Valet parking and alcohol: coming soon to the Cineplex Queensway
If Cineplex has its way, Toronto moviegoers with a little money to spend will no longer be subjected to seeing movies with the riff-raff. According to the Star, the multiplex operator is upping its game by opening a massive new five-auditorium VIP section at its Queensway location on January 17.
The swank new theatres are like giant-sized versions of the tiny VIP rooms at Yorkville’s Varsity Cinemas. They’re designed to eliminate all the supposed hardships of regular, poor-person moviegoing: cramped quarters, lousy food, the presence of children, and L.O.A. (Lack of Alcohol). Fancy snacks and cocktails will be delivered directly to recliner-style seats. There will even be optional valet parking and a lounge with a fireplace.
Like the Varsity, Queensway VIP will be imposing a $7 to $10 surcharge on a basic $12.99 ticket, meaning anyone who wants to spare themselves the chatter of children will have to pay significantly more. If Cineplex CEO Ellis Jacob’s plans come to fruition, Toronto can expect four similar VIP theatres to open over the next two years, including one at Yonge-Dundas. It’s a good thing those seats are cushy, because they’re going to need to pad some mighty fat wallets.
I had this exact idea over five years ago. Just as airlines offer first-class amenities, I think a similarly premium experience for moviegoers could do quite well in the cinema industry.
What this idea is lacking, in my opinion, is waitstaff. One of my biggest peeves in going to the movies is if I want to get a drink or snack during the movie, I have to get up and miss part of the film. No fun at all! Having it both ways (to have my snack and see the whole movie) would be a substantial benefit, in my opinion.
My greatest concern with the idea in the way it’s presented is controlling the licensed areas for booze consumption. Most customers won’t understand the concept of where they can and can’t be holding their drinks… Meaning it’s very possible that they might walk into an unlicensed part of the theatre (such as the lobby) – and that could get ugly if there’s an AGCO inspector in the building.
This will consist of no small learning curve, for the staff and management of Cineplex alike, but they are on the right track… And I look forward to the day that I can sip on a Corona and watch a movie, without screaming kids in the theatre.
Hi Maxwell,
The entire theatre is licenced. Although it is attached to the existing Queensway theatre it is its own entity and has its own lobby, lounge and concession stand all of which are in the licenced areas along with all auditoriums. Enjoy!
Can’t wait to check this place out!