New York’s movie-lovers are on the precipice of a new kind of cinematic experience. Based on a recently filed liquor license application, Metro Cinema seems set to launch its new movie theater concept at 131 8th Avenue.
According to What Now NY’s correspondence with Metro Cinema’s co-owner Tim League, his team is excited for the business’ development to ramp up at the 8th Avenue location. While Metro Cinema had spent months working towards opening at 2626 Broadway, once home to art-deco-style Metro Theater, recent changes in the interests of the owner’s estate prompted a change of plan.
League brings a wealth of experience to Metro Cinema, as the founder of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, a movie theater franchise that combines best-in-class food service with newly-released and independent film screenings. Metro Cinema seems to be building on the same principles, but with a greater focus on luxury dining experiences and private screenings. While League owns more than 24 Alamo Drafthouse franchises including Alamo Drafthouse Lower Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn, Metro Cinema appears to be an independent concept.
League’s 27-year history with Alamo Drafthouse Cinema likely connected him with Mikey Trafton, who is mentioned in the liquor license as a co-owner of Metro Cinema. Trafton’s LinkedIn profile lists his previous experiences as CTO and Chief Branding Officer at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. In his biography, Trafton describes himself “Building something really special in the cinema space, but not quite ready to talk about it.”
Based on floor plan designs submitted with the liquor license application, the 131 8th Avenue location would be converted into communal lounge spaces and 20 private screening rooms that would seat fewer than 10 people on average. Metro Cinema is proposed to span two floors. On the first floor there would be 33 seats in the lobby, 10 at a bar, and 75 spread across 7 screening rooms. The cellar will have 110 seats in 13 rooms.
A cornerstone of Metro Cinema will be the kitchen, located on the lower level. Metro Cinema plans to serve set menus themed around the films that people will be watching. Example menus featured plates like roasted halibut, poached razor clams, pumpkin risotto and extensive dessert platters. The “Snacks and Goodies Spread” is proposed to cost $35, while themed feasts are listed as $75 per person.
League noted a positive reception at the community board meeting held on April 9, 2024. Based on comments from Trafton to community members over emails, it seems like Metro Cinema will open in early 2025.
