Movie Theater Reopens, Welcomes Fans For First Time Since Pandemic

LONG BEACH, NY — After more than two years, Long Beach Cinema has reopened. Unlike at other theaters, owner Paula Lewis chose to wait until everything was perfect for patrons amid the pandemic.

"We wanted to make it right," Lewis told Patch. "There are a lot of moving parts to open."

Lewis, who has been running the theaters since they opened 20 years ago, joined VIPs for a ribbon cutting on Friday morning, ahead of the first screenings at 11 a.m.

Before the pomp and circumstance, Lewis had the building at East Park Avenue fully sanitized to project safety for everyone.

Moviegoers will also see the now-familiar, plexiglass barriers at the box office and concession stands. Sanitize stations are also in each of the four theaters and in the lobby.

Lewis wouldn't directly address the financial aspect of being shut for that long, only to say "any business, of course, takes a hit."

Timing and coordination were keys to the delay, but she never thought of keeping the multiplex closed permanently.

"It feels great. We love being back," she said. "It's good for the community."