letters-to-fans

Would You Like Some Candy With That Popcorn? Part II

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 20:18:26 +0100

Part 2 of 2 ...

Last week, we left off with World War II and the sugar shortage due to rationing. After the war, the biggest threat to theaters was the television.

From 1948 to 1956, movie theaters saw a 50% decrease in attendance as people stayed home to watch this new phenomenon called TV, so owners really had to push snack sales. Their efforts were successful because even though ticket sales were down, concession sales soared with the lift of the sugar rationing and candy and soda were readily available. This is when we started seeing candies such as Goobers, Sno-Caps, Junion Mints and M&Ms.

Over the years, theaters have started really expanding concessions by selling actual food like hot dogs and some theater chains even sell chicken nuggets, pizza or have full-service restaurants.

Still, the old standbys are the favorites. Who doesn't love the smell of fresh-popped popcorn when they walk into a theater?

Here is a picture of our candy assortment. Which is your favorite? Is there a favorite of yours that we don't carry? We are going to take a poll of favorite concession candy. Reply back to us and let us know your pleasure.

Hunter Pellettieri, Jill. "Make It a Large for a Quarter More?" Slate.com. 26 June 2007.

We welcome your thoughts and look forward to hearing from you about anything that's on your mind and can be contacted at the email address below.

Thanks

Craig and Leslie Conley
reelmountain@gmail.com

Would You Like Some Candy With That Popcorn?

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 23:35:13 +0100

Part 1 of 2 ...

Have you ever wondered when movie theaters started selling popcorn and candy? It all started back in the late 1800s when street vendors sold popcorn at events like carnivals and fairs. Then during the early 1900s, those vendors started selling their popcorn outside of movie theaters. Some vendors even sold popcorn and peanuts in the theater aisles. The 1920s brought the sophisticated, fancy theaters in which owners were not happy about the idea of messy popcorn and candy wrappers all over their floor. But with vendors selling snacks outside the theater, movie-goers flocked outside to buy snacks and brought them back inside the theater.

When the Great Depression hit, theater owners looked for new ways to gain revenue. Some theaters installed candy dispensers, and others leased space in the lobby for popcorn vendors and even split profits with the vendors. Theater owners soon realized how popular the popcorn was and began selling it themselves. They sold it for 10 cents a bag and would still make a profit (OK guys, don't ask Craig to sell it for 10 cents a bag, he probably won't do it).

During the 1930s is when theaters started seeing candy counters. However, theater owners started out offering homemade bonbons, chocolates, and candy apples. In time, candy counters expanded with Jujubes, Jujyfruits, Baby Ruths, Raisinets, and Milk Duds - which were popular during that time.

Popcorn became the staple of the theater concession stand during World War II since sugar was rationed and candy was not being produced as before. The War Production Board gave the approval for popcorn because of its health benefits and popularity.

Hunter Pellettieri, Jill. "Make It a Large for a Quarter More?" Slate.com. 26 June 2007.

Read next week as we see what happens to movie theaters and concession stands during the 1940s when the almighty television makes its debut.

We welcome your thoughts and look forward to hearing from you about anything that's on your mind and can be contacted at the email address below.

Thanks

Craig and Leslie Conley
reelmountain@gmail.com

Who Needs A Girls Night Out?

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 23:34:20 +0100

I know I do, especially with school being out. Before we start those long days at home with kids fighting (which mine tend to do) how about getting glammed up for dinner and a movie.

On Tuesday, June 1, let's start our evening at Ed's Cantina for "Sinful Hour" drinks and appetizers from 5:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. and then head over to the theater for some Sex and the City 2. Is anyone else dying to know how the Carrie and Aiden thing turns out when she runs into him while in Abu Dhabi? Will the spark still be there for them? I want to know what happens.

Ed's Cantina will be offering drink specials and a wonderful appetizer spread. Reel Mountain Theater will be offering a ticket/concession combo. Get your movie ticket, a small popcorn and small drink for only $9.00.

Do you think you can out-glam Carrie Bradshaw? If so, dress to the hilt because Ed's will be awarding the Most Fabulous Dressed and Best Dressed in Character. Dig those heels out of the back of your closet and shine those sequins on your favorite party dress.

So ladies, get your hubby, get a babysitter, grandma and grandpa, neighbors, whatever it takes to get you out of the house and looking fabulous for a fantastic night of drinks, food and a movie with your girlfriends.

We welcome your thoughts and look forward to hearing from you about anything that's on your mind and can be contacted at the email address below.

