Local News
New Osky movie theater owner at the helm
OSKALOOSA — He’s doing it for the love of movies.
Than Mott, 28, is moving his theater business into the Penn Centre Theatre after Fridley Theatres Inc. decided to leave Oskaloosa.
Mott’s motivation for setting up shop in Penn Centre Theatre is simple — he loves everything about the movie-going experience.
“I love movies,” said Mott who has been involved in the movie theater business for almost a decade. “The theater in Iowa Falls, where I grew up, I was at that movie theater almost every weekend, regardless of what movie was playing.”
Under the moniker of NKM Theaters, Mott will operate out of the Penn Centre Theatre in much the same way Fridley did. Mott’s company was formed in September, right around the time Fridley announced they would be leaving Oskaloosa.
Although he still lives in Iowa Falls, Mott said he plans to move to Oskaloosa in order to take a more hands-on approach to the theater.
“It is important to have the owner accessible to the theater in case something goes wrong,” said Mott. “That way they can also a keep better tab on what movies should be coming in and the general marketing of the theater. As far as movies go, I’m going to try and get the better quality movies in.”
Movies aren’t the only thing Mott hopes to bring to Penn Centre Theatre’s pair of big screens. He’s also going to try to offer people the chance to play video games using the theater’s screens.
“Right now that’s still in the works,” he said.
Mott was happy to bring hope to those who may have thought Penn Centre Theatre would close. Back in September, rumors remained about the fate of the theatre.
Brian Fridley, of Fridley Theatres Inc., put an end to that speculation in a Herald story, which ran in mid September by saying they where looking for someone interested in operating out of the Penn Centre Theatre.
Mott said having a movie theater in Oskaloosa, or any other city, is essential to that area’s economy. He pointed out the simple fact that people still want to go to dinner and a see movie locally.
“It’s good for the local economy,” said Mott.
The Penn Centre Theatre will be closed for approximately one week after Mott officially takes over at the end of October. Mott said a few minor renovations will take place before the business reopens.
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Herald City Editor Andy Goodell can be reached at news2@oskyherald.com
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