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You may have noticed that PJ Cinemas is temporarily closed. Here’s why.
In early September, PJ Cinemas began renovating the theater by repainting and refurbishing each of its seven auditoriums and, most importantly, adding new seating.
“They are nicer than any seat you have in your house,” said Phil Solomon, who has owned the theater in Port Jefferson Station for the last 42 years. “They’re rockers, plush, very comfortable, and very wide.”
Solomon said this was the first significant renovation since 1994; that’s when he added an upstairs level and five auditoriums.
While the number of seats will decrease from 1,050 to 669, it won’t significantly impact occupancy.
“Back when the seats were so close together, it was very hard to occupy all the seats,” said Solomon. “The new seats will all be beautifully accessible.”
PJ Cinemas is one of the few independently owned movie theaters left on the island.
“We’re trying to keep the industry alive in Suffolk County,” said Solomon. “That’s why we are renovating and installing these new delicious and comfortable seats. We are committed to remaining an icon in the greater Port Jefferson community.”
He expects to reopen at some point this month.
Top: Exterior of PJ Cinemas. (Credit: Google Maps)
