This is topic Anyone hear of Kerasotes Theaters? in forum Film-Yak at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.


To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://ft-forum.com/ft/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=8;t=004933

---

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 01-12-2007, 11:55 PM:
 
Kerasotes is coming into the Denver area and will be buying up a bunch of theaters here. They claim to be the 8th biggest chain ever, yet I have never heard of them. Do they use union projectionists that make between $30 and $35 an hour? That is the rumor I heard.

[ 01-13-2007, 05:46 AM: Message edited by: Joe Redifer ]
 

---

Posted by Allison Parsons (Member # 2728) on 01-13-2007, 01:22 AM:
 
We have a Kerastoes theater here in P-town. I've been to the theater once, and that was to see Oh Brother Where Out Thou (yeah, it's been that long ago). I have NEVER heard of them having union projectionist. If that is the case, I'm quiting my job at Carmike and working there! I can safely say I do not know if they are evil or not, but what chain isn't evil in some ways? The lobby did remind me somehow of an airport terminal, thus probably why I've never been back. j/k

Kerasotes is a big staple in IL/MO/IN, I'm surprised they're venturing out west.
 

---

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 01-13-2007, 05:08 AM:
 
no
 

---

Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 01-13-2007, 07:33 AM:
 
Link below.

www.Kerasotes.com

We are one of the industry's premier motion picture exhibition companies. Our theatres are located primarily in the Midwestern and upper Midwestern regions of the United States, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Missouri and Minnesota. We currently have 673 screens in 80 locations - with more on the way!

Finding showtimes for the Kerasotes theatre that is closest to you is quick and easy. Select your city below:

Select theatre… Benton, IL - Toler Bloomington, IN - ShowPlace East 11 Bloomington, IN - ShowPlace West 12 Bolingbrook, IL - ShowPlace 12 Cape Girardeau, MO - Town Plaza Cinema Carbondale, IL - ShowPlace 8 Carbondale, IL - University Place 8 Centralia, IL - Plaza 5 Charleston, IL - Will Rogers Chicago, IL - City North 14 Chicago, IL - Webster Place 11 Cicero, IL - ShowPlace 14 Columbus, IN - Commons Cinema Columbus, IN - ShowPlace 12 Coon Rapids, MN - ShowPlace 16 Danville, IL - Village Mall Dexter, MO - Town & Country Cinema East Alton, IL - Eastgate Cinema Edwardsville, IL - Cottonwood Cinema Edwardsville, IL - ShowPlace 12 Evansville, IN - Stadium 16 Farmington, MO - ShowPlace Galesburg, IL - ShowPlace 8 Hamilton, OH - Cinema 10 Hamilton, OH - ShowPlace 8 Harrisburg, IL - Cinema 4 Highland, IL - Lory Theatre Hobart, IN - ShowPlace 12 Indianapolis, IN - ShowPlace 12 (Glendale Mall) Indianapolis, IN - ShowPlace 12 (Traders Point) Indianapolis, IN - ShowPlace 12 (Washington Square) Indianapolis, IN - ShowPlace 16 Inver Grove Heights, MN - ShowPlace 16 Jacksonville, IL - Illinois Theatre Jacksonville, IL - Times Theatre Jerseyville, IL - Stadium Kennett, MO - Cinema Keokuk, IA - Plaza Kokomo, IN - ShowPlace 12 Lake in the Hills, IL - Lake in the Hills 12 LaPorte, IN - LaPorte Cinema Machesney Park, IL - ShowPlace 14 Marion, IL - Illinois Centre 8 Marion, IN - ShowPlace 12 Mattoon, IL - ShowPlace 10 Merrillville, IN - Merrillville 10 Merrilville/Hobart, IN - Showplace 12 Michigan City, IN - ShowPlace 14 Mt. Vernon, IL - ShowPlace 8 Muncie, IN - ShowPlace 12 Muncie, IN - ShowPlace 7 Naperville, IL - ShowPlace 16 New Castle, IN - Castle Theatre New Lenox, IL - ShowPlace 14 Niles, IL - ShowPlace 12 Paris, IL - Paris Theatre Park Hills, MO - Movies Pekin, IL - ShowPlace 14 Peru, IN - Eastwood Cinema Poplar Bluff, MO - ShowPlace 8 Princeton, IN - Princeton Theatre Quincy, IL - Quincy Mall Cinema Quincy, IL - Quincy ShowPlace 6 Richmond, IN - Cinema 10 Richmond, IN - ShowPlace 11 Rockford, IL - Colonial Village Rockford, IL - North Towne Rockford, IL - ShowPlace 16 Rockford/Machesney Park, IL - ShowPlace 14 Schererville, IN - ShowPlace 12 Schererville, IN - ShowPlace 16 South Bend, IN - ShowPlace 16 Springfield, IL - Parkway Pointe Springfield, IL - ShowPlace 12 West Springfield, IL - ShowPlace 8 East Springfield, IL - White Oaks Cinema Taylorville, IL - Cinema Terre Haute, IN - Honey Creek West 8 Terre Haute, IN - ShowPlace 12 Vernon Hills, IL - Rivertree Court Cinema Vernon Hills, IL - ShowPlace 8 Vincennes, IN - ShowPlace 8 Washington, IN - Indiana
Search by Zip Code

