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Comment by tptacek | Hacker News Reader

I went to an Alamo in Houston and while I liked the concept, the theater was a bit dank (which I worry is an inevitable result of serving beer and food) and not a place I'd prefer taking my kids --- which is relevant because "family of four" seems to be the core market for blockbuster films.

I like Alamo, don't get me wrong, but there are downsides to the model.

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The Alamo Drafthouse in Houston was a franchise location and not run by the same owners. In the past year or two, however, the parent company purchased the franchise locations outright and shut down the franchisee concept.

My guess is Houston will be looking up...

In Houston there's Studio Movie Grill in City Center which offers a similar concept but more targeted to families/a bit more "corporate".

I haven't been myself (since I like Alamo just fine and only go with friends) but you might want to check it out.

I doubt it's inevitable. The Movie Tavern is a chain with a similar concept. Food, beer, etc. served with the movie. They've got a location here in Denver that I rather like. Not sure exactly how long it's been around but I've been going there several years and they've managed to keep it pretty clean and nice. I like taking my kids to movies there. They get shakes, I get beer. We all have a good time.

I don't think you could take your kids to Alamo unless it is a special event. It is 18+ only.

We saw "Ratatouille" there, at around 5 in the afternoon. It was a spur-of-the-moment thing. Maybe it's 18+ after 7:00PM? Maybe it used to be? I don't know.

But at any rate, you're making my point for me. :)

One of their household rules is that "Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian". http://edition.cnn.com/2011/SHOWBIZ/Movies/06/10/alamo.draft...

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