Flat Rock Cinema celebrates 20 years of movies, music and community

FLAT ROCK, N.C. (FOX Carolina) - Flat Rock Cinema is marking its 20th anniversary as an entertainment hub that offers more than just movies.

The venue features film screenings, live concerts and comedy shows in a 75-year-old building that once housed one of the first schoolhouses in North Carolina.

Bryan Byrd, owner and operator of the cinema, said the space functions as more than a traditional theater.

“People have movie rooms in their house. I have the movie room in Flat Rock,” he said. “And it’s like you’re going over to a friend’s house to sit down and enjoy a movie and a dinner.”

The cinema’s primary business is movies, but the venue hosts live improv comedy and live concerts on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The facility has evolved from its early days of splicing film in the back room. The projector and sound system are now all digital, with feature films brought in electronically directly from Hollywood.

The venue includes two guest areas: a lobby with a bistro diner and the cinema itself.

“You can have everything from a snack of our world famous popcorn or a full dinner entree,” Byrd said. “With local craft beverages, wine, beer, cider, seltzer.”

The cinema space hosts brand new movies, classic movie anniversaries, live comedy improv and local music.

The business is celebrating multiple anniversaries: a 75-year-old building, a 20-year-old business and 15 years of service from a popcorn machine nicknamed Trustee.

The machine is about to be replaced with a new state-of-the-art popcorn machine, but the recipe will remain the same.

The cinema has launched a popcorn booster club with 25 memberships available. Nine spots have already been taken. Each member receives a silver ticket that can be presented at any time the cinema is open for unlimited popcorn through July 2027.

Flat Rock Cinema is located in Flat Rock Square on Greenville Highway. Tickets and information are available at flatrockcinema.comThe owner.

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