Kerasotes Theatres can deliver showtimes directly to your e-mail inbox. We will send you an e-mail every week listing the latest showtimes of the theatres you select. If offered at your theatre, you may also register to receive our Open Captioning Films, Art Films, and Matinee Movie Magic newsletters. It's free! Subscribe today.

Kerasotes Gift Certificates and Gift Cards* make the perfect gift for any occasion. They are sold in $5.00 denominations and can be used toward admissions or concession purchases. Buy them online or at the box office.

* Gift Cards available at participating theatres only.

Is your business or organization looking for a way to reward employees or customers? Our Super Savers are just the “ticket”! They're priced to fit your budget (minimum purchase required). Purchase them online.

"Matinee Movie Magic for Moms (and Dads)" creates an opportunity for parents to attend first-run films in a baby-friendly environment, and without fear of disturbing fellow moviegoers. Moms and dads can now "sit back, relax, and enjoy the show" instead of waiting for movies to come out on DVD. This program is available for selected showtimes and features on Tuesdays. Learn more.

Please remember that no carry-ins such as backpacks, packages, bags or boxes are allowed in Kerasotes Theatres. We request that these items be left at home or securely locked in your vehicle.
 

---

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 01-13-2007, 09:07 AM:
 
I used to service Kerasotes in central Illinois about 10 years ago. They probably ARE around the 8th largest by this late date. They are headquartered in Springfield, IL. When I was working with them, they were 100% non-union. Although, they may have contracts today in some of their new Chicagoland theatres.

They were good people to do business with (and Valerie at Canton was especially nice).

Not to be confused with GKC, the George Kerasotes circuit (recently bought by Carmike). Also non-union.
 

---

Posted by Allison Parsons (Member # 2728) on 01-13-2007, 10:00 AM:
 
Yes Tim, the amount of Kerasotes passes I was handed when GKC was GKC was amazing We have/had Kerasotes, GKC and Goodrich around town. Everyone always thought that we were one of the other two.

Was the the theater located on 'the square' of Canton? There still is a movie theater there but I don't know the name of it. A little 2 screen one if I'm not mistaken.
 

---

Posted by Alex Grueneberg (Member # 2652) on 01-13-2007, 11:57 AM:
 
They really have entered the Chicago Market big in the last few years or so after the whole Loews/amc thingy. I've got a friend who does projection over at the Webster Place 11 (non-union, but a decent pay rate) in Chicago and seems to really enjoy working for them. The Webster is an older (80s erra) cineplex and I hear they have been really cleaning the place up after Loews/amc neglected it for so long. As well the brand new 12-plex they built and opened in Niles IL certenly gives my Century a run for its money in terms of general aesthetic and appearance. I will commend them on designing a mall megaplex that doesn’t feel all mall megaplexy. Also, they advertise which movies are in the three largest houses on the new plexes which I really like.

