With the opening of a new entertainment complex that includes an eight-screen movie theater scheduled for next month at Wind Creek Casino, many locals have been left wondering what will become of Atmore’s Strand Theater – the oldest operating theater in Alabama, according to Chamber of Commerce Director Sheryl Vickery.

Strand owner Wayne Kelley, whose family has operated the theater for nearly 30 years, says, at least for now, it is “business as usual” for the downtown movie house.

“We just don’t know what’s going to happen yet,” Kelley said. “The only thing I can say is that we will keep it open until it starts costing us money.”

Kelley, who has owned the theater for 10 years, said Atmore-area residents have always supported the Strand, which opened in 1929 and has been the only movie theater in Escambia County for years, adding it will take several months, at least, to determine how much will change once the new PCI complex opens.

“You know, we have no hard feelings,” Kelley said. “We understand what they’re doing and we are just going to wait and see what happens.”

Kelley said the new complex, which also includes a bowling alley, arcade and sports bar, is opening at a time when movie theaters typically experience a downturn in business, making it even more difficult to gage how there own sales will ultimately be affected.

“Usually you don’t do a lot of business in August,” Kelley said. “All the summer movies have come out and people are going back to school and buying school supplies. It usually doesn’t pick back up until September or October.”

Kelley said he has heard several ideas concerning possible changes the theater could make in order to remain competitive – including screenings of older movies and adding restaurant-style food and drinks to the menu – but added those changes equal costly renovations.

“For the time being, nothing is going to change,” he said. “We’ve looked into some different things, but we’re just going to wait and see.”

Vickery said, while competition can be a good thing, she understands changes may need to be made in the future to help keep the state’s oldest theater alive.

“Competition can be real healthy,” Vickery said. “But across the country in my travels, I’ve seen that you always have to have a B plan. I have seen older theaters come back as different things. I’ve seen restaurants and local theaters similar to what we have with GECA. The sky’s the limit when you’re creating something different.”

Vickery said the Strand will always be special to, not only the chamber, but the many residents who grew up spending countless hours in its seats.

“It stirs your heart to think about,” she said.