Ipic Theaters, a small but growing chain of uber-upscale theaters, is apparently eyeing a move into the Boston movie marketplace.
Based out of Florida, the chain was in town last week checking out several possible locations, including the unfortunately about to be vacated Borders Books store in Downtown Crossing. Ipic offers a variety of services depending on their locations, including a complete menu of upscale dining choices, an extensive wine list, and a couple locations also have bowling alleys in the same complex. They’re also pretty pricey, with average ticket prices around $20 a seat, but they offer large leather recliners for the higher prices in addition to theater food service.
Here’s the Boston Herald story: http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/2011_0616screen_gem_eyed_for_borders_locale/srvc=home&position=recent
I have to be totally honest – Downtown Crossing is NOT a good location for this type of venture – it’s too pricey for the clientele, who tend to be average income people. A better place would be somewhere in the Back Bay/Copley or South Station/Financial District areas. Plus I’m PISSED about losing the last big bookstore chain in downtown Boston – once Border’s closes, it means trekking clear out to the Pru to Barnes And Noble, and while I love that store, it’s no longer as convenient as it used to be, since we no longer work at the Copley Place complex.
ON THE WEB: http://www.ipictheaters.com/