After nine months of no news in the Grand Theatre situation, Scott Koran, CEO of Rogers Cinema appeared at a special session of the New London Common Council Tuesday , Aug. 30.
Koran asked for a denial of the city’s right of first refusal as Rogers Cinema has a offer to purchase the Grand Theatre by a private party.
“The city is in no financial position to take on a business,” said John Romberg, head of the council.
The vote was unanimous to let the Grand go to another interested party.
Jim and Kathy Billeck, who run single screen theatres in Tomahawk, Phillips and Park Falls, have now made an offer to purchase to the Grand Theatre.
“Rogers run a very clean, well-kept theatre,” said Billeck. “It will be a very easy transition here. We’ll even use the same popcorn recipe, so no one will notice a change in their popcorn.”
The Billeck’s hope to close on the purchase this Friday and take over management the same day.