Way dinner and a movie are supposed to be

An adult movie theater is set to open in Mount Pleasant next week — but not that kind of adult theater.

The former Regal Theater on Houston Northcutt Boulevard will be reopened as a 10-screen Cinebarre on June 27 offering first-run films, tableside seating, alcoholic beverages and food from a menu.

The dinner-and-a-movie concept also comes with a few restrictions.

Kids younger than 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Also, babies, talking and wireless phones are a no-no in the theaters.

Cinebarre said its strategy is to set itself apart from conventional competitors by focusing on and catering to adults — the folks with the discretionary income to throw around.

"We want to give the civilized, mature person the experience of watching a movie the way it was meant to be," said Terrell Braly, the company's chief executive.

Knoxville, Tenn.-based Regal Entertainment Group closed the theater in early April after announcing it is buying the larger Palmetto Grande across town.

Regal, in a partnership with Braly's company, opened the first Cinebarre in Asheville, N.C., a year ago, and they are planning a Colorado site. In Mount Pleasant, two of the screens have been removed for a kitchen area. The concession stand near the entrance will serve as a bar.

Admission will be $7 for pre-6 p.m. screenings, students younger than 18 and seniors. It's $9 a head after 6 p.m. and for everyone else.

The Cinebarre strategy isn't new to Charleston. The Terrace Theatre on James Island also offers alcohol and food. The American Theatre on upper King Street took a similar tack between 1998 and 2005 but was unable to generate enough of a profit, so its owner shut it down.

The National Association of Theatre Owners has estimated that more than 400 first-run movie houses that sell alcoholic beverages have cropped up since 2005.

Call to arms

Min-D's Hair and Beauty Supply at 4520 Ladson Road in the Ladson Oakbrook Shopping Center is marking its grand opening from noon to 6 p.m. Friday. The shop will be collecting old wireless phones for Cell Phones For Soldiers, a charity that sells the handhelds and buys prepaid calling cards for overseas-based members of the armed forces.

Reach John McDermott at 937-5572 or jmcdermott@postandcourier.com.