The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, established in Austin, Texas in 1997, is an American cinema chain known for its unique approach to the moviegoing experience. Unlike traditional theaters, the Alamo Drafthouse serves dinner and drinks directly to patrons' seats during the film. Additionally, it enforces a strict policy of cinema etiquette, ensuring a respectful and immersive environment for all moviegoers.
1997: Alamo Drafthouse Implements Strict No-Talking Policy
In 1997, Alamo Drafthouse took a firm stance against disruptive behavior during movies by implementing a strict no-talking policy, aiming to create a better movie-watching environment for its patrons.
1997: Founding of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
In 1997, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema was founded in Austin, Texas. It became renowned for offering dinner and drinks during movies and enforcing strict cinema-going etiquette.
2001: Opening of Alamo Drafthouse Village
In 2001, the Leagues renovated a four-screen art-house theater in North Austin and rebranded it as Alamo Drafthouse Village, focusing on first-run movies and unique programming.
July 2004: Sale of Alamo Drafthouse Brand
In July 2004, Tim and Karrie League sold the Alamo Drafthouse brand to CEO Terrell Braly, John Martin, and David Kennedy, while retaining rights to Austin locations.
August 2004: Opening of Westlakes Location
In August 2004, the second largest Alamo Drafthouse opened in San Antonio, Texas, featuring eight screens.
February 2005: Expansion into New Locations
Since February 2005, the company purchased the original franchise unit, opened theaters in the Katy Area and Spring, Texas, and built a new multi-screen theater in Rio Grande Valley.
August 2005: Recognition by Entertainment Weekly
In August 2005, Entertainment Weekly named the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema the "#1 movie theater in the country doing it right."
2006: Steps to Preserve Theater Amid Rising Rent
In 2006, due to rising rent, owners planned to hand over the theater to the "Heroes of the Alamo" foundation, but it was eventually closed and replaced by the historic Ritz Theater.
2006: Unfinished Theater Project
In 2006, a multi-screen theater project in the Rio Grande Valley remained unfinished due to foreclosure on the original owner.
June 27, 2007: Closure of Original Alamo Drafthouse
On June 27, 2007, the original Alamo Drafthouse in downtown Austin closed with a special triple-feature event. The final movie shown was Night Warning, attended by star Susan Tyrrell.
November 2, 2007: Opening of Alamo Drafthouse at the Ritz
After six months of construction, the Alamo Drafthouse at the Ritz opened on November 2, 2007, featuring a triple feature and attendance by Quentin Tarantino.
2009: Opening of Second San Antonio Theater
In 2009, the Alamo Drafthouse opened its second San Antonio location (Park North) with six screens.
June 2010: Tim League Returns as CEO
In June 2010, founder Tim League returned as the CEO of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema's franchise operations.
November 5, 2010: Opening of Third San Antonio Location
On November 5, 2010, Alamo Drafthouse opened its third San Antonio location (Stone Oak) with six screens.
2010: Alamo Drafthouse Launches Drafthouse Films
In 2010, under the leadership of returning CEO Tim League, Alamo Drafthouse expanded into film distribution with the launch of Drafthouse Films, a company sharing the name and spirit of the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema chain.
2011: Alamo Drafthouse's "Don't Talk or Text" PSA Goes Viral
In 2011, Alamo Drafthouse made national headlines when a video of an angry customer who was ejected for texting during a movie went viral as part of their "Don't Talk or Text" PSA.
2013: Closure of Lake Creek Location
In 2013, the Lake Creek location was closed following the opening of the larger Lakeline location.
October 2016: Devin Faraci Resigns from Birth.Movies.Death Amidst Sexual Assault Allegations
In October 2016, Devin Faraci resigned from his position at Alamo Drafthouse's Birth.Movies.Death following serious allegations of sexual assault.
June 2017: Opening of Largest Alamo Drafthouse
In June 2017, the largest Alamo Drafthouse opened in Springfield, Missouri, featuring 14 screens and seating 1,050 people.
September 2017: Controversy Surrounds Devin Faraci's Re-Hiring and Subsequent Resignation
In September 2017, Tim League's decision to re-hire Devin Faraci to write film blurbs for Fantastic Fest, despite previous sexual assault allegations, sparked controversy leading to Todd Brown's resignation and Faraci's subsequent departure. League issued public apologies regarding the situation.
September 2017: Harry Knowles Accused of Sexual Misconduct, Alamo Drafthouse Cuts Ties
September 2017 saw multiple women come forward with allegations of sexual harassment and assault against Harry Knowles at Alamo Drafthouse-sponsored events and professional settings. As a result, Alamo Drafthouse and Fantastic Fest severed ties with Knowles.
2017: Tim League Co-Founds Neon Film Distribution Company
In 2017, Tim League, CEO of Alamo Drafthouse at the time, partnered with Tom Quinn to establish Neon, a film distribution company based in New York City.
2017: Purchase of Historic Baker Center
In late 2017, Alamo purchased the historic Baker Center from Austin ISD, intending to convert it into public housing for teachers. It became Alamo Drafthouse’s corporate headquarters and was added to the NRHP in 2023.
March 2019: Launch of Alamo Season Pass
In March 2019, Business Insider reported that Alamo Drafthouse's movie-ticket subscription service, Alamo Season Pass, would launch nationwide by the end of the year with an unlimited plan costing $20 a month.
2019: Tim League Steps Back from Neon's Daily Operations
By 2019, Tim League was no longer reported to be involved in the day-to-day operations of Neon, the film distribution company he co-founded.
March 2020: Temporary Closures Due to Coronavirus
In March 2020, Alamo Drafthouse announced the temporary closure of all locations due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
May 7, 2020: Launch of 'Alamo on Demand' Streaming Service
On May 7, 2020, Alamo Drafthouse launched the 'Alamo on Demand' video streaming service, featuring films from Drafthouse Films and partnering with major studios like Sony Pictures Classics and Lionsgate.
May 2020: New CEO Shelli Taylor
In May 2020, Alamo announced that former Starbucks executive Shelli Taylor would become the new CEO, while founder Tim League would transition to chairman of the board.
May 2020: Alamo Drafthouse Sells Birth.Movies.Death, Tim League Steps Down as CEO
May 2020 marked significant changes for Alamo Drafthouse with the announcement of founder Tim League stepping down as CEO coinciding with the sale of their online publication, Birth.Movies.Death, to Dallas Sonnier's Cinestate film studio.
March 3, 2021: Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filing
On March 3, 2021, Alamo Drafthouse filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, leading to the closure of several cinemas and the cancellation of an Orlando location. The company entered into a restructuring support agreement to navigate through bankruptcy.
June 2021: Emergence from Bankruptcy
In June 2021, Alamo Drafthouse announced that they had successfully emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
2023: Baker Center Added to NRHP
In 2023, the historic Baker Center, now Alamo Drafthouse’s corporate headquarters, was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
June 12, 2024: Sony Pictures Acquires Alamo Drafthouse
On June 12, 2024, Sony Pictures acquired Alamo Drafthouse, marking the first time in over 75 years that a major Hollywood studio owned a theater chain. Alamo will continue to operate its film festival, Fantastic Fest.