Plano, TX-based movie theater company Cinemark celebrated the grand opening of its new 12-screen luxury theater within The Pavilion at Durbin Park last night.
The new venue features heated Luxury Lounger recliners in every auditorium, as well as Cinemark’s distinctive XD premium auditorium that offers “immersive sight and sound technology.” Its lobby features eight touchscreen ticket kiosks, a concession stand offering movie-going staples, multiple Coca-Cola Freestyle machines, and a small bar and eatery. Above the concessions, an art installation depicts both downtown Jacksonville and historic St. Augustine – a nod to the area’s “in-between” status.
The bar offers beer, wine, and cocktail selections, while the eatery serves a menu including wraps, sandwiches, and even a Beyond Burger. Pizza Hut personal-pan pizzas and Starbucks beverages are also available.
In addition to the lobby kiosks, moviegoers can purchase tickets online or on the Cinemark app.
“Cinemark is thrilled to be a part of the growth and development in Durbin Park,” said Cinemark CEO Mark Zoradi. “Our theatre at The Pavilion will be the premiere entertainment destination, providing premium amenities with enhanced food and beverage offerings for our guests to enjoy.”
Those on hand to celebrate the grand opening and “ticket-tearing” ceremony included Frank C. Gatlin III, whose Gatlin Development Company initiated the Durbin Park development project, and Herb Peyton, founder of Gate Petroleum, which owns the land upon which the retail center is being developed.
Both Gatlin and Peyton spoke briefly at the event; Gatlin mentioned that The Pavilion is now 95% leased and that announcements regarding the Cabela’s-anchored second phase of Durbin Park will be coming in the near future.
Cinemark becomes the first movie theater to open in red-hot northern St. Johns County. The company operates over 500 theaters worldwide, including Tinseltown USA in southern Jacksonville. This is the first entry of their flagship Cinemark brand into the local market; the theater also plans to open a location at the Atlantic and Kernan intersection in Jax next year.
For more information about Cinemark, or to buy tickets for a show at the new theater, visit cinemark.com.
