'It's Going To Be Really Nice': South Bay Cinemas To Reopen Next Month

WEST BABYLON, NY — South Shore residents will soon have another spot to watch summer films.

South Bay Cinemas, located at 495 Montauk Hwy in West Babylon, will reopen in about one month, said Jerry Hogan, in charge of the building's plumbing. The business had closed its doors more than seven years ago.

Hogan told Patch he has worked on the cinema's renovations for about a year and a half.

"It's going to be really nice," he said. "People are excited."

The cinemas will include five theaters, all new recliner seats, and new screens. One theater will hold about 250 people.

"Everything is brand new," Hogan said.

The business will also serve beer and liquor, in addition to traditional movie theater snacks.

Lots of work and financing went into the almost $1 million renovations, he said. For example, there were problems with the building's fire main, and installed a $40,000 grease trap.

South Bay Cinemas has not yet announced its official reopening date.

Hogan said that many people are excited about the reopening, himself included. He grew up in the area, he told Patch, and has sentimental memories of the theater.

"In 1979 I saw a Rocky II, — the first movie my parents let me go by myself with my friends in that that theater," Hogan said.

Now, Hogan gets to pass the magic of the cinemas down to his children. His daughter will work at the cinemas this summer, he said.

"I'm excited," Hogan said.