Cinema-Eatery to Open in Wheaton

Wheaton is getting a movie theater.

Locals won't have to travel for dinner-and-a-movie dates after Studio Movie Grill opens in Wheaton's Rice Lake Square early next year.

The cinema-eatery—expected to open in the first quarter of 2012—will show major box office films in its nine theaters and serve from a menu of more than 100 items, according to Lynne McQuaker, director of creative affairs for Studio Movie Grill (SMG). 

SMG will be the tenant of the 30,000-square-foot space at 301 Rice Lake Square, a former movie theater before it was most recently occupied by Linens-N-Things. Jim Kozik, director of economic development for the City of Wheaton said SMG has not applied for their construction permits, but are completing their construction drawings.

The Dallas-based company is the first of its kind to obtain first-run movie rights as cinema-eateries traditionally ran movies on their second locations, McQuaker said. She added that SMG will offer its "SMG With a Twist" programming, which shows alternate films, films for viewers with special needs, educational series and $1 classics.

The food and beverage menu will include premium liquor, beer and wine, healthy food choices, pizzas, burgers, quesadillas, gluten-free options, items for kids (including a newer "healthy option" menu for kids), popcorn, milkshakes and candy.

With eight locations in the Dallas/Fort Worth, TX areas, Houston, TX, Atlanta and Scottsdale, AZ, the theater will be SMG's first in the midwest. SMG Founder and President Brian Schultz said in an email that Wheaton was selected because "it was a community that really cared about not only itself but also the surrounding areas and it had a very appealing demographic for our concept."

Rice Lake Square, a 250,000-square-foot shopping center, is owned by Grosvenor Americas and managed by Mid-America Asset Management, Inc. The square is currently under construction to improve traffic flow, lighting and building facades that is expected to be completed this fall.