After nearly 30 years of bringing movie magic to Uxbridge, Ontario, beloved cinema owners Cathy and Mark are ready to pass the torch – and what an iconic torch it is!
The Roxy Theatres has been the heart of this charming community since the duo transformed a former pharmacy back into its original 1940s cinema glory in 1996.
With art deco styling, vintage movie memorabilia, top-notch projection and famous real-butter popcorn, they’ve created something truly special. From hosting local Oscar-winning filmmaker Christopher Chapman’s surprise 80th birthday, to running 23 consecutive years of popular Short Film Festivals, the Roxy is a remarkable part of its community.
Now these lifelong movie buffs are looking for someone to continue the Roxy’s legacy. This is a rare opportunity to own a turnkey cinema operation in a supportive community – complete with loyal staff, established programming and decades of goodwill. Plus, check out that gorgeous façade!
What are your favourite compliments that the Roxy receives from your audience?
Our staff are amazing! It is so clean at the Roxy! The popcorn is the best with real butter on it! Love the personal touch with the staff member welcoming everyone before the movie starts!
What’s a memorable film screening or event you hosted?
Over almost 30 years, it is so hard to pick just one! Here are a couple of favourites:
We hosted a special screening of A Place to Stand, the Oscar-winning film that played at Expo and then played many years at Ontario Place featuring split screen images, unique process at that time. The film was made by Christopher Chapman, a member of our Uxbridge community and a very supportive patron of our theatre and he was celebrating his 80th birthday that night, which unknown to him we surprised him with his newly plated Oscar (he had been using it as a doorstop)! He had loaned it to the Roxy for our fundraising “Oscars” red carpet event, which managed to raise over $50,000 for our local hospital over the years we held it. People were always surprised how heavy it was as they posed for pictures with the Oscar clutched to their hearts!
Our Annual Short Film Festivals held every October for 23 years! This sold-out event usually featured Canadian made short films and the inaugural years were made with the generous assistance of Norman Jewison and his budding filmmakers at the Canadian Film Centre in Toronto. We invited the filmmakers to be our guests and participate in a Q&A after each program.
Many amazing moments would take place at these events with this one supporting our youth group called Roxy Kids in Action, a youth initiative offering free passes to the movies in exchange for volunteerism and acts of kindness in the community. I ran this group for 21 years and it will feed my soul for the rest of my life! Volunteer with kids…it’s worth it!
How did you get into the film exhibition business?
Life long movie buffs, my husband Mark and I saw the original building that housed the Roxy Theatres from the 1940s to 1970 was for sale (it had been converted into a pharmacy and gift store) and I thought it might be cool to bring the Roxy back but open it as a twin vs a single screen.
Being from a design/build background I thought an art deco facade and interiors with a lobby filled with original posters, vintage projectors and movie memorabilia. All of which started with our own collection.
We knew we wanted top notch sound and projectors along with comfortable seats, great popcorn and to be a first run cinema open 7 days a week. After a whirlwind renovation starting September 26, 1996 with doors opening December 13. The whole community supported the effort with constant encouragement.
Why are you deciding to sell the Roxy?
We are both seniors now and would like to spend more time with family along with doing some travelling. We are staying in Uxbridge, it is our home, and our wish is to continue to go the Roxy for many years to come without worrying about whether the audience is enjoying the movie or the if the staff are doing a good job, hoping that everyone leaves the building happy to have taken the time to share the laughter, the tears, the jump-scare moments and the energy that can only be experienced in a cinema!
What do you hope for the future of the Roxy?
Our hope is we will find a buyer that is as passionate about movies as we are and committed to bringing films to Uxbridge and surrounding communities for many years to come.
How can people get in touch?
You can find the MLS listing here.
