As a frantic car chase explodes on the big screen, moviegoers recline in a La-Z-Boy and glance at a three-course menu offering pasta, quesadillas and even a cold beer. After pushing a button, a waiter arrives to take the order, letting the audience settle in as the next plot twist unfolds before them.
There are currently three Fork and Screen theaters in the U.S. — one in Atlanta and two in Kansas.
Prices vary depending on the market.
At the Olathe Studio 30 Cinema Suites near Kansas City, for example, moviegoers pay $20, which the cost of the movie ticket and a $15 voucher which goes toward the cost of food. The menu includes appetizers such as potato skins ($7.99) and Parmesan fries ($6.59), main entree choices including fried shrimp ($10.59), flat bread pizza ($9.49) or mushroom baby swiss burger ($9.99) and dessert offerings like New York Cheesecake ($5.59) or a Darkaiccino Chocolate Brownie ($6.29).
"It’s not your average popcorn and soda experience," Scott said.
At the Olathe theaters with stadium seating and counter eating, the cost is $12.50, which includes a $7.50 food voucher.
The dine-and-watch experience, with its implied noise level and bustle, may cater best to a niche audience, Gross said. AMC Theaters thinks it could attract couples looking to get away from their children for a night.
Some smaller, mom-and-pop theaters have had a variation of Fork and Screen in place for years.