Question
Business idea: drive in movie theater?
Hi there, so a little about myself...my name is Beth, im 19 almost 20. I have always known i have wanted to start my own business. Recently i cant get my mind off the idea of starting a drive-in movie theater. I am currently at university studying a bachelor of communications and will continue to do so. In order to give myself a future. The movie theater idea wouldnt happen for at least 10years....but theres nothing like a good business plan right??
So to my knowledge there is no other drive in movie theater in New Zealand. I believe it could be a very successful and unique business venture. With possibility of expanding.
What do you think this business would cost to start up? im thinking about $200,000
What are your thoughts and ideas people?
and any other tips?
Best Answer
Chosen by Asker
I disagree with popejewish. I think it would be a great idea to bring them back! With all the new technology out there it definitely has potential to be better than a noisy theater! I have NO idea how much it would cost to start but I invision it having Bose stereo systems with the latest & largest projection screens available. Maybe even have the entire area paved with tar to help control bugs etc. rather than the old dirt or grass area & maybe even have it covered by a huge tent or something so that if people want to sit outside of the vehicle & it rains they won't get wet & it doesn't damage the equipment. Anyway I would be excited to go to a new & improved drive-in theater with my fiance & I really think it is something that people of all ages would enjoy! People will come for the privacy, popcorn & new releases :) Great idea & good luck with your future endeavors!
12 months ago
Other Answers
there's a reason drive-ins went out of business, no offense. The problem is that the screen quality isn't as good, and you're limiting your customers to that little speaker thing they hang the window, so at most it's stereo sound, but not even really that. Most movie theaters these days have 7.1 surround.
As a retro-type theater you might be able to pull it off, but I doubt you'd have much success with modern movies.
The last our local drive in's closed down about 15 years ago. However a friend on Facebook just posted a new one just opened up about 20 miles from here. So someone thinks it's a good idea.
Drive in's take up a lot of land so be sure the land is not too valuable where you want to do it. You can put a lot more seating space per acre with an indoor theatre but I do believe there is a draw to drive in's.
First one is that you can bring the kids and they can fall asleep in the back seat (I know I did this a lot when young). Also you can do what you want in the car without bugging anyone, like bring a bucket of chicken or hamburgers.
It's an idea with merit you just need to run the numbers to see if it makes business sense.
