Wellington’s Empire Cinema and Eatery is now on the market for the first time in 12 years.
In a recent Facebook announcement, Empire Cinema and Eatery expressed their excitement about officially putting the business up for sale:
“We’re excited to announce that The Empire is officially for sale! And we’re giving locals the FIRST opportunity to purchase before it hits the open market. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of owning a thriving cinema and eatery in one of Wellington’s most vibrant communities, this could be your moment!”
The independent cinema, which is owned by Pat Vinaccia, offers more than just a 170-seat theatre; the property also includes a restaurant equipped with a fully integrated kitchen and a licensed bar.
The cinema has experienced a colourful history since its opening in 1924. The inaugural film screened was the silent movie The Last of the Duanes, which premiered on March 21, 1925.
The cinema faced structural damage from the earthquake in March 1943, which led to its closure for several months. It reopened in October 1943 under the name “The New Empire.” However, by 1964, the cinema was forced to close again due to a decline in audience numbers.
In 1980, the building was acquired by Wellington Decorators and Furnishings, transforming it into “a one-stop shop.” A subsequent change in ownership occurred in 1990, at which point it was renamed Island Bay Hardware.
The Werry and Hays families acquired the building in 2004 and undertook a complete internal renovation, transforming it into three boutique cinemas and a café. The cinema reopened on September 1, 2005, with the screening of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, starring Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka. In 2013, the cinema was sold to Island Bay local Pat Vinaccia.
Empire Cinema and Eatery has achieved notable recognition, including 1st place at the Dulux Australasian Colour Awards in 2016 within the international and commercial category. The cinema actively supports community clubs, events, schools, churches, and fundraisers. It has built a strong online presence with 5.8K Facebook likes and 5.9K followers, along with 6,000 newsletter subscribers. Additionally, it boasts an impressive 4.3-star rating on Google reviews.
Interested buyers are encouraged to send an email to accounts@empirecinema.nz.