Dispute With Landlord Closed Westfield Theater: Mayor

WESTFIELD, NJ - The sudden shuttering of Westfield's Rialto Theater, which has been a staple in downtown since 1922, was caused by a dispute between tenant and landlord, according to Mayor Shelley Brindle.

"I am able to confirm that the theater’s sudden closing is the result of a tenant/landlord dispute between New Vision Cinemas, LLC and Rialto Holdings, LLC," Brindle said.

Brindle noted that the matter is currently being litigated. Court documents show that Rialto Holdings filed a complaint against New Vision Cinemas in June of 2018.

Patch reached out to both parties, who declined comment.

Brindle said that any speculation regarding a change in ownership status of the building or its planned future use is not based on facts.

"It is no secret that the business landscape for movie theaters has changed. Look no further than the recent opening of the Cinemark movie complex in Watchung to understand what consumers expect in today’s theater experience, which I think speaks to how we need to adapt to these shifts in the marketplace," she said.

Patrons visiting the Rialto Theater in Westfield Friday were greeted with a marquee out front that was devoid of showtimes and movie titles, but instead bore the message that the theater was closed.

As word of the closing spread on social media, residents have already created a Facebook campaign 'Save the Rialto.'

The East Broad Street business opened initially in 1922 and changed ownership and names several times over the decades according to Cinema Treasures. The theater opened with Richard Barthelmess in "Sonny" and Buster Keaton in "Cops." Around 1966 it was taken over by United Artists. Two more screens added on May 26, 1978 and three screens were added in 1997 after it was purchased from United Artists. Later taken over by Digiplex, followed by Carmike Cinemas, in March 2017 it was taken over by New Vision Theatres and renamed Rialto Theatre once again, the site noted.

Brindle said that every crisis comes opportunity.

"I’m committed to proactively working towards a solution that will keep the Rialto—in whichever capacity makes the most sense for our town—and retain this historic venue for residents to enjoy for generations to come," she said. "As always, community input is welcome."

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