Studio Movie Grill, the full-service, in-theater dining chain, announced the opening of its 23rd national location, and second in California, located at the Simi Valley Town Center Shopping Mall at 1555 Simi Town Center Way in Simi Valley, California. The 41,311-square-foot theater will house nine auditoriums and will be part of the 628,000-square-foot upscale outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment destination anchored by Macy's and new-to-market Studio Movie Grill. SMG Simi Valley is slated to open October 22.
Continuing its long-term partnership with Brad Miller of Film-Tech, the auditoriums at SMG Simi Valley will provide quality in-film presentation by bringing industry-leading Christie DLP powered projectors with QSC sound to every screen, plus Masterimage 3D. Each theater will feature luxury, custom-built recliners and plush seating by Inorca with built-in tabletops and 'push-for-service' call buttons.
"We feel privileged to be a part of the great experience that SMG offers moviegoers, providing truly differentiated comfort and design," says Guillermo Lopez Ramirez, CEO of Inorca seating.
The new location will feature fresh, healthy, and innovative menu options such as Edamame, Ceviche Lettuce Wraps, Sriracha Chicken Flatbread, and hand-made Pulled Pork Spring Rolls, along with some new finger food desserts. The menu will also include longtime SMG fan favorites such as Coconut Chicken and Artisan Pizzas.
In-theater or in the lounge, guests will find a premium bar, an eclectic wine list, and signature SMG Cellars wines from Central California. A menu of craft brews and over 60 premium spirits will be available. House favorites, such as the ever-popular Deep Eddie Vodka Highballs and signature Studio Blue Grande Margarita, can be enjoyed while relaxing or socializing in a sophisticated, welcoming lounge area with dining and seating options.
"We are thrilled to continue our expansion into Southern California," says founder and CEO Brian Schultz. "I was raised in nearby Agoura Hills, so it is at once personal and exciting for me to return to my roots to introduce our full-service, dine-in theater concept to guests in Simi Valley. SMG not only transforms the typical cinema experience, but also offers a community gathering place alongside dinner and a movie. The community has been extremely supportive of us during our build-out and we look forward to meeting our new neighbors and creating more fans in the community."
"Studio Movie Grill is the best-in-class theater dining operator in the country, so we are very excited to welcome them to the Simi Valley Town Center" says Bryan McFarland, principal of development at Alberta Development Partners, LLC. "With a commitment to the continued development of the Simi Valley Town Center, we look forward to the economic impact and traffic SMG will bring to the area and are confident that the theatre will greatly enhance the amenities offered to both visitors and residents."
SMG also announced that all security officers assigned to SMG Simi Valley will be military veterans. SMG specifically chose to work with G4S for its security services because of their initiative regarding the hiring of returning military veterans as part of the White House's Joining Forces campaign.
SMG Simi Valley will host monthly free Special Needs Screenings for children with special needs and their siblings to encourage families to attend together, with adult tickets available at matinee pricing. These first-run Special Needs Screenings will be shown with the lights up and volume lowered. Children are free to move around, talk or even dance in the aisles during the movie. Alternate programming will also be featured at SMG Simi Valley. SMG With A Twist provides educational and family programming, documentaries, cartoons, concert films, sporting event broadcasts, and advanced promotional screenings.
"Through programs like our Special Needs Screenings and our partnership with G4S for our security services, SMG is committed to making a difference," continues Schultz. "Providing a positive impact on the community is important to everyone on the SMG team. Conscious business not only benefits our guests and our neighbors, but also enriches the lives of our team members, vendor-partners, and investors."
