Saturday, November 05, 2005

For Santikos Theatres It Isn't Just About Movies Any More!

More than 80 years ago, Louis Santikos, a Greek entrepreneur, brought cinema to San Antonio. Having immigrated to Texas Mr. Louis Santikos opened one of the state’s first nickelodeons in the early 1900’s. By 1924, he had established the first opulent movie theatre in San Antonio, the Palace Theatre. This endeavor was only the beginning as the Santikos Company continued to introduce many more of these grand theatres throughout the decades that followed.

After graduating from St. Mary's University, his son John entered the movie business. His first venture was the Olmos theatre in San Antonio, a successful single screen theatre.

In continuing the Santikos legacy, he acquired and built thirteen drive-in theatre locations, thus offering the only Drive-In theatre experience in San Antonio. The Santikos Mission 4 Drive-In, one of the original Drive-In theatres, is still in operation today.

Adding to his entrepreneurial resume, John Santikos introduced San Antonio to its first multi-screen indoor theatre, the Century South Theatre multiplex. Additional theatres were added over the next 2 decades to this initial development with the construction of the Northwest, Galaxy, Westlakes and Embassy multi-screen theatres. The recent additions of the Silverado 16, Mayan 14 and the creation of the new art cinema and cafe, The Bijou at Crossroads has brought Santikos Theatres back to the forefront of San Antonio’s quality entertainment.

In 1987, the operational division of the theatres was sold to Act III Theatres. However, in May 2001, John Santikos returned to his beloved theatre business by acquiring the theatres he had sold. With the addition of the Greek themed Palladium mega-plex located at IH-10 West and La Cantera, the highly anticipated construction of the Granada Theatre located at 1604 and Potranco Road and with future entertainment venues in the planning stages, Santikos remains a prominent name as the largest locally owned and operated theatre circuit in San Antonio.


Try the new and improved Loyalty Program. It's now easier and faster to collect your earnings and it's all done at your favorite theatre!

Just ask one of the friendly Managers to sign up and you will begin earning points for Pop Corn, Sodas, Candy, and Free Movies.

For any comments, suggestions or complaints,
please contact Mr. John Santikos: jsantikos@aol.com

606 Embassy Oaks, Suite 350
San Antonio, TX 78216

(210) 496 - 1300 ext.0
Fax: (210) 496-2720