Drive-in theater brings Houston-area families together safely for a fun 'movie night experience'

Every night, families can have a nostalgic drive-in movie experience--viewing movies for free, while The Butler House delivers food orders to their windows. Every night, families can have a nostalgic drive-in movie experience--viewing movies for free, while The Butler House delivers food orders to their windows. Photo: The Butler House Photo: The Butler House Image 1 of / 113 Caption Close Drive-in theater brings Houston-area families together safely for a fun 'movie night experience' 1 / 113 Back to Gallery

When the owners of The Butler House were first told the news that they must close their dine-in doors because of coronavirus outbreak, it was a crushing blow.

“Our hearts closed as well. Our staff had become our family. We started thinking, what can we do?” Butler House co-proprietor, Marina Frenchak said.

Then, the dynamic duo behind The Butler House restaurant, Frenchak and her husband, Bryan came up with a brilliant idea.

“Let’s bring Vintage movie night back,” Frenchak said.

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The Butler House restaurant in Spring is now hosting movie night for all families who want to have some time out with their family in safe place. It's swiftly becoming the ultimate spot where families can watch a movie with others while practicing social distancing.

Every night, families can have a nostalgic drive-in movie experience--viewing movies for free, while The Butler House delivers food orders to their windows.

“From now on, we’re doing it every night. We have free movie, one at 6 and at 8 pm,” Frenchak said. This week’s movies include Lion’s King at 6 p.m. and Top Gun at 8 p.m.

Frenchak added that it’s been a true blessing to see how many people responded to the idea.

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“They are so happy to have time out with their families,” Frenchak said. “The reason we did this was to bring relationships and communities together.”

When asked about her inspiration for the restaurant and the new phase of movie night, Frenchak said it was faith that began this journey.

“I know that God made us do the right thing when we opened it," Frenchak said.

If you wish to join others for movie night, there are no reservations. It’s first-come, first-serve. There are usually about 20-30 cars for each drive-in experience.

When you venture over to the Butler House, simply drive to the entrance and place your food orders there. Some of the craveworthy items include Arugula walnut pesto chicken pasta, Butler Burger and Fettucine Bolognese. The Butler House also offering a menu featuring wine and beer.

alison.medley@chron.com