Star Cinema to Open by End of June

The final touches are now in motion at the highly anticipated Star Cinema Grill, 53 S. Evergreen, Arlington Heights, which includes a nod to old Hollywood glamour, along with a strong focus on the local community. 

Gustavo Vazquez said the business will be open to moviegoers by the end of June. 

Bright, custom paintings of classic movie stars, including Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, Liz Taylor and more will fill the walls of the theatre.

Sony Digital 4K screens have been added to all six theaters to provide the clearest picture possible, and cushy, creme-colored leather seats. Each of the theaters will hold between 70 and 160 people, and a table sits in between the seats paired in twos, where patrons can enjoy a wide variety of Star Cinema menu items.

All of them have movie-related names, including "The Usual Suspects" meat lovers pizza, the "Italian Stallion" Italian beef sandwich, the "Blues Brothers Burger" and "Nacho Libre" nachos. 

A number of items are southwestern inspired, due to the company's strong Texas roots, according to Vazquez. 

Menus will be located on the tables as people walk into the theatres, along with order sheets. When ready to order, people simply have to push a button located on the table and a server will arrive to take the order. Vazquez said they will deliver everything from candy bars to popcorn, to soft drinks, appetizers, dinner and desserts. 

"Our customers really won't have to get up for anything they want, because everything is served tableside" Vazquez said. 

In an effort to support and promote the local business community, Vazquez said Star Cinema will utilize local vendors and suppliers - including fresh breads delivered daily from a local artisan baker, to locally brewed craft beers from Goose Island and Chicago Brewing Company. 

"We emphasize local business partnerships in our effort to connect with the communities we are in," Vazquez said. 

Once the doors open, patrons will have a number of options to enjoy the newly rehabbed building. 

People can show up an hour or two before the show, Vazquez said, to catch a game on one of the flat screens in the front lobby, have a drink at the bar or in a loung area, or have any menu item with a devoted server there, prior to the show beginning. 

"We envision Star Cinema Grill as a community gathering place; where you can see people from around town and socialize," Vazquez said. 

The first movies of the day will be shown at 11 a.m. and the last of the night will begin at 10:45 p.m., though Vazquez said there will be special midnight screenings from time to time. 

Tickets prices will be comparable to neighboring theaters, ranging from around $7.50 for shows before 6 p.m. to $10.50 for those starting at or after 6 p.m.