Speakeasy Theaters was an independent movie theater operator. Now closed, they once operated two theaters, the Parkway theater in Oakland, California and the Cerrito in El Cerrito, California. Both theaters showed late first-run movies (films still in release that have gotten cheaper to exhibit) and various special event programs. Due to the serving of beer and wine, attendance at most films was restricted to age 21 and over (IDs are checked), although weekend matinees and some special events were open to people of all ages. On March 22, 2009, the Parkway theater went out of business.[1][2]
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Both venues are converted theaters with histories. The Parkway Theater was in disrepair when the Speakeasy Theater took it over and converted the seating, created the kitchen, and opened their unique offering of late first-run movies, seating, food and beverages. The theater style turned out to be successful, and many movies and events are well attended. The management tries to be responsive to the neighborhood and patron community, and offers special screenings for political, social, and popular events (including screenings of the Super Bowl and the Academy Awards).
The Cerrito Theater had been closed for decades when a group of locals developed funding to rehab it to its historic art deco beauty (see Friends of the Cerrito Theater below). As construction started, the Speakeasy Theaters were chosen as the organization to run the venue.
Each of the Speakeasy Theaters offered unconventional seating, including couches and small tables. Each theater was slightly different in size and style of seating offered. Frequent patrons often developed a favorite theater based on seating arrangements, and movies were usually rotated from upstairs to downstairs so you could wait for your movie to show in your preferred theater.
The theaters were notable for selling beer and wine. They also offered restaurant style food including pizza, sandwiches, and other appetizers and entrees. They offered a selection of vegetarian and vegan foods. Food was ordered at the concession counter on your way in, then brought to your seat/table when it was prepared. Patrons received a mildly glow-in-the-dark number to help the staff find you during the movie. Beverages were provided at the time they are ordered.
The Parkway location was well-known locally for a weekly event called The Baby Brigade, where infants under 1 year of age were welcomed (but not required). This was held on Tuesdays at The Cerrito, which was normally a slow day for theaters.