In the Know: First look inside CMX CinéBistro in Naples in this exclusive sneak peek (with new video, photos)
Phil FernandezAs we first reported over the summer, CMX CinéBistro makes its debut Friday at the Coastland Center in Naples.
"We're just super excited," said Matt Russell, CMX vice president of operations, of what's become the historically rare occurrence of a cinema opening. "I've been with the company over 10 years. I've opened every unit since 2007. This is something I enjoy doing personally not just professionally."
In the Know got a sneak peek Monday to be able to provide you with the public's first inside look through the lens of our colleague Landon Bost at the nation's latest theater.
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It wasn't Bost's easiest assignment because it was pretty dang dark from a photographer's lighting perspective, but print readers can find more images on naplesnews.com.
There are definitely some surprises in this upscale movie palace of "zero gravity" recliners.
And you're also going to hear more later about what's yummy from food writer Andrew Atkins, who this week is going to sample some of Executive Chef Mike Litzel's plates that were developed by Andy King, the V.P. of culinary for the Naples area.
In addition to the eating of "rustic modern new American cuisine," the place fits nicely in the pandemic era, and as we've said, should serve as an escape for adults in the evening.
"If it's 8:01, it's 21 and over," Russell said. "Our theaters, they're built for 200 people but we only seat 90. (It's) a big auditorium. It's because the aisles are twice as wide. I don't mean just the aisles that you walk up to your seat. I'm talking about the aisle in front of you, the next seat in front of you because of the reclining nature of our seats. And then we still make sure our servers team can get by. You're talking about a lot of space."
Except you're going to have a lot more elbow room than anyone expected for now.
Robert Fronckoski, CMX regional director of operations, said he's limiting each of the six expansive movie rooms to 50 customers each. That's a staffing issue.
Yes, there is still a COVID-19 crisis, but finding top qualified workers in a market that the state Labor Department considers fully employed isn't easy either.
Fronckoski said he's hired 40 so far, just over halfway from where he wants to eventually be. He told me he's going to be patient: "Quality, not quantity, is most important. I want to make sure to provide the best level of service to each guest. It's who we are. When you're coming to visit us, we provide our guests with something for all five senses."
If you're not vaccinated, the only thing he asks is that you wear a mask. His staff has them on, and another plus, is that each auditorium has its own air filtration system, he said.
And did you know that you can go inside CMX CinéBistro without paying? Here's how:
The lobby area features a separate restaurant and tavern indoor/outdoor setup that feels a bit like a sports bar. You don't need a ticket to enjoy a martini, a brew or whatever you're craving.
And you can watch NFL Sunday Ticket, the upcoming MLB playoffs and anything else you can get on a satellite dish on the 20 big screen TVs, the most of any in the chain.
By the way, you can rent any part of CinéBistro for the programming you want, conferences, office meetings, parties or any excuse to gather, Fronckoski said.
Also unique to Naples: The Barco 4K Laser.
"They took the projector to a new experience level," Fronckoski said. "You can't get any better than this."
No replacing bulbs any more.
This all debuts Friday afternoon, ahead of movies beginning at 2 p.m. You want to arrive at least a half-hour before your movie showing to get the most out of your dining. Last call is during the trailers so you don't have servers walking in your path once the flick begins to roll.
So what's the opening day lineup?
"The Many Saints of Newark" may be the most anticipated with its tie to "The Sopranos", but there's also the animated "Addams Family 2" and "Venom: Let There Be Carnage".
My favorite, though: 1952's "Singin' in the Rain" featuring Gene Kelly and don't forget, 19-year-old gymnast Debbie Reynolds, who learned to dance from Fred Astaire to pull it off. Rita Moreno's there, too, in her biggest role to that point.
The latter will cost you $5. Tickets are normally $9.99 on weekends, with a surcharge of $2 for some of the newer releases. During the week: As low as $6.99 except $5 Tuesdays and before 5 p.m. on weekdays, Fronckoski said.
Admission can be purchased online, at lobby kiosks or from real human beings at the counter.
While hours of operation will vary, nights are a heavy focus, but it's up to you how much drink and food a la carte service you want. There's no order minimum.
"Literally, it's your experience to cater to your needs," Russell said. "We're always going to have what we call our prime set, our 6 to 9, our dinner set. On the weekends, we open at noon, sometimes 11 a.m. all the way through 10, 11, 12 midnight. It all depends on the movies, it depends on demand, it depends on the season. To the point we don't post operating hours."
What he has posted are jobs including servers who earn a minimum of $7 an hour plus tips; bussers, $11 plus tips; concierge and dishwashers, $15 and line cooks, $17.
Based at the Naples Daily News, Columnist Phil Fernandez (pfernandez@gannett.com) writes In the Know as part of the USA TODAY NETWORK. Support Democracy and subscribe to a newspaper.