Cinema Saver in Endicott closing after 29 years: What is next for owners, building
The Endicott community will be without its long-standing movie theater later this year as the owners of the Cinema Saver have decided to close its doors at the end of July.
Owners Bruce and Amber Gregory announced the closure during a livestream on the Cinema Saver's Facebook page Thursday morning.
"Since the COVID pandemic, everything got a little crazy," Bruce said. "The home movie scene, landscape, has changed. Things are streaming quicker ... the numbers just still aren't adding up, mostly because of the cost of goods."
Get ready to sing and dance: These Broadway shows are coming to Binghamton in 2024
Sports: Horseheads rolls past Union-Endicott for Section 4 Class A baseball championship
South Side housing project: Former Crowley plant is one step closer to being an apartment complex in Binghamton
What is next for owners, building
The Gregorys have set an estimated closing date of July 27 and are in the process of selling the building to a buyer who plans to turn the space into housing.
"Please don't think we haven't given it our all," Amber said Thursday. "We've raised our prices, cut expenses as much as possible without compromising quality and taste. We really feel like we've exhausted our options as business owners to stay profitable and continue with the quality and service that we feel giving to our customers."
As for their futures, they have both decided to follow their passions. Bruce will be focusing on his music and Amber will be working with the Children's Home in Binghamton.
Who is behind the GoFundMe
Last week, a group started a GoFundMe with a goal to turn the Cinema Saver into the Twilight Cove Cinema and Arts Center, a non-profit community arts center. So far, just over $900 has been raised of their $18,000 goal.
"We would really rather that happen then just selling the building outright," Bruce said. "Unfortunately, they came to us after we had our first signed contract."
But Amber said they are "passing the torch" to the group and in an update to the GoFundMe on Wednesday, the fundraiser's organizer, Sullivan Harris, said Twilight Cove is still in the works and they are in the process of selecting a different venue.
Saying goodbye after almost 30 years in business
In Thursday's livestream, Bruce and Amber reminded the community to use up their gift cards as there will be no cash refunds for the gift cards.
Memorial Day weekend's showings include "The Little Mermaid," "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3," "Book Club: The Next Chapter" and "Fast X."
"We do appreciate all of you that have supported the theater over the last 29 years," Bruce said. "We do feel sad that the theater is closing for many, many reasons. Most of all because of the people."
Follow Emily Barnes on Twitter @ByEmilyBarnes. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Endicott movie theater closing after 29 years in business: What's next
