Regency Theaters Buys Indio Metro 8 Theaters

INDIO, CA — Final approvals were made Thursday for the sale of the shuttered Indio Metro 8 Theaters to Southern California-based Regency Theaters.

The Riverside County Oversight Board gave final approval of the purchase and sale agreement between the previous owner, Successor Agency, and the new owner, Regency Theatres, during their Thursday meeting, according to city officials.

The Indio City Council initially approved the sale in October.

The Metro 8 Theaters operated in the city of Indio from 1995 until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020, when it had to shut its doors.

Under new ownership, the Metro 8 theater will be completely renovated and named the Regency Festival Cinemas.

"We want the community of Indio to have a special place where they can experience and enjoy movies," said Lyndon Golin, co-owner of Regency Theatres. "With new amenities and state-of-the-art presentation, we look forward to delivering a product to the community that will make the theater a community destination."

Planned renovations include new exterior finishes and architectural elements, an updated lobby with a new game room, a new concession stand and the instillation of luxury electric recliner chairs within screening rooms, according to officials.

Renovations are expected to be complete by Summer 2022.