America's Oldest Theater Company Wants to Build in Hudson Valley

The oldest theater company in North America wants to build an $11 million movie theater in the Hudson Valley, where you can enjoy a meal and alcohol directly from your luxury seat.

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At a recent Poughkeepsie Common Council meeting, Poughkeepsie Economic Development Director Paul Calogerakis told members that Bowtie Cinemas is considering spending $11 million on a nine-theater complex that would be placed in a current parking lot in downtown Poughkeepsie, according to a Facebook post by the City of Poughkeepsie.

Calogerakis stressed that this was early in the process.

City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison thinks this is great news for Poughkeepsie.

"This is a very encouraging proposal to bring a entertainment venue and jobs to our city. This parking lot has long been identified as an economic opportunity for downtown," Rolison wrote on Facebook.

The major concern from Poughkeepsie residents seems to be parking. Calogerakis said at the Common Council meeting a solution for the parking issue would need to be worked out.

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Bow Tie Cinemas is known for its big, luxury reclining leather chairs. The seats come with an attached tray and the movie theater serves lunch and dinner meals as well as alcohol.

"The new Bow Tie Ultimate menu will feature such favorites as fresh baked Artisanal Pizza; Chicken and Meatball Parmesan Heroes; Chicken & Waffles, and vegetarian options like three cheese gourmet Mac & Cheese and Buffalo Cauliflower. The menu was designed to be easily enjoyed from the comfort of your in-seat table.
Bar service includes premium spirits and cocktails made to order, along with an impressive local craft beer selection, a variety of wine choices, and even Bow Tie specialty cocktails such as seasonal sangria, mojitos and the signature Bow Tai, served by the glass or the carafe." Bow Tie Cinemas writes on its website.

Bow Tie Cinemas, is a four-generation, family-owned company. It's the oldest theater circuit in North America with 58 locations and approximately 400 screens, according to the company's Facebook.

"Founded over a century ago by motion picture industry pioneer B.S. Moss, Bow Tie Cinemas is dedicated to providing the best possible presentation and service to its patrons," Bow Tie Cinemas wrote on Facebook.

Bow Tie Cinemas has a number of locations in New York, including two in Westchester and one in Saratoga Springs.

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