You'd think owning the distribution rights to an Academy Award-nominated film might be enough, but the Alamo Drafthouse has never been known to rest on its laurels.
The Drafthouse Films distribution of “Bullhead” is only part of the story. In addition, the venerable local theater is announcing new developments almost daily.
Alamo Slaughter Lane Opens in March: The Circle C Alamo outpost will be opening in mere weeks, with an elaborate, “Little Shop of Horrors”-esque design. (It’s a nod to the nearby Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Drafthouse CEO Tim League tells Austin360 in a victory-lap interview.) The grand opening is March 22, but an open-to-the-public soft launch begins March 8.
If that’s not enough, similar to League’s Highball lounge adjacent to the Alamo South Lamar, Alamo Slaughter will be adjoined by The 400 Rabbits, a cocktail bar open to Alamo patrons and non-moviegoers alike. Here's more from the Alamo's blog:
"Alamo beverage director Bill Norris took a sabbatical to Jalisco last year to learn the production methods and history of Tequila and to prepare the 400 Rabbits menu (you can read about Bill’s travels here). Inspired by Latin American street food, Executive Chef John Bullington has created a selection of snacks that pair perfectly with Bill’s tequila-centric bar offerings. Although the cocktail menu features a wide variety of fine sipping tequilas and innovative tequila and mezcal cocktails, The 400 Rabbits will also offer a full line of other spirits."
Couple that with the Alamo’s expansion into the Washington D.C. area, and the Drafthouse is putting up a bunch more screens.
Uncork This!: The Drafthouse has always been familiar with spirits, both the supernatural (see Fantastic Fest) and alcoholic kinds (i.e., their drink menu). But now they’ve launched their own brand of wines, christened after Alamo quote-along favorite “The Princess Bride.” Again, more from the Alamo itself:
"The name of this signature wine program, “The Bottle Of Wits,” is derived from the iconic “battle of wits” scene when Westley first rescues Princess Buttercup from Vizzini and his henchmen. The “Bottle Of Wits” wine line will include two varietals: “Inconceivable Cab” and “As You Wish White”. The “Bottle Of Wits” will be available for purchase at all Alamo Drafthouse locations starting on Tuesday, February 14th and will be available for purchase online soon."
Cop a (Reserved) Squat on South Lamar: The Drafthouse’s new initiatives reach to their existing theaters as well. It’s been announced the reserved seating offered at the Alamo Ritz downtown will also be extended to their South Lamar location. Alamo rep Caitlin Stevens characterizes the change as somewhat of a trial run, following a successful adoption at the Ritz location.
