More Than Pop and Popcorn at the Movies

Movies and popcorn are basically synonymous with each other but manager Lyn Francois is trying to expand that idea.

The theatre serves a variety of hot food for movie goers including pizza, White Castle burgers, all-beef hot dogs, Freschetta Flats and pretzel bites.

"It’s a way for people to get something other than the popcorn and pop when they come to the movie," Francois said. "We’re always looking for the next ‘hot’ thing."

All of the hot food is made to order and cooked in a turbo oven between 20 seconds and just over two minutes for a large pizza. The lines still go fast, the manager said, and people will get to the film quickly.

Hudson is a good spot, Francois said, for a theater with more than traditional movie-theater food because it’s a family community. They can get some filling food when they bring everyone in for the family show.

"With so many families who come here, it just gives them more options," she said.

Plates can be brought into the stadiums and the food can be eaten there or some people use tall bar tables. Francois said those are being replaced right now but there are other places in the lobby for people to eat.

Francois, who has been managing movie theaters for many years said her favorite on the menu board is the hot dogs and Freschetta Flats –which come in two flavors, buffalo chicken and three meat.

"I’ve always been a hot-dog kind of girl, and I really like both flavors of the flats," she said.

Orders for nachos, popcorn, candy, cotton candy and drinks still keep the concession stand employees busy.

Though the hot food is a hit, the most popular items are still the traditional pop and popcorn. Because there is now a self-serve pop station, people have some freedom and the lines go fast, Francois said.