[ 01-13-2007, 11:52 PM: Message edited by: Alex Grueneberg ]
 

---

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 01-13-2007, 12:29 PM:
 
According to the NATO Encyclopedia of Exhibition, Kerasotes is indeed the 8th largest chain. The company was founded in 1909.
 

---

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 01-13-2007, 12:49 PM:
 
Originally way back it was just one company but the brothers had a falling out and split the company up so along came GKC for George Kerasotes Theaters(if you could call them theaters),and then the other half kept the plain old Kearsotes Theaters name. Kerasotes Theaters technical guy is Fred Walraven... a pretty knowledgable and friendly guy. I used to do service for GKC once in a while for Abbott Theater Supply.... many of the locations in Peoria and Champaign, IL!!
The demise of GKC into Carmike was well deserved, they are on the same level as each other!! Too bad about Abbott though.

Mark

[ 01-13-2007, 07:14 PM: Message edited by: Mark Gulbrandsen ]
 

---

Posted by Richard Hamilton (Member # 321) on 01-13-2007, 01:34 PM:
 
Kerasotes was a good company to work for. I was their Technical Coordinator for a couple of years. We used ASC for general tech work. If a theater had a problem, I would try to talk them through it over the phone, and then assess if they should call their local tech for an emergency call. At the time they had over 500 screens, not sure what they have now. When ASC went under, Fred hired a handful of the techs.

Their new theaters are top notch. They didn't spare any expenses. Fred is the best project manager that I have worked with. When I would show up for the installs, the booth would be finished and the electricians would be waiting for me to place the equipment so they could terminate wires. A typical 16 plex took 2 weeks to install from the day the equipment arrived.

Their operations people were always prepared also. All of the employees would train at different theaters, and they would relocate managers from other cities. They also had a couple guys that would come in and train people in the booths.

Their main office has been moved to Chicago.

Rick
 

---

Posted by Sam Graham (Member # 2889) on 01-13-2007, 02:29 PM:
 
Whose theaters are they buying in Denver?

My limited experience with seeing movies at Kerasotes properties has been that they're no worse than any of the other major exhibitors. I don't recall anything standing out as being better or unique about them.

But it's been a few years.
 

---

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 01-13-2007, 03:10 PM:
 

quote: Allison Parsons

---

Was the the theater located on 'the square' of Canton?

---

Yes, Allison! That's it. Valerie was the manager there around '94, '95... I wish I could remember her last name. But she was a real sweetie.
 

---

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 01-13-2007, 06:27 PM:
 
Kerasotes is buying up Colorado Cinemas, who bought up Mann Theaters. They have their own score of techs and their own local "corporate office" since the current company does not reach out of Colorado. Obviously a lot of the "corporate" people will lose their jobs. Mann had theaters with names like "Mann Chinese 16 at Arapahoe Crossing". Colorado Cinema came in and the name was changed to "Chinese Theater". Creative bunch they are. No external company name is visible on any of their theaters, which means they went in with the intention of selling. Will the place be renamed once more to "Showplace 16"?

How do you pronounce "Kerasotes"? Is it Care-uh-sotes or is it Care-uh-so-tees? Every time I see the name, I think "Kerosene". Are Kerasotes theaters more flammable than others?
 

---

Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 01-13-2007, 07:14 PM:
 
Care-uh-so-tess
 

---

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 01-13-2007, 10:52 PM:
 
Unacceptable. They should have a far more generic-sounding name like "General Cinemas".
 

---

Posted by David Stambaugh (Member # 1102) on 01-13-2007, 11:02 PM:
 
I always think of Mr. Creosote, the fat guy who exploded from overeating in Monty Python's The Meaning of Life. There's an image you want associated with your theatres.


 

---

Posted by Michael Coate (Member # 757) on 01-13-2007, 11:04 PM:
 

quote: Joe Redifer

---

How do you pronounce "Kerasotes"?

---

quote: Adam Martin

---

Care-uh-so-tess

---

quote: Joe Redifer

---

They should have a far more generic-sounding name like "General Cinemas".

