A fast-growing, Mexico City-based movie theater chain called Cinemex wants to open more than a dozen locations in Manhattan and the outer boroughs over the next few years, a company representative told The Real Deal.
Cinemex, with more than 270 locations in Mexico, is looking for spaces in New York that are about 30,000 square feet.
The theater chain hired Jeffrey Roseman of Newmark Grubb Knight Frank to represent it in its search.
Jaime Rionda, director of operations at Cinemex, said he expects to open three locations in Manhattan and about 10 more in the outer boroughs. With the large size of the theaters, he said the best opportunities are with new constructions projects.
The company hopes to draw in customers by offering more upscale food.
“The food quality is better. We serve beninis and crepes,” in addition to popcorn and sodas, Rionda said in an interview on the first day of the International Council of Shopping Centers’ New York National Deal Making conference.
He acknowledged that individual companies are already providing restaurant-quality movie experiences in New York City — for example, the Nitehawk Cinema in Williamsburg. And competitor iPic is also looking for properties in New York.
Cinemex plans to open its first U.S. location in Miami in 2016.