FRESNO, Calif. — Galaxy Theatres is officially opening its doors at Campus Pointe on Friday, just days after Maya Cinemas closed at the same location.
But while the theater’s exterior sign hasn’t change, the new company says the experience has.
Inside the theater, employees have spent the past five days preparing the location for its reopening under the Galaxy Theatres name.
Galaxy Theatres opens at Campus Pointe days after Maya Cinemas shuts down. (Photo: FOX26 News Reporter Mayra Franco)
On opening day, crews were busy getting everything ready for moviegoers, from popping fresh popcorn and preparing drinks to cleaning the theaters and restocking the concession stand.
District Manager Veronica Garcia says the company wanted to make the transition as seamless as possible.
“We wanted to minimize the impact to guests, to be able to come back into the theater and not have the operations down for a long period of time and allow for the team members as well to be able to come back and get into the building and enjoy what they love to do,” she said.
That quick turnaround also meant bringing back many employees who were already familiar with the theater.
Galaxy Theatres opens at Campus Pointe days after Maya Cinemas shuts down. (Photo: FOX26 News Reporter Mayra Franco)
Garcia says Galaxy retained more than half of the previous theater staff.
She says employees have been grateful for the opportunity to return.
“It has been overwhelming to see how grateful they have been to be able to get back into the theater and see the changes that have been done,” she said.
One of those familiar faces is General Manager Andy Bolanos, who worked at the theater with Maya Cinemas for more than 17 years.
Bolanos says returning to the theater feels like coming home.
He said, “I felt like this is my home, you know. I’ve been here since the opening. So very grateful like I just mentioned, and excited and relieved.”
Now, Galaxy Theatres is inviting Fresno moviegoers to come experience the theater under its new name.
Can’t wait to see you. Come join us. Galaxy is a great experience.
Galaxy Theatres also tells FOX26 it will honor rewards earned through the previous theater company.
Customers who become new Galaxy Rewards members will receive 500 bonus points.
Galaxy Theatres opens at Campus Pointe days after Maya Cinemas shuts down. (Photo: FOX26 News Reporter Mayra Franco)
The company also says previously purchased tickets, passes and guest passes will be honored at the theater.
For more information on hours and operations, you can click here.