Magic Johnson Theatres is a chain of movie theaters, originally developed in 1994 by Johnson Development Corporation, the business holding of former basketball player Magic Johnson, and Sony Pictures Entertainment through a partnership with Sony-Loews Theatres.[1][2]
A 1998 merger between Sony-Loews and Cineplex Odeon Corporation caused them to become part of the new Loews Cineplex Entertainment Corp. Magic Johnson worked with Lawrence Ruisi, President and CEO of Loews Cineplex Entertainment, during the planning and development of these theaters. Currently the chain's former locations are owned by AMC Theatres, after Sony-Loews was acquired by that company in 2006.[3] Although they are still branded Magic Johnson Theatres, they are solely controlled by AMC.
While the chain still bears Johnson's name, he is no longer actively involved in the management committee, strategic planning, operations, or public relations.
History
The focus of Magic Theatres was to build first-rate multiplexes in urban communities, bringing high quality facilities and technology, as well as job development, encouraging local economic growth. While Magic Theatres are patterned after the Loews Cineplex Entertainment model, they focus on urban markets. Each complex is around 60000 sqft with multiple concession areas, 10 to 15 screens with SDDS stereo sound, stadium seating and a capacity of 3,200 to 5,000. After building the Magic Theatre in Harlem, multiple businesses followed suit including Old Navy, Disney, and HMV.
There are/were two multiplex theatres in, or near, major cities of the United States of America, namely in areas which are predominantly African-American and previously were underserved by modern cineplexes.
Johnson brought his understanding of the community to his theater operations. In his concessions he planned on his customers eating their dinner with the movie adding chicken wings and buffalo shrimp to the selection. Flavored sodas were added to emulate the Kool-Aid the kids he grew up with would drink at home.
"'Used to be we couldn't afford to go to dinner and the movie afterward. I told Loews 'Black people are going to eat dinner at the movies''"
See also
External links
References
- Magic Johnson Magic Johnson, retrieved 2013-05-16^
- Roger Vincent. Magic Johnson built business empire after court glories ended 28 March 2012^
- Charlie Amter. Magic Johnson 20 February 2009