Thanks

Craig and Leslie Conley
reelmountain@gmail.com

Summer Kids Movie Series

Wed, 19 May 2010 22:17:09 +0100

"What are we going to do today?" How many of us hear that question from our kids every day of the summer? If you want something different to do other than going into the Park or going to the pool, how about a movie?

We are proud to present the Reel Mountain Summer Vacation Kids Movie Series. This will be an 8-week series of PG-rated movies. Some of the movies will include Alvin and the Chipmonks 2, Tale of Despereaux, Tooth Fairy, Astro Boy, and Spy Next Door.

"Charlotte, did you hear the news? Movies are only $1.00!!"

Yes Wilbur, that's right, only $1.00 per person. Can't beat that deal!

Movies will be shown on Tuesday and Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. Each movie will run for one week, then we will get the next movie in. The schedule might look like the following:

June 15, 16 - Alvin and the Chipmonks 2

June 22, 23 - Tale of Despereaux

June 29, 30 - Aliens in the Attic

July 6, 7 - Astro Boy

July 13, 14 - Tooth Fairy

July 20, 21 - How to Train Your Dragon

July 27, 28 - Spy Next Door

August 3, 4 - Our "Surprise Final Movie"

Please note that the movies are subject to change due to print availability from the film studios. Please be sure to check the website, newspaper or call the theater movie line to make sure the movie you want to see is playing that week.

Hope to see all of you at the movies this summer ... even if you don't have kids. There is certainly no age limit. We would love to see everyone!

We welcome your thoughts and look forward to hearing from you about anything that's on your mind and can be contacted at the email address below.

Thanks

Craig and Leslie Conley
reelmountain@gmail.com

Favorite Super Hero Essay

Fri, 14 May 2010 15:25:16 +0100

We had three great essays turned in for the favorite super hero contest. They were all winners and each student will receive something special. However, the student that will receive the Reel Mountain Family Pack is Bailey Abrams for her essay and picture on Cat Woman. Her essay is as follows:

I like Cat Woman because she can jump off of a 30 story building and higher. She wares a cool black leather suit. Cat Woman has a cat that brought her back to life. Cat Woman can also run up walls and land on her feet.

Bailey drew a wonderful picture of Cat Woman, but I could not get it to upload into our newsletter. But her drawing will be displayed in the lobby next to her essay.

In another of our essays, Bradley wrote about Spiderman and how he never gives up when it comes to getting the bad guys.

In our third essay, Logan Goodemote wrote a wonderful story about Batman and how he has the best gadgets and suits.

Please stop by the theater and read each of these wonderful essays that Bailey, Bradley and Logan wrote. They will be displayed by the Iron Man 2 poster in the lobby.

We welcome your thoughts and look forward to hearing from you about anything that's on your mind and can be contacted at the email address below.

Thanks

Craig and Leslie Conley
reelmountain@gmail.com

Summer Schedule Is Upon Us

Fri, 07 May 2010 02:34:26 +0100

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Summer Schedule Is Upon Us

We have received some requests about having late movies. With the summer season right around the corner, we are going to run a 9:00 p.m. set on Friday and Saturday nights.

This new summer schedule will start this Friday with the opening of Iron Man 2 and we will have a 9:45 p.m. show. If you are a night owl or have plans that run a little late, please come see us for our late shows. On Friday, we will also be running The Ghost Writer at 9:30 p.m. and The Last Song at 9:30 p.m. However, please check the website, recording or swing by to check times as they may change from Friday night to Saturday night.

Remember, the 9:00 p.m. set will only be on Friday and Saturday nights during the summer. Hope to see you this weekend at one of our great new movies.

We welcome your thoughts and look forward to hearing from you about anything that's on your mind and can be contacted at the email address below.

Thanks

Craig and Leslie Conley
reelmountain@gmail.com

The Big Question... What Are We Going To Change??

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 05:45:55 +0100

Great News! Don't expect any changes at the Reel Mountain Theater. Our intentions are not to swoop in and change things from what our wonderful, loyal customers are used to.

We have had a few questions from customers that we will address in this e-mail. Questions include the following:

Are we keeping the real butter for the popcorn? Absolutely. We know that the butter makes the popcorn and we know that popcorn makes the movie ... so we will definitely keep the same butter that you are used to.

Will we continue with the Reel Mountain Rewards Card? Another absolutely. Who doesn't like receiving free concession items or even free tickets to see your favorite new release? Keep coming in and use those reward cards and if you don't already have one, ask one of our great staff members and they will hook you up.

Are we going digital or 3D? We can honestly answer ... possibly. The future of digital movies is moving rapidly along. The big four major movie chains either have or are moving quickly toward being 100% digital. Once this happens, the film studios will most likely force all theatres in America to go digital. What does this mean for you, the movie goer? It just means a better quality picture and capabilities of getting movies in 3D.

