'Incredibly hard decision': Waitsfield's Big Picture Theater & Cafe closing after 20 years

The Big Picture Theater & Café − the Waitsfield establishment that has served as a cinema, restaurant and community event center for almost two decades − is shutting its doors on Nov. 9, according to a post on social media.

The Big Picture, known for catering to local film tastes, has hosted art exhibits, music nights, farmers markets, candidate forums, literary presentations and other community activities over the years. It was also the home of the MountainTop Film Festival.

Owners Claudia Becker and Eugene Jarecki, in their post, attributed the upcoming closure to problems leftover from the pandemic, such as staffing shortages.

"COVID brought challenges we could not have foreseen − and in its wake, the landscape for so many mom and pop business like ours has become far more difficult," Becker said in a social media statement, adding that she, Jarecki and their devoted staff had "tired everything" to stay open, including offering take-out, hosting drive-ins and "operating a skeleton crew."

While closing The Big Picture was an "incredibly hard decision," Becker expressed gratitude that customer loyalty had allowed the cinema to grow "beyond anything we could have imagined."

"To all who have gathered here − whether for film, art, music, or simply to share a meal − thank you for bringing your light and energy to this space," Becker said. "Together, we've built something truly special, and it has been a privilege to share this journey with you."

'We don't see this as an end, but rather a new beginning'

The Big Picture as a business may be shutting down, but Becker and Jarecki are seeking ways to reimagine the cinema's "vision" and "legacy of creativity and connection" in a new form.

"We don't see this as an end, but rather as a new beginning," Becker wrote to customers via social media, adding that she and Jarecki are pressing "pause" to brainstorm with friends, local leaders and community members about how the property could be used in the future.

"This is a time for collective imagination, and we invite you to be a part of it," Becker said. "We invite serious inquiries and interests from the community that would allow for some continuation of a model that will carry the torch of service, contribution and soulfulness."

Becker said a design charrette will be held in the next few months to get ideas flowing. She added that she and Jarecki hope to host a big party at the end of the year.

"The future of this space is in all of our hands, and we look forward to imagining it with you," Becker said.

Megan Stewart is a government accountability reporter for the Burlington Free Press. Contact her at mstewartyounger@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: 'Incredibly hard decision': Waitsfield's Big Picture Theater & Cafe closing after 20 years