The Warner Theater, a longstanding movie theater in Ridgewood, will permanently close and cease operations following its evening showtimes on Sunday, its parent company Bow Tie Partners announced in a press release Monday.
The theater opened in 1932 as a single-screen cinema, featuring the premiere of “The Dark Horse” starring Bette Davis. In 1978, the space expanded to two screens, and in 1984, two more screens were added. Bow Tie Partners acquired The Warner Theater in 2013, and its affiliate, Bow Tie Cinemas, has operated it for the last decade.
The theater’s shuttering follows struggles related to the pandemic, Bow Tie said — a familiar tale which caused dramatic changes to the movie theater business, particularly older venues. The Bergen County theater “is no longer viable at this location,” the statement said.
Bow Tie said it plans to remain part of the downtown Ridgewood is considering options for redevelopment of the movie theater space, including use as a performing arts venue.
“We offer our sincere thanks and appreciation to all of our loyal customers who, over the past 11 years, have provided us the honor of hosting them at the movies in Ridgewood,” said Ben Moss, Owner of Bow Tie Partners, in a statement. “We are very much looking forward to remaining a part of the vibrant downtown Ridgewood business community and look forward to announcing our future plans when we have finished our analysis of alternative uses.”
Currently, there are no other Bow Tie Cinemas operating in New Jersey.
Saleah Blancaflor may be reached at sblancaflor@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @saleyley and Instagram.