Hopefully this answers some of your questions and please know that we are going to continue with the same great service and family atmosphere that was here before.

We welcome your thoughts and look forward to hearing from you about anything that's on your mind and can be contacted at the email address below.

Thanks

Craig and Leslie Conley
reelmountain@gmail.com

Handing off the reel

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:18:43 +0100

A couple of summers ago, a gentleman approached me in the lobby on a busy summer afternoon, handed me his card and said that if I was ever interested in selling the theater, he was interested. I assured him that we were very happy with our family business the way it was, and put his card in my pocket.

That night before bed, cleaning out the standard two pounds of stuff that collects in my pocket every day, I pulled his card out and for some reason, taped it to the back of my computer monitor.

A year later, Kelly and I were talking about the 'big picture' for our family and ended up having a discussion with the mystery man, and what his plan would look like if the theater became available. That discussion moved forward slowly and came to fruition last Friday, when we finalized the sale of Reel Mountain Theater and entrusted the Conley family with it's care.

Craig, Leslie and their two children are still settling into into their new roots in Estes Park. They are excited about exploring the community, and getting to know the people. Craig has been behind the counter each day since their arrival, as well as the rest of the family here and there- and I'd encourage you to step up and introduce yourselves the next time you're in. Craig comes with a wealth of information about theaters, having been in the business for a couple of decades, with beneficial connections across the country. Good news for Estes Park! I think the Conleys will take Reel Mountain to the next level of a superior community theater- you'll see.

Handing the 'Reel' off to new owner Craig Conley.

As for the Igels? We're plotting to hatch a dream that involves 9 people living in close quarters & homeschooling on the road for a year. It will be interesting to look back in a year and see what actually happened- but we're on track for a July departure. We're keeping a blog, let me know if you'd like to follow along. Getting 'there' will be remarkable I'll bet.

There's too much to say as I come to the thank you and reflection part of this letter. Suffice to say that our opportunity to steer Reel Mountain through the 'sea of small business' has been nothing short of awesome. The friendships we have built and the experiences we will take away as a family will be lifetime memories. We're proud to have entertained our friends, neighbors and visitors and will continue to enjoy being active community members for years to come- well- except for that year long experiment beginning in July...

Thanks, Estes Park.

Mark Igel & Family

Meet the rest of the Family

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:30:14 +0100

Last week, you had a chance to find out the names for some of our staff that has been serving you with a smile for years... now here's the rest of 'em:

Aly is the new kid on the block, and she's still really excited about the popcorn. Actually, we all are excited, it just takes a couple of weeks when you first start working here to sample enough popcorn to be able to focus properly... (just kidding, Aly)

Kovo is a familiar face to a lot of our customers, having been involved in the local service industry for many years. He's serious about customer service and sets a good example of how to treat each customer consistently. He's also a bit possessive of the appearance of the big outdoor sign- he's been known to come by on his day off to 'help out' with the Thursday night sign change.... but I think he was checking up on us to make sure it was just right!

Gracie is indeed, uncontrollable. She is always asking what else she can do, what she can learn, if she can hang out on her time off... She is head over heels for her job at Reel Mountain. If anything, we have to reign her in so she won't scare anyone- but you can take it from me- her enthusiasm is genuine.

Sarah is another old staff fixture, having been in and out of Reel Mountain between trips and school and other jobs for several years. She works as an Asst Manager and with her experience as the Rooftop Rodeo Queen, she's a great people pleaser. [Steve doesn't work for us, but has been known to hang around the projection room].

Next week- exciting new faces...

Meet the Family

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 04:48:09 +0100

I write a lot about what we're doing and how much fun it is and the logistics of the business, but the people that are behind our business are humble and escape attention - until this week. I'd like to introduce you to our staff in this and the next newsletter:

Donna has worked at the theater since the Pratts owned the 'Stanley Village Cinemas 123' in the good old days. She's been in and out of other opportunities, but continues to be our reliable, friendly face.

Bridget accepted a manager position here after her daughter was already on the staff, and their relationship has reinforced our image of a family business. Bridget is busy with 4 kids and all of their activities, as well as treating each theater customer like family just for coming through the door.

Natasha talked us into hiring her when she interviewed for the job by relating that her mother had worked as a youth at their familys theater in Longmont- and Tasha wanted to experience the fun that her mother spoke of. We hope it's everything she expected (she tells us it is). Her smile is infectious and she works hard without needing any encouragement.

Next week- the rest of the staff...