Halls Cinema 7 closes, leaving only one independent movie theater in Knoxville

Halls Cinema 7 movie theater has closed its doors for good, leaving only one independent theater in Knoxville.

The locally owned theater at 3800 Neal Drive in Halls announced on its website that it was closed as of Feb. 20.

The theater had seven screens and played newly released films.

The closing announcement cited the rising cost of operating a movie theater. Revenue lagged as the company tried to keep up with new technology and changing preferences, with less "available quality programming."

"Although this decision may seem a reflection of how we view the future of the industry overall, it is not," according to the announcement. "We continue to believe that nothing replaces the feeling of going to your local theater with family and friends to see a newly released movie you've been anticipating."

The post encouraged people to continue supporting local movie theaters.

Knoxville has four Regal theaters and the independent and locally owned Central Cinema.

Danny Wallace opened the Halls theater in 1983. Paul Wylie and his daughter, Vicki Harrison, took the theater over in 2007 after a brief closure, according to Knox News archives. The company post said Wylie opened the theater in 2009.

"(Wylie) owned and operated movie theaters in multiple cities and states and his vision positively impacted communities, like Halls, for over 68 years. Sadly, today marks the end of his legacy," the announcement read.

Keenan Thomas reports for the Knox News business growth and development team. You can reach him by email at keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com.

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