There are plenty of things to do in the Delray Beach, Boca Raton and Boynton Beach area, but have you noticed most of those things are out east? If you want to go to the movies most of the good theaters are out that way and if you want to see an IMAX movie you have to travel up north AND east up to CityPlace. That is no longer the case because the Delray Marketplace complex is open and their slogan is West is Best. One way they’re going to prove it is with the opening of Frank Theaters CineBowl & Grille. This “movie theater” has 12 screens that include an IMAX screen and an FDX one. This is not just a movie theater; it’s an entire entertainment complex.
“It’s hard to talk about a dream,” said Bruce Frank, president and CEO of Frank Entertainment Companies last night at the VIP opening party. Mr. Frank went on to explain he has been designing a full entertainment facility since 1980. “We’ve always been focused on creating ultimate entertainment experience. Our slogan has always been raising the level of entertainment.”
He has certainly accomplished that. The CineBowl & Grille also has a 16 lane bowling alley, a game room area and a great restaurant all in this 70,000 square foot haven. The second you walk into the lobby and see those high ceilings and collage of portraits of movies stars from past and present, you can’t help but to be in awe. Be sure to check out the slideshow above to see photos of the lobby, theaters and the rest of the complex. You’ll start to get an idea of how massive this place is, but you really should come down to see it for yourself.
The IMAX screen is 33 feet tall and 75 feet wide and backed by a 65-speaker Dolby Atmos sound system. Bob Raposo, IMAX’s Vice President of Theatre Development & Sales was on hand at the VIP party. “Once the lights are out the audience is going to have an awesome experience. There’s no doubt about it.” Frank Theaters CineBowl & Grille is the first building ever to house both an IMAX theater and a bowling alley. Joe Davis, the theater manager, does not want anyone to forget the FDX screen that is right next to the IMAX one. The massive screen in that theater also has the Dolby Atmos sound system with 68-speakers, many of which are on the ceiling. So not only will you get the sounds of the movie from all around you, you’ll get sounds from right over your head too.
During the party, staff members were walking around with trays of some of the food the restaurant will be serving. Two of the items were Toasted Sesame Calamari and a big hit was the Boom Boom Shrimp (you must try this when you go). Other foods you could try in the restaurant area was pizza, pulled pork, prime rib, pasta and baby back ribs. There was nothing they were serving that didn’t taste fantastic! There are over 75 items on the menu so have fun picking out only a few items when you go.
The bar also has some great drink choices too. Roy the Bartender was serving some tasty Margarita Pops, which were Margaritas with a frozen bar of it in the drinks too (see slide show). Due South Brewing Company, a local brewery in Boynton Beach is providing their three flagship beer brands, Caramel Cream Ale, Honey Vanilla Wheat and Category 3 IPA. “I think it’s great to have a local beer in a local place,” said Mike Halker who was representing the company at the opening.
Not everyone will be stopping by the restaurant to eat; some people will only visit the concession stand. There is no shortage of what to eat there either. Frank Theaters serves Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn. A small is only $5.75 and a large is $7.50. There are great combo deals too. You can also order nachos, hotdogs, pizza, sliders, mozzarella sticks, chicken tenders and more. Besides your favorite soft drinks like Pepsi, Sunkist and Dr. Pepper, you can even get a beer at the concession stand, with proper ID, like Heineken and Miller Lite.
You may think that with the opening of a brand new theater that ticket prices for the place would be crazy, but that’s not the case. Seeing a movie in the morning is only $6.50. A movie before 4:00 in the afternoon is $7.00 for children and seniors and $7.50 for adults. Prime time prices are $10.50. You can click HERE to go to the theater’s website to see what movies are playing and all ticket prices.
Besides being treated to free food, drinks and bowling, all VIP guest in attendance at the theater last night could also see a free movie, including the new releases of “Beautiful Creatures”, “Safe Haven” and “A Good Day to Die Hard”. Everyone in attendance was very impressed by the whole place and the courteous staff. “The knocked it out of the park,” remarked one guest. “I don’t think it compares to anything else,” said Bob Kramm who was in the restaurant with his son Lee, who thought that Bruce Frank’s goal of creating a place for the whole family is what is going to make Frank Theaters CineBowl and Grille so successful.
Bruce Frank’s commitment to family was evident right before the ribbon cutting ceremony as his two sons also addressed the crowd. His oldest son, Phillip Frank, let people know they could win some great prizes while playing games like skee ball in the game center. He was followed by his younger brother, Steven, who spoke about keeping the vision of his great-grandfather and grandfather alive. It’s clear that Frank Theaters are in good hands for generations to come.
Frank Theaters CineBowl & Grille chose today, Valentine’s Day as its grand opening date. You can actually have a full night out in one place here. You can enjoy a nice dinner, see a movie and then do a fun activity like play games or go bowling. In time other shops and restaurants will soon be opening in Delray Marketplace. It’s located on West Atlantic Avenue and Lyons Road, just west of the Florida’s Turnpike. Before you know it, the west will indeed, be the best.
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