Lights, Camera, Alamo!

In a move that’s sure to redefine the term “date night,” Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas has announced its much-anticipated expansion.

The Austin Business Journal reported the Austin-based cinema-eatery will open its first location outside of Texas early next year in Winchester, Va., a town about 75 miles from Washington D.C. The 10-screen location will be owned and operated by Alamo's newest franchisee, NL Entertainment LLC.

"Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is a unique movie theater experience," says Lisa Limoges, a partner in NL Entertainment. "We give a whole new meaning to the term 'dinner and a movie' by combining both experiences under one roof."

Eventually, Alamo hopes to open 10 locations in the state of Virginia. Nationally, the company plans to have 30 locations open by the end of 2010. The company is targeting Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma and Arizona for growth. Alamo currently has seven locations in Texas and plans to open two more theaters in Texas in the next 12 to 15 months, in San Antonio and McAllen.

"We are a first-class movie theater experience combined with a high-volume restaurant," says John Martin, president CEO of Alamo. "We believe we have strong appeal for multi-unit restaurant operators because they have the wherewithal, know-how and depth that is required to succeed in the restaurant business. We will support and educate them on melding the film aspect into the restaurant part."