Evo Cinemas, the Texas chain with locations near Austin in Kyle and New Braunfels, has announced today that is taking over the recently-closed Sky Cinema in Dripping Springs, and reopening it under its own brand next month.
Sky Cinemas opened the 14-screen theater in Dripping Springs at the Belterra Village development in 2018, and went into what it expected to be a temporary shutdown in March as a response to the caronavirus pandemic. However, last month the management announced they could no longer pay the rent and could not come to any kind of terms with their landlords, and so were forced to close.
In their departure statement, Sky management confirmed that the landlords were looking for “a replacement cinema operator,” and it seems they found one in the Texas micro-chain. Evo was among the first of very few cinemas to reopen on May 1 when Gov. Greg Abbott relaxed the restrictions on cinema closures, and are currently planning to reopen the Belterra location on July 1.
In a statement announcing the change, EVO Entertainment Group CEO Mitch Roberts wrote, “Dripping Springs is such a beautiful community that we’re thrilled to join,” adding that “we look forward to expanding the cinematic experience that Sky Cinemas has built here and bringing the EVO experience to Dripping Springs.”
The move means that Evo acquires its seventh location as a fully-fitted and operational cinema. However, Roberts confirmed that they will be investing $1 million in the multiplex over the next few months, including upgrades to the kitchen and in-theater dining, as well as adding Evo’s signature craft cocktail and beer programming. Moreover, the plan is to add live music and community event opportunities.
This article appears in June 5 • 2020.