New CMX Cinemas movie theater in Fallschase set to open next month

TaMaryn Waters | Tallahassee Democrat

CMX Cinemas Fallschase — Tallahassee's first new movie theater in decades — plans to open July 27.

Residents were first introduced to the coming attraction with the announcement of Cobb Theatres, which was acquired by CMX Cinemas in December.

The 14-screen movie theater will be another option for cinema buffs living in northeast Leon County. The complex, which bookends Costco in the Fallscase Village Shopping Center off Mahan Drive, combines a unique movie experience under one roof, owners say.

Aside from traditional munchies, an open pizza station will showcase hand-tossed, New York-style pizza that can be purchased by the slice or pie.

Moviegoers can grab a smoothie or a cup of coffee. A full bar offers adult beverages, which can be carried into the theaters. Moviegoers can eat at tables set up near the entrance or they can get a flashing pager, which signals when the food can be picked up if moviegoers want to wait at their seats.

Inspired by cafeterias, the concession area is designed to allow moviegoers to move swiftly through and pay for their food at the end of the line.

"What we'll offer here at this location is, you don't have anywhere else in Tallahassee," said Troy McDaniel, regional operations director for CMX Cinemas. "I think it's going to be well received."

CMX Cinemas Fallschase is a 68,380-square-foot theater, slightly smaller than the 71,000-square-foot, 20-screen AMC Tallahassee 20 theater at the Centre of Tallahassee Mall that opened in 1996. AMC completed a $9-million renovation three years ago that included reclining leather seats and projection and sound upgrades.

Other local movie theater venues include Regal Governors Square 12, Movies 8 and the Challenger Learning Center downtown.

McDaniel guided a private tour Wednesday as construction crews raced to check off a lengthy punch list before the debut next month. The tour ended at the site's largest theater, which features ascending leatherette recliners and a wall-to-ceiling screen.

"It's like being at home but even better because you have the big screen," he said of the seating.

McDaniel said the theater is striving to create a luxury experience at a competitive price, although he didn't give specifics on ticket costs.

Joe Grano, president of Next-Mark, the theater's marketing firm, said the theater will provide a movie experience unlike anything offered in the local market.

"Whether you're a family of four or whether you're going on a special date night, CMX really provides a first class experience for you just as if you were on a flight on an airplane," Grano said.

Contact TaMaryn Waters at tlwaters@tallahassee.com or follow @TaMarynWaters on Twitter.

About the CMX Cinemas Fallschase

CMX Cinemas Fallschase is hosting a hiring fair from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1 at Staybridge Suites, 1600 Summit Lake Drive. For details on positions, go to cmxcinemas.com/join-our-team.

14 screens with RealD 3D capability and D-Box seating in select auditoriums, which move to the action in the film.

1,677 VIP leatherette electric recliners.

All-reserved seating that can be purchased online or on-site.

7.1 surround sound, laser projection (which create brighter screens) and Dolby Atmos audio.

Full-service restaurant with an American bistro menu — includes hand tossed, New York-style pizza available by the slice or pie.

All food will be made from scratch.

Movie trays snap into the cup holders within the seats.