CHICAGO (WBBM) After nearly two years in the dark, the historic New 400 Theater in Rogers Park is reopening Friday under new ownership. The theater at 6740 N. Sheridan Road closed in August 2023 after its previous operator said attendance never fully recovered following the pandemic. New operator Jordan Stancil says he comes from a family that has owned movie theaters and is confident in the future of The New 400. He said he began talking with people throughout Rogers Park before deciding to sign a five-year lease. "They all really believe in the theater," Stancil said. "People really love it. They have memories of coming here as a child. They came here on their first date. They really want this space to be a movie theater."
Many of those attending Thursday's ribbon-cutting ceremony echoed that sentiment. One Rogers Park resident called the theater "a staple in the neighborhood," saying it offers families a relaxed place to gather and reconnect with neighbors. Another nearby resident said independent theaters provide something moviegoers can't find at larger chains. "It feels like I'm supporting actually part of the community," the resident said. "It's listening to what people really want to see."
Affordability was another common theme. "There's so much pressure when we go to normal movies because it's just so expensive," one local parent said. "This is a little bit more of a reasonable outing that a family can afford." Stancil said keeping prices low is part of his business model. Tickets will cost $11 for evening shows, $8.50 for afternoon screenings, $6 for children and $6 for everyone on Tuesdays. Two of the theater's four auditoriums will open Friday, with additional renovations planned over time, including improvements to seating, audio, visual systems and the lobby.
The theater traces its roots to 1912, when it was constructed, opening as the Regent Theater before becoming the 400 Theater in 1930. It has operated continuously under various names and owners for more than a century.
After nearly two years in the dark, one of Chicago's oldest movie theaters gets a second act.
After nearly two years in the dark, one of Chicago's oldest movie theaters gets a second act.
