Mattituck Cinemas Reopens Friday With Lucharitos Concessions

MATTITUCK, NY — The final countdown is on for the many who've been waiting for Mattituck Cinemas to reopen, with brand-new selections from Lucharitos at the concession stand — the movie theater will open again Friday for the first time since the pandemic.

Marc LaMaina — who owns the Lucharitos taquerias, including the Lucharitos Burrito Bar, which opened next to the theater in August— partnered with the Cardinale family, the theater's owners, for the cinema's new chapter. He spent Thursday putting the final touches on the movie theater before Friday's grand re-opening.

"We’re almost ready. We have a great team of theater veterans and newbies. Really a great group of kids. The lobby has been renovated to the best of our ability and the Lucha Express menu is sure to make people smile," LaMaina said.

For opening weekend, first-run movies will be shown in four theaters; two will be showing "Fast & Furious 9," two other theaters will show "The Boss Baby: Family Business" and "Forever Purge." Showtimes kick off on Friday with films shown seven days a week at noon, 3 p.m., and 6 p.m., LaMaina said.

Last month, after being shuttered for the pandemic, news broke that Mattituck Cinemas was set to reopen in July — and that for the first time, the theater would partner with Lucharitos to present mouthwatering new offerings at the concession stand.

"We are excited to announce that the theater will be reopening July 4th weekend," LaMaina said.

Concession stand offering will include not just the classics such as popcorn and candy, but Lucharitos-inspired items including nachos, popcorn chicken and fries, giant pretzels and queso, Lucha dogs and more.

Tables from the Burrito Bar that have been set up outside the theater will be moved a bit to allow for accessibility to the space, LaMaina said. A full renovation will be done in January, he added.

"For now we want to get back into the swing of things and get people back inside the theater," he said.

The theater will still be owned by the Cardinale family, LaMaina said. "We are partnering with them to make it a truly unique experience," he said.