Screen dream

Retro Texas drive-in movie theater premieres on the market at $4 million

Chris and Sarah Denny opened the theater, at 1540 Satterwhite Rd., in 2018.

Courtesy of Ben Brennan with Foto ATX for Douglas Elliman Realty

Picture this: You could be the owner of a retro-style drive-in movie theater in Central Texas.

Doc’s Drive-In Theatre, located in the Austin suburb of Buda, recently debuted on the market at a list price of nearly $4 million ($3.999 million, to be precise). The deal includes the business itself, as well as the land and structures.

The 7.9-acre property, near I-35, features the theater setup as well as three fully furnished movie-themed rental casitas and a members-only, speakeasy-like private club. Also included in the sale are the commercial kitchen and bar. The theater, casitas, and club remain open.

The listing notes that there’s “potential to grow and improve” the existing business or entirely redevelop the site.

Central Texas couple Chris and Sarah Denny opened the theater, at 1540 Satterwhite Rd., in 2018. Before construction started, cattle roamed the property.

The Dennys “took a chance on a shared dream and spent incredible time and effort perfecting the systems and layout that would provide unparalleled entertainment to audiences all over Central Texas,” the theater’s website says.

“Inspired by the drive-in movie theater experience at the height of drive-in popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, Chris and Sarah decided that, in the spirit of Austin’s free-thinking culture, they would upgrade their drive-in to include so much more.”

The Dennys announced the project in 2017.

“Drive-in theaters now offer only one thing: movies. With Doc’s Drive-In Theatre, we want to create an immersive film experience for individuals and families. Guests can come for a movie but stay overnight, and we will provide the amenities expected from comfortable accommodations,” Chris Denny said at the time.

Drive-in movies became one of the biggest pandemic-time trends of 2020.

Now, the Dennys are selling the drive-in following their move last year to San Marcos and the recent arrival of their baby.

“While they would love for the legacy of the business to continue with the next owner, the property itself is so special and versatile that the new owners will be able to adapt the space to make it their own,” says Ezra Cruz, who shares the listing with Douglas Elliman Realty colleague Michael Reisor.

Doc’s Drive-In Theatre recently debuted on the market at a list price of nearly $4 million.

Courtesy of Ben Brennan with Foto ATX for Douglas Elliman Realty

Doc’s Drive-In Theatre recently debuted on the market at a list price of nearly $4 million.

movies home-for-sale

Closure News

American Freight furniture chain to shut down 2 Fort Worth-area stores

American Freight

There's a big sale going on at American Freight.

There's a huge sale on furniture going down right now, but for a sad reason: American Freight, a chain of furniture stores operating in dozens of states, is permanently shuttering all 328 locations, due to “sustained inflation and macroeconomic challenges,” according to its parent company.

That includes two Fort Worth-area stores, part of seven stores overall in the Dallas-Fort Worth.

The closing comes after its parent company, Franchise Group, Inc., filed for bankruptcy protection, according to documents filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.

Store closing sales began on November 5, both online and at its 328 locations. Hilco Consumer-Retail is managing these sales for American Freight as the business winds down its operations nationwide. Significant discounts are being offered on the brand's full assortment of inventory.

Shoppers can save up to 30 percent off the lowest ticketed prices storewide. Available items include living room sets, bedroom furniture, dining tables, and a selection of scratch & dent and new in-box appliances, such as refrigerators, washers and dryers.

New inventory is arriving and expected to move quickly, so customers should take advantage of this prime opportunity to enjoy exceptional deals before it's too late.

"Our goal is to deliver outstanding value to customers during this full chain closing sale," said Ian Fredericks, CEO of Hilco Consumer-Retail. "Everything is on sale and must be sold, and we recommend shopping early for the best selection."

During the store closing sales, select American Freight financing and delivery services will remain available to customers, presenting a unique opportunity to shop exceptional discounts with the convenience of flexible payment and home delivery.

The chain has 39 stores in Texas, including 7 in DFW and two in Tarrant County, all closing as follows:

401 Southwest Plaza, Ste 105, Arlington
1265 Town Square Dr, Fort Worth
1825 Westpark Dr Grand Prairie
2964 W Wheatland Rd, Dallas
109 N Greenville Ave, Allen
1215 Marsh Ln, Carrollton
1418 N Town East Blvd, Mesquite

Sale Details
They're offering up to 30 percent off the lowest ticketed prices on furniture, scratch & dent, and new in-box appliances. Discounts are valid in stores and online. All sales are final, of course. Shop now for the best selection while supplies last.

closings