American Cinema Grill
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The American Cinema Grill is a movie theater in downtown Charleston.
History
It was originally built in 1942 from poured concrete due to shortage of building materials due to the war. Whites were admitted to the main floor with padded theater seats. Blacks were admitted through a side door to a balcony without seats - they were encouraged to bring their own. The theater closed in 1977 due to lack of ticket sales.
In 2003 the theater was reopened as a two-screen theater with a full restaurant menu. The concept of a dinner and a movie was difficult to convey and some people complained about the excessive food being served during the film. Currenlty the theater is primarily used for business and social meetings and a venue for the Spoleto Festival.
