Malco Theatres planning ‘multimillion-dollar’ renovation in Fort Smith

Memphis-based Malco Theatres is preparing for a “multimillion-dollar renovation” of its Fort Smith theater at 1200 S. Waldron Road near Central Mall. The renovation will include replacing all seats with “luxury recliner seats.”

According to Malco, the seat count will be reduced by about 50%, with around 1,100 recliner seats in place when the work is complete in mid summer. Theatre officials declined to disclose a cost for the total renovation, and the City of Fort Smith has not yet issued a building permit for the work.

Malco also plans to build the Malco Bar and Grill at the theatre, “with an expanded menu featuring gourmet selections, adult beverages, and convenient in-seat mobile ordering and delivery.” There will also be a new “Malco Game Zone” and interactive game room.

“On the tech side, moviegoers will enjoy laser projection in all auditoriums and the Arklahoma debut of the Malco-branded large screen MXT ‘Extreme’ Theatre,” Malco noted in a press release. “The state-of-the-art auditorium will include recliner seats with reserved seating, a fully immersive screen with 4K laser projection, and Dolby ATMOS sound.”

Malco said the theatre will remain open during the renovation. The company declined to provide information on the number of employees and annual visitor counts.

“Malco is very excited to announce the Fort Smith Cinema Grill. Malco has been an integral part of the Gateway to the Ozarks market for over 70 years. This upgraded theatre will be something the community will be very proud to have and hopefully will enjoy for many more years to come,” said David Tashie, president and chief operations officer.

Malco is a family-owned business that marked 100 years in 2015. The company has more than 350 screens at 34 locations in the mid-South, and bowling and family entertainment venues in Louisiana and Mississippi.