Phoenix Theatres to Relaunch Movies at

Governor’s Square Mall

Michigan-Based Company Invests $5 Million to Bring Back First-Run Films with First-Class Amenities, to include 5 theatres featuring Dolby ATMOS

Clarksville, Tennessee, October 2, 2024 – Movies are returning to Governor’s Square Mall as Phoenix Theatres has signed a long-term lease to bring first-run movies and first-class amenities back to Governor’s Square Mall, including theatres equipped with Dolby ATMOS®.

The 24-year-old independently owned movie theatre company plans to invest $5 million to refurbish the 10-screen theatre, creating a new premiere movie-going experience in the greater Clarksville area. Renovation plans have been submitted for the 42,312-square-foot building, which will feature all-new premium reclining heated seating, 4K laser digital projection, Dolby ATMOS, first-run movies and family-friendly pricing.

The Governor’s Square Mall location marks the 79th screen for Michigan-based Phoenix Theatres, which operates theatres in Michigan, Iowa, Massachusetts, and Ohio. This is the first location in Tennessee for Phoenix Theatres, which expects to welcome its first Governor’s Square Mall moviegoers in summer of 2025.

“This announcement signals another major quality-of-life enhancement for our city’s residents, and visitors, alike,” said Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts. “The enjoyment of watching a first-run movie in a premier, comfortable, first-class setting is returning to our primary regional shopping center, Governor’s Square Mall, through the much-welcomed investment from Phoenix Theatres.”

Cory Jacobson, president of Phoenix Theatres, says the company was fortunate to be considered for the opportunity at Governor’s Square Mall and looks forward to bringing the brand’s own unique amenities to the greater Clarksville community. This is our third location in a Cafaro Company owned mall, and we have enjoyed an excellent relationship with them for the past 18 years.

Anthony Cafaro, co-president of The Cafaro Company, echoed a similar sentiment. “Our company and Phoenix have enjoyed a close working relationship for many years. As a result, we’ve been able to establish outstanding, state-of-the art cinematic experiences at our shopping complexes in Michigan and Iowa. This is a partnership that truly brings tremendous value to the communities we serve.”

“Phoenix was originally formed with the idea of refurbishing closed theatres in viable retail areas and returning well-operated neighborhood theatres to their respective communities,”
explained Jacobson. “We are very pleased with the vibrancy of the mall and the exceptional mix of retail. After exploring the city, we felt very much at home in the culture of the community.”

As a reflection of what residents can expect, Phoenix Theatres offers the following amenities:

Every seat in every auditorium will be a large loveseat-style (with adjustable middle armrest), fully reclining, heated chair with ample of leg room.
Specially formatted auditoriums featuring Dolby ATMOS for a premium, immersive, audio experience and 4K Christie® Digital Projection.
All 10 auditoriums will be equipped with premium Dolby Digital sound and Christie

Digital Projection.

Phoenix mobile app and online tickets that allow customers to reserve their seats easily.
Self-serve Pepsi® and butter stations for added service speed and convenience.
Combined ticketing and concession purchases in one line.
Family-friendly prices.

“We deeply appreciate what they are bringing to our community, and we know that local movie-goers are in for a real treat with their advanced theatre features and the overall scope of the project,” Mayor Pitts said.

Jordan Hohman, vice president of project development for Phoenix Theatres, shared that the company focuses on providing premier amenities along with the little details that large national theatre chains cannot provide at a local level. “We were one of the first in the United States to offer 100 percent-reclining seating in every auditorium. Our goal is to offer the highest-quality first-run movie-going experience by offering state-of-the-art digital projection and Dolby ATMOS audio for the first time in Clarksville, along with comfortable luxury amenities.”

“We are thrilled to continue to work with Phoenix Theatres and support their ongoing commitment to Dolby ATMOS presentations. They are committed to bringing a first-class presentation to the community and having auditoriums equipped with Dolby ATMOS will ensure a premium, immersive audio experience,” said Michael Archer, vice president worldwide cinema sales at Dolby.

