Georgia Theatre Company explains decision to shut down Beechwood Cinemas

Beechwood Cinemas closed its doors for good on Thursday.

A lack in sales and attendance following the COVID-19 pandemic was the main reason Georgia Theatre Company President Bo Chambliss said the move was necessary.

"We have had a good run and unfortunately all good things come to an end," Chambliss said. "Just the effect that COVID has had on the business, it no longer makes sense for us to operate that theater."

The movie theater's website had tickets available for Thursday showings, but Friday and beyond were not available.

The final scheduled films were 8:15 p.m. showings of Longlegs and Twisters.

The theater at 196 Alps Road has been a staple of the community since the 1960s. Georgia Theatre Company, which also operates the University Cinemas in Oconee County, owns the theater along with 17 others in the state. It also owns one theater each in Florida, South Carolina and Virginia.

Its locations at University Cinemas and Commerce Cinemas are offering tickets for future dates.

"We have slowly recovered, but we never recovered to the point where we could operate a profitable business there," Chambliss said. "(The other locations) will hopefully continue to offer our patrons a place to watch movies in the Athens area."

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Georgia Theatre Company explains decision to shut down Beechwood Cinemas