austin is growing so large in the last few years that its only a matter of time where what magic is left is ruined.

1 year, 1 month ago
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Scott Doyle, verified:

Comparing the Alamo Drafthouse to the SMG is like comparing a dressed up girl with 2 lbs of make up who looks like everyone else and a natural home town beauty who is charming and beautiful.

Thanks for making my point. Why bring a hometown gem to where girls put on 2 lbs of makeup? SMG is perfect for Dallas.

Concur that Austin is outgrowing its charm, but that coming out right after "Dallas is big enough to sprinkle some enclaves" is quite contradictory. Especially since what started as a 6th street hit in ATX is going to...Richardson.

1 year, 1 month ago
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Teresa Gubbins, staff:

Scott Doyle, do you have any personal experience with or knowledge of Richardson?

1 year, 1 month ago
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blueskies758, anonymous:

No disrespect. But....

Does the SMG hold movie premieres (Star Trek 3 yrs ago in Austin with Leonard Nimoy and JJ Abrams). (no)

Does the SMG have a Facebook page with well over 100,000 fans ? (no.)

Does the SMG have LOADS of special events whereby actors, directors and writers come and give commentary, Q & A about the films they partcipated on? (no.)

Did Quentin Tarantino say the SMG was the "bad ass cinema" ? (no.)

Did Time magazine vote the SMG the "Best movie theater on the planet" ? (no)

Lets not even get into the food quality, service, as already touched on.

As you wish. Keep your beloved SMG with its poor service and bland food. And odd office chairs that roll around if you lean back. I am just stoked the AD is going to be in Dallas, period, irregardless if its next to a Walmart, or a plaza that is half empty at the moment. Great things I think are in store for that plaza, and for Richardson. I would drive 20-30 min couple times a month for a place as unique and fun as AD. No I do not work for AD, but I'd entertain the idea :P Because I'm a fan.

Time will tell where the chips fall. Good day !

1 year, 1 month ago
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Scott Doyle, verified:

Teresa, as a kid (k-5) I lived a mile away from Richardson Square Mall. I've worked in Richardson for 5 years now.

Not saying it's the worst idea, just feel location isn't the best. Somewhere like Deep Ellum would be a much better fit, imo.

1 year, 1 month ago
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Teresa Gubbins, staff:

Scott Doyle, i sortof see what you are saying - but if it were in deep ellum, all the people from richardson would have to drive down to deep ellum. i asked about your perception because, based on the richardson residents i know, it seems like a fairly hip and smart suburb

1 year, 1 month ago
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Jason Rice, verified:

It was all about me.
They asked and I said that I just don't get to Ellum any more.
I didn't want the hipsters carousing in my back yard either and they were sweet about it and put it within easy distance but not so that the patchouli would hurt my property value.

1 year, 1 month ago
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Scott Doyle, verified:

t-grizzle, I don't blame them for the location - they'll probably make a ton of money. What you meant to say is people from Plano, Frisco, and McKinney wouldn't drive to Deep Ellum...but Belt Line & 75 they can swing. =P

tbh I'd probably hang out in Richardson more if they'd get smoking out of bars. You forget how irritating it is smelling like an ashtray until you try it again - basically once a year deal at this point.

1 year ago
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