---

I've always had an affinity for Greek names. Besides Kerasotes, I know of at least one other old-time theatre circuit owned by Grecians: Chakeres in Ohio. I worked for Chakeres early in my career. Roger Frazee's father and uncles were executives with that company, and they were good people to work for. Consummate showmen, every one. I learned a lot from them.
 

---

Posted by James Westbrook (Member # 3690) on 01-14-2007, 12:35 PM:
 
I thought Kerasote was a flamable property in wood...
 

---

Posted by Edwin Sheldon (Member # 4001) on 01-14-2007, 01:09 PM:
 
There are no union projectionists at KST. In fact, generally speaking, there are NO 'projectionists' at KST. All managers are trained in projection and they assume all projection duties (meaning film handling and projector cleanliness suffer big time!).

I worked for Kerasotes before moving back to Alabama.

I can't believe so few people have heard of them now, considering all the negative press they've been getting about the shooting in Springfield and the subsequent decision not to book Stomp the Yard (a decision they later reversed).
 

---

Posted by Richard Hamilton (Member # 321) on 01-14-2007, 04:09 PM:
 
Edwin,
Just curious, what was your position at Kerasotes, and what city did you work at for them?
 

---

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 01-14-2007, 05:52 PM:
 
So what do you think would happen to existing projectionists at a chain they buy? Granted it is obvious that they would become "assistant managers", but do you think they will have to work some shifts on the floor as well for whatever reason? Would they be required to wear a suit and tie even if in the booth all of the time? Are their uniforms hot fluorescent pink with flat orange?
 

---

Posted by Edwin Sheldon (Member # 4001) on 01-15-2007, 12:50 AM:
 
Richard,
I worked at both Vernon Hills, IL locations. I started as floor staff, then hourly manager, then salary.

Joe,
Floor staff uniforms are black slacks, white shirt, black bowtie, ugly maroon hat. Managers all wear professional attire (the men, ties) even when working booth, though you don't need to wear your jacket until you come down to the floor. I worked at 8-screen locations where the booth person was expected to help out on the floor between shows, particularly on weekends. There may be different expectations for locations with more screens, because it's hardly practical for a booth manager at a 16-screen to be running up and down the stairs every four minutes. I don't know if one can request to be always scheduled in the booth, nor do I know what the pay scale is for employees acquired via merger/buyout.

If you can get past the fact that they use Splyce software and that they don't spend much time/money on presentation, Kerasotes is a good company to work for.
 

---

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 01-15-2007, 02:44 AM:
 

quote: Edwin Sheldon

---

they don't spend much time/money on presentation

---

If that's true, they suck.

What the hell good does it do to put the staff in black pants nice shirts and ties, and then slack on the presentation? Not one patron is paying to see how well-dressed the staff is.
 

---

Posted by Allison Parsons (Member # 2728) on 01-15-2007, 02:53 AM:
 
Our Kerasotes theatre is in a town called Pekin. Pekin has a tarnished past of being a prime location for Klu Klux Klan rallies, etc etc. The one time I went to that theater, the small, medium and large popcorn bags were lined up on display behind the concession area. Nothing like seeing 3 bags next to each other with large 'K''s on the front. whoops!
 

---

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 01-15-2007, 05:27 AM:
 
I think that would have been an excellent photo moment
 

---

Posted by Edwin Sheldon (Member # 4001) on 01-17-2007, 10:22 AM:
 
Mike, while I certainly agree that not focusing on presentation is a stupid idea, how many chains in the top ten do focus on presentation?
 

---

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 01-17-2007, 05:04 PM:
 
I don't know, but if they don't, they suck. Period.

I mean, what makes more sense? "I love going to the ABC Theatres because their picture and sound are always great!"

-or-

"I prefer the XYZ Theatres, because of the cool shirts worn by their ushers."

I guarantee you no human has ever uttered the second example. Well, except maybe some teenage girls.
 

