Carmike 12 off Lexington Road has completed its transformation into Ovation 12. People who often travel Lexington Road may recall the theatre’s sign sudden display of the message “Closed for Remodeling” with no information regarding the length of the closure or what was to be expected. We have since learned that the theater was being upgraded and converted to offer in-theater dining. Almost a year later we can see that it was well worth the wait.

Columbus, Georgia-based Carmike Cinemas has been enhancing existing theaters and opening new ones across the country to offer more food and beverage options in an effort to attract more moviegoers.  This innovative in-theater dining is not new to Athens as Beechwood Cinemas recently presented their version of “dinner and a movie”. However, Ovation has taken the concept to a whole new level by allowing its customers to relax in their theater and have their dinner brought to them.

The first change in the Ovation concept is where you purchase your movie tickets. You no longer have to brave the weather outside as the ticket kiosks are inside at the area designated as “Guest Services”. The lobby has been transformed to be reminiscent of a swanky Midtown restaurant with a full bar. If you choose to go straight to your theater you are quickly greeted by a friendly wait staff member. They then explain the process of ordering and that if any needs arise throughout the movie you may simply press a button and your wait staff will assist you. The wait staff will also attend to any refills so that a not a minute of your movie is missed. 

Ovation continues to add class to their guests’ experience by using glass plates, real flatware, and cloth napkins. No paper plates or napkins here. The most impressive part of the experience is the service. It is fast, friendly, efficient, and discreet. Another notable aspect of the new experience is the delightfully comfortable leather seats and the impressive leg room. 

The menu consists of Previews (appetizers), Salads & Wraps, Special Effects (sandwiches), Little Sound Bites (kids menu) Breakfast Menu (with all you can eat pancakes before 10:30AM on Saturdays), Gourmet Burgers  Sliders, Paparazzi (flatbread pizza), and Credits (dessert). They even have creative names like Kevin Triple Bacon Burger, The Cod Father Tacos, and Fantastic Four Cheese Pizza. The prices are reasonable with entrée items ranging from $9.95-$14.95. They still offer popcorn and candy with similar prices we have come to expect at a theater. There is only one size of popcorn but you get free refills (and it is the biggest bowl you have ever seen in your life) for $7.50 and unlimited soda provided by the popular Coca-Cola Freestyle for $4.25.  The biggest addition to the theater is a full bar. That’s right! You can now order cocktails to enjoy during your feature presentation. With more creative names like Clockwork Orange and Diamonds are Forever.

The theaters had to be completely rebuilt to allow for the improved viewing experience which reduced the theater capacity but kept the 12 original theaters. The best news of all is that the ticket prices have remained the same. So even if you don’t care to indulge in the delightful menu options you can still enjoy the cozy seats, extra leg room, and upgraded features. Or just enjoy a lovely dinner and a drink as the lobby offers full food service as well.

So come back to the eastside and enjoy a “different taste in cinema”, or restaurant, whichever way you view it.