By By JESSICA SIEFF / Dowagiac Daily News
NILES – After the unveiling of a new sign over at Wonderland Theater, it was evident that the movie theater was making some changes.
The sign announced the addition of a caf. And its addition is allowing Wonderland's customers to make the most out of a day at the movies.
Inside Wonderland, a newly renovated portion of the theater boasts bold colors of red, orange and green, a fireplace, big leather chairs and seating for approximately 45.
The response to the new caf, which opened without any formal announcement or fanfare, has been pleasing, according to caf manager Lisa Prillwitz.
"Every day," she said. "I've been monitoring it and every day it's been getting busier and busier."
The caf offers seven different hot panini-style sandwiches to choose from, soups, baked goods, cappuccino and lattes and Prillwitz said she is working on adding salads as well.
Wonderland is one of four theaters owned by Moore Theaters which are located in Otsego, South Haven and Coloma. According to a Prillwitz and a project manager with the company, this is the first caf/movie theater the company has put together.
Customers can purchase tickets for films at the same counter where they can order a sandwich or a cup of coffee – and what's better – they can take the food into the theater with them.
"You can eat in, you can take it to the movies or you can take it home," Prillwitz said.
The idea of incorporating a caf into the theater was apparently one the company had for "a long, long time."
Already, Prillwitz said she's seen a lunch crowd of about 16-18 not counting those that call in their orders or take their orders to go. The caf uses Boars Head brand meats and cheeses, slicing it in house and selling it in bulk.
Prillwitz and her crew have even hosted a couple of birthday parties that she said the caf welcomes "as long as they're responsible for their own things." Asked about concern over the mess that might come with taking food into the theater, she said with a smile, "that's what soap and water is for."
While right now, customers can enjoy their feature films with a cup of coffee or a hot sandwich, eventually the plan seems to be for movie goers to be able to purchase their ticket in advance and even have their orders brought to them.
And it seems as though there is more in store for Moore Theaters as crews are hard at work gutting and renovating the insides of the old Ready Theater on the corner of Main and Fifth Street with hopeful plans of a digital theater screen. Plans for completion of the project were not available.
Until then, fans of Wonderland can enjoy a place to sit and relax, eat and enjoy time with friends before, after or during the show.
And as for Prillwitz her hopes include "just booming business," she said. "Booming business, happy people."
The caf is currently holding hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wonderland Theater is located at 402 N Front Street. To check for current films and showtimes, go to www.mooretheaters.com.