---

Posted by Justin West (Member # 920) on 01-17-2007, 05:30 PM:
 
Allison: The Kerasotes multiplex you're referring to in Pekin is sitting on the lot that was once the Star-Lite Drive-In.

Tim/Allison: The Garden Theatre is located on the square in Canton, IL, but it is no longer a Kerasotes (or GKC) theatre. I believe it is now owned by the Reynolds Theatres circuit (with theatres in Elmwood, Chillicothe, and Morton, besides Canton).
 

---

Posted by Scott D. Neff (Member # 185) on 01-17-2007, 07:44 PM:
 
I'm glad that Colorado Cinemas gave Cinematour permission to photograph while I still had the chance.

Though now I'm wishing I had taken the time to go to the last few locations I didn't have time to get.

Ah well. I never have tried to contact Kerasotes, they seem like a nice enough bunch.
 

---

Posted by Steve Scott (Member # 630) on 01-18-2007, 08:28 PM:
 
Kerasotes have the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area's only Disney Digital 3D screens.
 

---

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 01-18-2007, 10:40 PM:
 
Oooooo "Disney Digital"! Is that like "Disney DVD"? Must be better than regular digital! I think I just creamed myself.
 

---

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 01-18-2007, 10:47 PM:
 
Joe, was the Arapahoe, the 16plex that the "Interlock 101", in the video section, was shot at?

I was a good ol MANN employee back in the days when Mann in Colorado was pretty big - they were right there next to Cooper-Hyland in screen size.
 

---

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 01-18-2007, 11:56 PM:
 
That was indeed the place.
 

---

Posted by Jeremy Jorgenson (Member # 2989) on 03-25-2007, 06:31 PM:
 
Recently Kerasotes obtained the two Crown Theatres locations in the Chicagoland area - The Village 18 in Skokie & The Glen 10 in Glenview.
 

---

Posted by Michael Coate (Member # 757) on 03-25-2007, 07:09 PM:
 

quote: Steve Scott

---

Kerasotes have the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area's only Disney Digital 3D screens.

---

quote: Jeremy Jorgenson

---

Recently Kerasotes obtained the two Crown Theatres locations in the Chicagoland area - The Village 18 in Skokie & The Glen 10 in Glenview.

---

quote:

---

Kerasotes to manage Crown Theatres Glen 10

March 1, 2007

Kerasotes ShowPlace Theatres LLC Friday will take over management of the Crown Theatres Glen 10 in Glenview.

The movie theaters are owned by OliverMcMillan, developer of The Glen Town Center, and the developer will continue to own them. Crown Theatres had managed the facility since it opened in 2003.

Chicago-based Kerasotes this week also announced it has acquired the Crown Theatres Village Crossing 18 in Skokie from Crown Theatres LLC of Norwalk, Conn.

"The Crown Theatres in the Chicago area have stood as a shining example of what community involved locations are capable of achieving," Tim Johnson, Kerasotes' director of operations, stated. "We sincerely hope to continue the Crown Theatres' well received programs, such as the Children's Summer Film Festival, Movies for Moms and the Email Club."

Kerasotes in November opened a 12-screen theater in Golf Mill shopping center in Niles and another facility in Cicero.

Founded in 1909, the chain is the nation's sixth largest film exhibitor, operating 94 theaters with 838 screens in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri and Ohio.

---

quote:

---

Tim Johnson, Kerasotes' director of operations,

---

quote: Tim Reed

---

Hey, I remember Tim Johnson! He's a fine man.

---

Ha, he's just a tall bald man.. Just kidding, Tim's a great guy!
 

---

Posted by Edwin Sheldon (Member # 4001) on 04-02-2007, 10:16 PM:
 
When the stupid Comedy Central show Freak Show premiered, all Kerasotes locations were handing out short comics to all persons watching R-rated shows. The comics contained gratuitous profanity. I sent Tim Johnson an email with the list of phrases our older customers found offensive, asking that they not be distributed to people outside the college student demographic. He agreed. I imagine that was the first and last time I will ever be able to send a corporate bigwig an email containing the phrase "ass powder".
 

---