Lockport, N.Y. (WBEN) - A staple for Western New York moviegoers is changing ownership after 65 years.
The Transit Drive-In Theatre in Lockport is being sold by owner Rick Cohen to Dipson Theatres, who will continue operating the facility as a drive-in theatre.
"I've been working there since I was 14, and managing the drive-in since I was 18. I've been doing it a long time," said Cohen, who's officially managed the drive-in for 35 years. "Eventually, you have to step aside and pass the baton. I felt that this was my time, and so I made the decision to sell it."
Cohen says he made this decision very carefully, choosing someone to take it over who had experience in the theatre business. It was of importance for Cohen to also keep the drive-in local, so that the new ownership would care about the theatre and the community.
"[Dipson wasn't] looking to buy the drive-in theatre to do something else with the property, so we think the drive-in theatre is going to continue to thrive and operate for many more years," Cohen said.
The transition for Cohen turning things over to Dipson officially began back in February, with him showing them the ropes. He says he's been there every weekend for the last several weeks, and he made the commitment to help guide them through the first few months of operation until they officially take over operations some time in the late spring or early summer.
"I'm trying to help them with as smooth of a transition, and it's barely noticeable to most people," Cohen said. "Saying that, they're going to have their own way of doing things. Over time, they're going to make adjustments as they see fit and improvements. I have no doubt that it's going to be as good, if not better of an experience moving forward."
The Transit Drive-In has been a staple in the Northtowns for several years, and especially garnered attention recently as a safe haven for moviegoers and others during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Looking back on his years running and owning the Transit Drive-In, Cohen says it's been a great ride, and he wouldn't want to do anything else with his life.
"I had the opportunity to run a drive-in theatre for 40 years," he said. "Being outdoors and seeing the families, kids and young people having a good time - even the old people - it's enjoyable to be able to share that with people and provide that to the community. It was definitely a great experience."
As for what's next for Cohen, he's going to take the time to do what he couldn't do while operating a drive-in movie theatre.
"I'm going to do some traveling, I'm going to visit family and friends more often," Cohen said. "I like to hike and camp, so I'll have the opportunity to go see national parks during the summer and hike the Appalachian Trail for four months."
More of our conversation with Cohen is in the player below:
***Photo: Transit Drive-In Theatre (@TransitDriveIn)
