Kimberly Diggs | Star Local Media

What was once a Best Buy has become a sleek, modern movie theater offering an elevated moviegoing experience. On July 30, Studio Movie Grill opened the doors to a new flagship location in The Colony, 4800 State Highway 121 at Josey Lane, vastly different from some of the other locations in the area in amenities and décor.

One of the aspects of the experience that they’ve gotten the most compliments about are the custom-built Inorca recliners with plush leather seating.

“Opening this new location in our hometown is as exciting for us as opening our first Studio Movie Grill over 15 years ago,” said Brian Schultz, founder and CEO of Studio Movie Grill. “Since then, technology, amenities and aesthetics have evolved significantly. Dallas really has the most supportive and appreciative of communities, and we are thrilled to be expanding in our own backyard. As our 22nd location nationwide, Studio Movie Grill The Colony promises to be an exceptional in-theater dining experience for our guests.”

Along with the décor, the theater has introduced a revamped menu with new dishes and drinks.

Some of their most popular new menu items are the mahimahi fish and chips and blackened chicken salad, but they’ve made sure to hold fast to classics such as the coconut chicken tenders and, one of their most popular snacks, soft pretzel bites.

They’re also serving new drinks such as the Mexican Chocolate Cinn and the Creamy Caramel Macchiato adult shake, but they are holding on to their bestseller – their frozen margarita.

Though they are most focused on providing a luxurious movie-watching experience, they are also driven to give back to the community that will support them through the years.

Every second Saturday at 11 a.m., once a new children’s movie is released, Studio Movie Grill has a free screening for children with special needs. They work with local hospitals and autism organizations to coordinate screenings of the latest movies.

They recently completed screenings of “The Minions” and “Shaun the Sheep.”

“We turn up the lighting so it’s a bit more conducive and turn down the sound a little bit,” said Gary Frank, marketing director of Studio Movie Grill.

In addition to programs like these, each month, the theater hosts a retro movie series geared toward families called the Family Rewind that allows families to pay $3 to see movies such as “Karate Kid” and “Back to the Future.” It’s hosted one Wednesday and Sunday a month.

“This is a family event that allows parents to show their children movies that they were excited about as kids,” Frank said.

Studio Movie Grill also hosts Girl’s Night Out once a month that allows women to pay $3 to see the featured film. The next Girl’s Night Out will occur on Sept. 9 and feature an in-theater viewing of “Pretty Woman.”

Read original article at Star Local Media.

Korri Kezar | Dallas Business Journal

North Texas can rock and roll all night and party every day with a new Rock and Brews coming to The Colony next year.

The restaurant concept, formed by frontman Paul Stanley and bass guitarist Gene Simmons of the band KISS, is building an 8,950-square foot location near Nebraska Furniture Mart in the Grandscape development. Stanley said the company was drawn to Grandscape’s size and affordable space.

“It’s an exciting project out there and Warren Buffett, you can say he’s a trailblazer, but he’s also someone who doesn’t make a lot of mistakes,” Stanley told the Dallas Business Journal. “ That area is upcoming and it’s expanding, so we chose that area rather than going into the city where it would be more difficult to fully realize what we see Rock and Brews being, which is an indoor/outdoor family-friendly restaurant.”

Rock and Brews will include a pet-friendly patio and a children’s area so music lovers of all ages can enjoy a little classic rock by musicians and bands such as Don Henley, The Beatles and, you guessed it, KISS.

“As I had children, it became more difficult to have a great meal,” Stanley said. “You basically wound up with cardboard pizza surrounded by people playing video games. We wanted to create an atmosphere where you could celebrate what we all love, classic rock, with a staff that you can call your friends. People continue to come back to Rock and Brews because it’s a social hub.”

The menu has been described by Stanley as “fabulous comfort food.” Selections include fish tacos, pizza and burgers, and diners can sample more than 80 craft brews. The Colony location will incorporate region-specific favorites such as chicken fried steak with white gravy.

Stanley will be in The Colony in January when the restaurant is slated to open. The eatery’s launch will include a benefit for veterans with Stanley leading the pledge of allegiance.

“I’m there to shake hands and to make sure the vets have a great time,” he added. “I’m a firm believer that patriotism is cool and we need to make sure that people know loving your country and championing your soldiers is an obligation and an honor.”

After The Colony restaurant’s opening, Rock and Brews may not be done building in North Texas, Stanley said. The 11-location concept plans to grow to between 75 and 100 locations in the next five years, and is expanding into arenas, stadiums and airports, giving options for more Dallas-Fort Worth stores.

Read original article at The Dallas Business Journal.