A brand new movie theater concept is coming to Hampden later this fall.
Warehouse Cinemas Rotunda is currently completing significant renovations to expand and elevate the former Cinebistro location that closed during the pandemic.
The Maryland-based cinema currently has two locations, one in Frederick and the other in Hagerstown.
Being from Maryland, Warehouse Cinemas CEO Rich Daughtridge says he “was always intrigued by Baltimore” and with Cinebistro not reopening, Hampden made for the perfect location.
The bar Growler USA Kitchen and Taphouse, which was located next door to the former Cinebistro, also closed during the pandemic. Taking over both empty locations and tearing down the wall between the two spaces gave Warehouse owners the ability to expand food operation, the bar space, and a dining room area, “creating an elevated experience,” says Daughtridge.
Their fast casual dining model allows moviegoers to order at a concession stand or in their restaurant and pick it up, with the average wait time being under 6 minutes. Restaurant guests can enjoy full access to the food and beverage menu, even without the purchase of a movie ticket.
Guests can expect a food options beyond a traditional movie theater menu, including gourmet grilled cheese, flatbreads, and gourmet hotdogs.
Each month, visitors can also try a different specialty popcorn. During the summer months, Warehouse’s Frederick and Hagerstown locations offered s’mores popcorn, which contained graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows.
The Hampden location will offer 32 beers, four wines, and four cocktails on the self-serve wall, which allows guests to pour their own adult beverages.
Once a month, the drink menu will also feature movie-themed cocktails depending on what films are playing at the time. The Hagerstown and Frederick locations served a red and blue Peter Parker cocktail during their showings of “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” and a “Yo-jito” in honor of Star Wars’ “baby Yoda.”
Warehouse Cinemas offers unlimited, free refills on all popcorn and soda, no matter the size.
Other signature amenities include brand new installation of leather reclining seats with a footrest and seat warmers, offering a luxury feel for a less expensive price point.
“Our brand has always been focused on a ‘night out’ and a high-quality experience combining food, beverage and moviegoing,” Daughtridge said in a statement. “We’re looking forward to partnering with local businesses and serving guests in the Hampden neighborhood and surrounding areas of Baltimore.”
Warehouse will also host events, including two main events: Film League and Brunch Club.
Film League is a movie club with a monthly viewing of a retro classic or indie film. Afterwards, attendees are encouraged to meet in the lobby and discuss the film.
“It becomes an experience for film aficionados,” says Daughtridge.
Brunch Club is once a month on Sundays, where attendees can view a first-run movie or classic movie and enjoy a special hangover popcorn alongside mimosas and Bloody Mary specials.
Quarterly, the theater will host movie-themed “Signature” gatherings, where guests can expect live music with a DJ, vendors, and a party.
“This is an opportunity to build community and to give people movie experience but with a few other fun experiences,” says Daughtridge. “We’ve been successful because we believe in the additional experiences to add to the movie.”
Ticket prices will be as low as $7 on Tuesdays, with an average ticket price of around $12 at other times throughout the week.
Visit WarehouseCinemas.com to stay updated on a grand opening celebration.