About Phoenix Theatres

Michigan-based Phoenix Theatres was founded in 2000 and has four Michigan theatres in Wayne, Monroe, Livonia and Grand Rapids. Four theatres are located out of state in Dubuque, Iowa, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and two Ohio theatres located in Defiance and North Olmsted. Governor’s Square will mark the company’s 79th theatre screen and first location in Tennessee. For more information, visit PhoenixMovies.net.

About Governor’s Square Mall

Governor’s Square Mall, a 805,000 square-foot shopping center, offers the greater Clarksville area a wonderful mix of family-friendly indoor shopping, dining, and entertainment. Located just 45 miles from Nashville, Governor’s Square Mall is anchored by Dillard’s, JCPenney, Belk, Burlington, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Dave & Buster’s. The center features a mix of national and local brands. For more information about Governor’s Square Mall, visit governorssquare.net.

About The Cafaro Company
The Cafaro organization, based in Niles, Ohio, is one of the nation’s largest privately held shopping center developers. Founded by the late William M. Cafaro in 1949, the firm is now in its eighth decade and third generation as a family owned and managed business. Over the years, Cafaro-affiliated companies have developed, owned and managed more than 30 million square feet of commercial real estate in 14 states. For more information about the Cafaro organization, visit online at www.cafarocompany.com.

Governors Square Phoenix Theatres to Open Summer 2025, Promising a Cutting-Edge Movie Experience

Phoenix Theatres to Debut in Clarksville with Dolby ATMOS and VIP Heated Recliners

ByMark Haynes

Clarksville Online

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Clarksville, TN – Exciting news for Clarksville residents as the much-anticipated Governors Square Phoenix Theatres is set to open its doors in May 2025, bringing a new level of cinematic experience to the region.

The Cafaro Company and Phoenix Theatres announced the state-of-the-art venue on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024. It will feature 10 theatres equipped with premium Dolby Digital sound and Christie® 4K Digital Projection. Five of them will be specially formatted auditoriums featuring Dolby ATMOS for an immersive, unparalleled audio experience.

Janet Wilson, Business Development Director with the Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council. (Mark Haynes, Clarksville Online)

“We at the EDC, recognize available entertainment and retail options play a critical role in enhancing the quality of life within a community. Governors Square Mall has been a staple in the community since 1986 and is home to over 1 million square feet of retail space. Cafaro Company and CBL properties recently announced major upgrades to the facade and interior of the mall complex that will enhance the shopping experience for everyone,” said Janet Wilson, Business Development Director with the Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council.

“Vibrant amenities like this small renovation and the introduction of new and exciting anchor tenants like Phoenix Theatres, provide the residents and visitors of our community with quality leisure opportunities and serve as a strong uh driver for local economic growth. Thank you to Cafaro and CBL properties for investing in Clarksville-Montgomery County, which is in the heart of our commercial corridor,” Wilson stated.

“I’m so thrilled to be here in Clarksville this morning. This past spring, I was standing right here the same spot. Telling you about our plans to embark on a multimillion-dollar renovation of the mall,” And over the past nine months, crews have been working diligently inside and out installing new lighting, flooring, and other upgrades. Besides the small renovations, work is also nearing completion just down the corridor for Dave and Buster’s which will be open in time for the holidays,” Cafaro Company Co-President Anthony Cafaro stated.

“When you walk into the theater next year, it will be totally transformed from top to bottom. Clarksville and Montgomery County is a thriving community that deserves nothing but the best in the best movie theatres, which is Phoenix Theatres,” exclaimed Cafaro.

“The decision to bring Phoenix Theatres to Governors Square Mall was made after the company’s leadership visited the area last December. Impressed by the vibrancy of the shopping center and its strong tenant lineup, including Dillard’s, JC Penney’s, Burlington, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and the upcoming Dave and Buster’s, Phoenix Theatres felt that Clarksville was the perfect fit for its newest location,” stated Cory Jacobson, Owner Phoenix Theatres.

“We could instantly feel the energy of this community. We explored other locations but ultimately knew this was where they wanted to be. The welcoming nature of Clarksville, combined with the dynamic growth of the area, made the decision easy for us,” Jacobson said.

