Kevin Spitzer’s journey with Central Cinema began in the late ’90s when he rented a former auto repair shop just off E Union, a space that served as his sculpture studio before evolving into a community cinema.
Spitzer recalls, “This was actually my sculpture studio in here before the theater. It was Jean’s first tenant when she and Jack bought the building out of an auction.”
Located at 1411 21st Ave, the building has undergone numerous transformations since its construction in 1929.
Originally a car dealership, likely for Ford, it later transformed into a dairy bottling plant before the Spitzers took residency, in a neighborhood now bustling with life.
“There was no 20/20 Bike Shop, or Katie’s coffee or anything like that,” reminisces Kate Spitzer.
“It was like storefronts with plywood on them. The gas station was just Jimmy and Al fixing cars.”
Initially used as a metalworking studio, Kevin pivoted the space into a pub theater after the arrival of their son, who came three months earlier than expected.
The inspiration? Pub theaters they had encountered in Portland.
“The original idea we stole from Portland,” Kevin admits, adding that they were influenced by Bridgeport Brewing’s pizza kitchen.
Transforming the industrial space presented challenges.
“We had to cut the concrete floor for drains,” Kate explains, noting there were no existing bathrooms or kitchens to work with.
Along with their community, the couple undertook the monumental task of constructing walls and risers, creating a fully functioning pub theater from the remnants of the old auto shop.
When Central Cinema opened its doors in 2003, it immediately became a cherished fixture in Seattle as one of the last independent neighborhood theaters, inviting locals to enjoy cult classics along with fresh pizza and beverages.
Kevin recalls the early days of screening films using simple digital equipment, such as a large-scale office projector.
However, the shift away from physical film reels in the early 2010s posed a significant challenge for independent theaters like Central Cinema.
Studio demands for theaters to upgrade to digital cinema projectors (DCP) were accompanied by letters stating, ‘You have to convert to DCP or not get any movies.’
Thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2012, they were able to install a digital projector, ensuring access to first-run films once again.
Even with this upgrade, difficulties persisted.
“Our projector was 12 years old, and the lamps were $700 each,” Kevin remarks.
Just last year, they initiated another upgrade, transitioning to a more modern laser projector, which further secured the theater’s future.
One of the standout features of Central Cinema, the intermission, was an unexpected delight.
Kevin reflects, “That was something we discovered sort of after a while, being a beer theater.
The first time we put an intermission in, everybody clapped, got up and went to the bathroom. Then we sold like a dozen desserts and six more pitchers of beer.”
Over the years, their food offerings have also changed dramatically.
What began as attempts at elevated dining, including duck confit, transitioned to a focus on pizza and beer.
However, during the pandemic, significant supply chain issues necessitated new strategies.
“We couldn’t get french fries for three weeks,” Kate recalls, revealing how they had to update the menu almost daily, crossing items off.
Going digital became a practical solution to managing these challenges.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed the theater’s largest test, forcing a closure of 18 months.
To maintain connections with their audience during this time, the team created Baron Von Terror’s Horror Stream.
Kevin shared, “We didn’t want to just sell streaming tickets like Netflix. We set up a camera in the theater so it felt like you were there.”
As they reopened, Central Cinema embraced substantial changes, including eliminating tipping and raising staff wages to $30/hour.
“We did the math, raised prices 20%, and paid everyone what they’d make in tips,” Kevin explains.
This streamlined payroll processes and fostered a better working environment for their team.
Despite the challenges faced by independent theaters, including the struggles of larger institutions like SIFF and the continued closure of its Capitol Hill screen, Central Cinema has steadied itself.
Now, as it celebrates its 20-year milestone, the theater continues to thrive as a unique, community-centered institution.
Looking to the future, Kevin shared ideas for potential expansion: “We always kick around the idea of opening up earlier on the weekends. Maybe more live performances, but still movie-based.”
Regardless of the path ahead, the Spitzer family is committed to evolving with the times.
“We’ll keep figuring it out,” Kate assures.
Central Cinema now operates at 1411 21st Ave, showcasing a diverse selection of cult classics, new releases, and special events.
To check their full calendar and get involved, visit central-cinema.com.
image source from：capitolhillseattle
