Newsroom - Press Release

Phoenix Theatres to Relaunch Movies at Great Northern Mall

Michigan-Based Company Invests $5 Million to Bring Back First-Run Films with First-Class Amenities, to include 4 theatres featuring Dolby ATMOS

January 23, 2024

North Olmsted, Ohio – Movies are returning to Great Northern Mall as Phoenix Theatres has signed a long-term lease to bring first-run movies and first-class amenities back to the mall, including theatres equipped with Dolby ATMOS®.

The 24-year-old independently owned movie theatre company plans to invest $5 million to refurbish the 10-screen theatre, creating a new premiere movie-going experience in the greater Cleveland area. Renovation plans have been submitted for the 43,955-square-foot building, which will feature all-new premium reclining heated seating, 4K laser digital projection, Dolby ATMOS, first-run movies and family-friendly pricing.

The Great Northern Mall location marks the 69th screen for Michigan-based Phoenix Theatres, which operates theatres in Michigan, Iowa, Massachusetts, and Ohio. This is the second location in Ohio for Phoenix Theatres, which expects to welcome its first Great Northern Mall moviegoers in summer of 2024.

"We are thrilled that the big screen is coming back to North Olmsted," said Mayor Nicole Dailey Jones of North Olmsted. "Like many residents, I was disappointed when the theatre first closed. Since that time my administration has been working closely with mall ownership, Pacific Retail Capital Partners, to ensure that the mall remains a thriving center for years to come. After meeting with Cory Jacobson and Jordan Hohman of Phoenix Theatres we knew they were the right fit for our community, and we are excited to welcome them to North Olmsted and eagerly await the grand opening later this year."

Cory Jacobson, president of Phoenix Theatres, says the company was fortunate to be considered for the opportunity at Great Northern Mall and looks forward to bringing the brand’s own unique amenities to the greater North Olmsted community.

"Phoenix was originally formed with the idea of refurbishing closed theatres in viable retail areas and returning well-operated neighborhood theatres to their respective communities," explained Jacobson. "We are very pleased with the vibrancy of the mall and the exceptional mix of retail. After exploring the city, we felt very much at home in the culture of the community."

As a reflection of what residents can expect, Phoenix Theatres offers the following amenities:

  • Every seat in every auditorium will be a large loveseat-style (with adjustable middle armrest), fully reclining, heated chair with 75 inches of leg room.
  • Specially formatted auditoriums featuring Dolby ATMOS for a premium, immersive, audio experience and 4K Christie® Digital Projection.
  • All 10 auditoriums will be equipped with premium Dolby Digital sound and Christie Digital Projection.
  • Phoenix mobile app and online tickets that allow customers to reserve their seats easily.
  • Self-serve Pepsi® and butter stations for added service speed and convenience.
  • Combined ticketing and concession purchases in one line.
  • Family-friendly prices

"This is an exciting time for Great Northern Mall and the North Olmsted community as Phoenix Theatres prepares to open its first Cleveland-area location," said Mike Walsh, senior general manager at Great Northern. "This state-of-the-art theatre, with new-to-market amenities like reclining heated seats, is going to bring an incredibly enhanced experience for our guests. We’ve been impressed by Phoenix Theatres’ attention to detail and commitment to becoming involved in our community and can’t wait for the smell of popcorn in the coming months."

Jordan Hohman, vice president of project development for Phoenix Theatres, shared that the company focuses on providing premier amenities along with the little details that large national theatre chains cannot provide at a local level.

"We were one of the first in the United States to offer 100 percent-reclining seating in every auditorium. Our goal is to offer the highest-quality first-run movie-going experience by offering state-of-the-art digital projection and Dolby ATMOS audio along with comfortable luxury amenities."

"We are eager to continue working with Phoenix Theatres and support their ongoing commitment to Dolby ATMOS presentations. They are committed to bringing a first-class presentation to the community and having auditoriums equipped with Dolby ATMOS will ensure a premium, immersive audio experience," said Michael Archer, vice president worldwide cinema sales at Dolby.

Background:

Michigan-based Phoenix Theatres was founded in 2000 and has four Michigan theatres in Wayne, Monroe, Livonia and Grand Rapids. Four theatres are located out of state in Dubuque, Iowa, Pittsfield, Massachusetts and Defiance, Ohio. North Olmsted will mark the company’s 69th theatre screen and second location in Ohio.