Bethesda Row Cinema (7235 Woodmont Ave.) will close tomorrow for about a month of renovations that will include a new bar area.
Some work has already begun at the theater, which serves as one of the key anchors of the Bethesda Row shopping and restaurant district. Landmark Theatres, which operates Bethesda Row Cinema, says the theater will be closed from tomorrow until Friday, May 3.
A Landmark representative did not respond to a request for comment, but last year the company’s senior vice president of real estate and development told The Gazette renovations would include a bar area, larger, more comfortable seats in the eight theaters and a new lobby with sitting areas, tables, sofas and “the feel of a contemporary lounge.”
The theater will also unveil a new menu, craft beer choices and movie-goers will be able to reserve seats online or at the box office.
The move comes as the upscale movie theater competition around Bethesda Row gets tougher. The arrival of luxury movie house iPic in White Flint is expected next summer or fall. It too will offer the pre-reserved seat option and full bar and food menus.
Another luxury theater was planned for new development at Rockledge Drive, but that project hit a snag last year.
