Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Closes Katy Theater, Last One in Greater Houston Area

The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Katy, Texas – the last remaining location in the Greater Houston area – is closing its doors. Confirmed by a direct call to the theater and a check of its online ticketing system, the final screenings are scheduled for Saturday, February 7.

A History of Dine-In Cinema in Houston

Alamo Drafthouse first brought its unique dine-in movie experience to Houston in May 2003, opening at West Oaks Mall. This initial location operated successfully for nearly a decade, closing in June 2012, reportedly due to challenges with the mall itself. The concept, offering full food and beverage service directly to moviegoers in the auditorium, was a first for the area.

Expansion and Contraction

Following the West Oaks location, Alamo Drafthouse expanded with a site on Mason Road in Katy, and then opened a second Houston-area theater in Vintage Park in February 2013. However, the Vintage Park location was leased to competitor Star Cinema Grill by December 2016, after a run of just three and a half years. The La Centerra location, debuting in July 2018, represented a renewed investment in the Katy market with a custom-built facility.

Did You Know? Alamo Drafthouse Cinema first opened in Houston at West Oaks Mall in May 2003.

The Houston-area Alamo Drafthouse locations were operated by Triple Tap Ventures LLC, which also announced plans for additional theaters in Houston, Sugar Land, and League City that ultimately did not materialize. The company faced financial headwinds, filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2021, a period significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Expert Insight: The closure of the La Centerra location signals a significant shift in the Houston entertainment landscape, potentially leaving a void for moviegoers seeking a premium, dine-in cinema experience. The challenges faced by Triple Tap Ventures LLC highlight the complexities of operating a franchise model within a rapidly evolving industry.

What’s Next?

While the La Centerra closure marks the end of Alamo Drafthouse’s presence in the Greater Houston area for now, the company continues to operate locations in other Texas cities, including Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas. Triple Tap Ventures LLC could explore alternative options for the Houston market in the future, but no such plans have been announced. The space at La Centerra could be repurposed for another entertainment venue or retail establishment. Alternatively, Star Cinema Grill, which already operates in the region, could see increased demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the last day to see a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse in Katy?

The last day to purchase tickets for screenings at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Katy is Saturday, February 7.

What happened to the other Alamo Drafthouse locations in Houston?

The Alamo Drafthouse at West Oaks Mall closed in June 2012. The Vintage Park location was leased to Star Cinema Grill in December 2016.

Who operated the Alamo Drafthouse locations in the Houston area?

The Alamo Drafthouse locations in the Houston area were franchises operated by Triple Tap Ventures LLC.

As Alamo Drafthouse exits the Houston market, what impact do you think this will have on the local cinema options available to moviegoers?