HERMON, Maine — Cinema Bangor LLC, which this summer reopened a drive-in theater on Outer Hammond Street that closed three decades ago, has shut down for the season but the operators already are thinking about adding programs next year.
“People had a great time,” Carol Epstein, a partner in Cinema Bangor, said Saturday. “We got in about half of the season. We opened July 2. We had a great season.”
The original Bangor drive-in movie spot, which once was owned by Epstein’s father, closed in 1985. While the name says “Bangor,” the business is located in Hermon, just over the Bangor town line.
“We had an opportunity to try out a lot of different formats. We tried a lot of different themes. Our first speciality night was horror,” Epstein said of the double features. “Interestingly, our highest night was a retro night with ‘Grease’ and ‘Footloose.’ Of course, ‘Jurassic World’ and ‘Minions’ also did well.”
Epstein and partner Joe O’Donnell of Belmont Capital in Boston own Cinema Bangor, which also owns the Bangor Mall Cinema on Stillwater Avenue.
Crews began work in April to prepare the site for opening day. They added a new concessions stand and bathrooms, a playground and picnic area. During the season, daily films are shown on two screens, with the first show starting as the sun sets, and admission is $27 per carload. Sound comes through car speakers and is broadcast on a local FM signal.
“The playground was pretty popular and people really liked the food,” said Epstein, who also is a Bangor real estate agent. “The best thing is: We got great reviews. Next year, we want more people to go.”
Because the theater is digital, there is a lot of flexibility to allow for other uses, everything from corporate gatherings or trainings to gaming events, as well as specialized birthday parties, she said.
“We’re going to have time this winter to think about [expanding those options], and marketing,” Epstein said.
The Bangor drive-in is scheduled to open for the 2016 season in April.