(AP/WBBM Newsradio) -- Pacific Theaters, which operates ArcLight cinema chain, said Monday that it will not be reopening.
"This was not the outcome anyone wanted, but despite a huge effort that exhausted all potential options, the company does not have a viable way forward," a Pacific Theaters representative said in a written statement that also was posted on the company’s website.
The Pacific chain, concentrated in California, included two ArcLight locations in the Chicago area — one in Lincoln Park and one in north suburban Glenview. Timeout Chicago lamented the loss of the comparatively luxurious chain, which featured freshly made caramel corn and no commercials.
Los Angeles County recently expanded capacity for indoor moviegoing to 50% after more than a year of being closed, but many smaller chains have struggled to remain solvent.
The ArcLight theaters were a favorite of many entertainment industry professionals and celebrities, with locations throughout Southern California. The ArcLight Hollywood was the first in the chain to open in 2002 featuring the then-novel concept of reserved seating and ushers who introduced each showing.
Latecomers were not admitted entry.
One of the biggest loses for movie fans is the historic Cinerama Dome. The concrete geodesic dome on Sunset Bouelvard is an official historic monument and a tourist attraction in and of itself, featured in movies like Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" and occasionally decorated for higher profile premieres.
Some on Twitter started tossing out suggestions for buyers.
Tarantino famously bought the New Beverly theater in Los Angeles and some suggested that he purchase the chain.
"Veep" actor Timothy Simmons tweeted, "Brad Pitt buy the arclight challenge.”
The company thanked its employees, guests and members of the film industry for the years of support. "It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve you," the statement continued.
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