“I want to pause here just for a moment if I may. Back when our community and the world were making it through and persevering through the COVID pandemic, the Cafaro company was a great community partner. We needed a site for a drive-through testing location, and they stepped up in a big way. So on behalf of the city, the county, and our community, Anthony, thank you and Cafaro Company for making the facilities available so we could keep our citizens safe,” stated Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts.

“We look forward to a long partnership, a long relationship with you in your community, in our community, and we know it will be a great benefit to the families of our city. And we are just so thankful to have another quality company in our city that will be doing business. And we look forward to many more exciting activities and announcements coming over the next few months and years with the Cafaro company, the city of Clarksville, Montgomery County, and now the Phoenix Theater Company,” Pitts said.

Jordan G. Hohman, Vice President of Project Development for Phoenix Theatres said, “I just want to express to each and every one of you, thank you for joining us today for this special occasion. We’re thrilled to bring Phoenix Theatres to Governors Square Mall in the Greater Clarksville area.”

An Immersive Movie Experience Like Never Before

At the heart of the Governors Square Phoenix Theatres is the groundbreaking Dolby ATMOS audio technology, which promises to revolutionize the way moviegoers experience films. Unlike traditional stereo or even surround sound systems, Dolby ATMOS frees sound from channels and allows audio to move all around the theater—even above you—creating a fully immersive, 360-degree auditory experience.

With Dolby ATMOS, sound comes alive in ways that are hard to describe. It’s like you’re not just watching the movie, but living in it. This breakthrough technology enhances every scene, whether it’s the subtle rustling of leaves or the roaring intensity of an action sequence.

The five specially equipped Dolby ATMOS theatres will be used to showcase the biggest and most popular films each week, giving audiences the chance to dive deep into their favorite blockbusters like never before.

VIP Comfort with Heated Recliners

Phoenix Theatres is also raising the bar on comfort, replacing every seat in the building with plush, heated recliners. These luxurious seats feature armrests that can flip up for a more family-friendly viewing experience. “We like to say, ‘Kick back, relax, and recline.’ Once you experience our heated recliners, you’ll never want to watch a movie any other way,” a spokesperson said.

This commitment to guest comfort is what Phoenix Theatres believes will set them apart, offering an unparalleled VIP experience to every guest who steps through their doors.

What to Expect at Governors Square Phoenix Theatres

Every seat in every auditorium will be a large love-seat style (with adjustable middle armrest), fully reclining, heated chair with 75 inches of leg room
Specially formatted auditoriums featuring Dolby ATMOS for a premium, immersive, audio experience and 4K Christie® Digital Projection
All 10 auditoriums will be equipped with premium Dolby Digital sound and Christie Digital Projection.
Phoenix mobile app and online tickets that allow customers to reserve their seats easily
Self-serve Pepsi and butter stations for added service speed and convenience
Combined ticketing and concession purchases in one line
Family-friendly prices

Job Opportunities and Community Impact

In addition to enhancing the entertainment offerings in Clarksville, Governors Square Phoenix Theatres will also create significant job opportunities, with an estimated 50 to 60 new positions opening at the theater.

As construction progresses, excitement continues to build for what promises to be the premier destination for movie lovers in the Clarksville area. Whether you’re coming for the state-of-the-art sound and projection, the ultra-comfortable seating, or the wide selection of films, Phoenix Theatres aims to deliver a cinematic experience like no other.

“Governors Square Phoenix Theatres is taking a space that’s existed here and really making it feel new. They’re going to develop the space to a degree that it hasn’t been since the initial opening. They’re going to bring a much better family atmosphere,” stated Governor Square Mall Marketing Director Thomas Locke.

“It’s going to be nicer on the pocketbook and have a more open feel, and it’s really going to drive traffic back into the movie theater that we’ve lost over the years. Having a great operator like Phoenix Theatres is really going to change the game when it comes to having a movie theater in a mall. We are just really excited to have them,” Locke said.

Tag: movies