By: Sydney Burns |Writer
November 15th, 2017
Krikorian Theatres announced its closing on November 2, 2017. With 20 years of business, Krikorian left a heart-felt message on the windows to all San Clemente movie goers: “Thank you so much for letting us be a part of your lives.” Krikorian, being a frequently visited venue by many San Clemente High Schol students and their families, but will be missed by all of San Clemente.
“Some of my favorite childhood memories belong to that theatre,” senior Riley Brail exclaimed.
She’s exactly right. Many San Clemente residents can recall great times spent inside the corridors of that cozy theatre. (kbeautypharm) Whether it was laughing hysterically at a horror film with a group of loud friends, or experiencing catharsis in its purest form during an emotionally stimulating drama, the Krikorian rarely fell short in it’s roll to host memorable experiences for its thousands of audience members. Yet when customers approached the ticket window on November 2nd, they were no longer greeted by the smiling faces of employment, but rather simply by a letter taped to the window.
“Krikorian Premier Theatre San Clemente 6 is closed for business,” the letter stated. “We have loved being a part of the San Clemente community and we will dearly miss it. Thank you for all your support in the past and all the amazing memories. If you have any questions about pre-purchased tickets or gift cards, please e-mail us at [email protected].”
Rumors have been confirmed regarding the opening of a new movie theatre in The Outlets of San Clemente by the owner, Steve Craig. Immediately after the closure of Krikorian, Craig confirmed on November 3rd that there will indeed be a ten-screen luxury cinema opening up at the Outlets. Craig told the OC Register, “It will be a premium theatre… and will be opening in late 2018 or early 2019.” With this high-end theatre opening in the next couple years, San Clemente will again be provided with a place for consistent movie goers.
Due to its status as a memory-filled local haunt, many ask why Krikorian closed so suddenly. Although Krikorian did not cite a specific reason for suddenly closing, some inferences can be made regarding the closure.
- Due of the awful parking situation, Krikorian may have been negatively affected by the new theatre opening up at the Outlets that has plenty of parking. With the large parking structure, and many spaces surrounding The Outlets, parking would never be an issue for a moviegoer at The Outlets.
- Another factor that may have contributed to the closing of Krikorian could be the overall quality of the theatre compared to the new luxury ten screen theatre, as opposed to the six screen, 20-year-old cloth seats. Although Krikorian would have an authentic feel, it would not compete against the reclining leather chairs that will be provided at the new theatre.
- Krikorian’s lease was conveniently up this November, so the owners of Krikorian ultimately decided to throw in the towel.
Sadly, San Clemente will be left without a movie theatre for up to two years, leaving the closest theatres in San Juan and The Kaleidoscope in Mission Viejo as the only options for San Clementians to take in some visual art and culture.
Bye, have a beautiful time!