Aloma's big production

The Aloma Cinema and Grill offers something most movie theaters in Central Florida area don't — dinner with your movie.

The theater has been in business for more than 30 years and in the next month will expand to include a third theater.

"We're not greedy. We keep our prices low because we're a small theater and we know what the economy is going through," said general manager Sherie McTigue.

The theater shows first-run films, rotating them every two weeks. Adding a third theater will allow them to keep movies longer and host more special events, McTigue said.

While other chain theaters such as Regal Cinemas and AMC have raised their prices, Aloma has kept theirs consistent. They haven't raised the prices on their menu items either.

McTigue described their menu as "upscale sports bar" and bragged that they have one of the best burgers around.

It's not the food and films that set the theater apart though, it's their attitude toward their patrons.

"We listen to our customers," McTigue said. "It's a down-home-type place."

That's what keeps people coming back to the theater and keeps them in business. They cater to the common man and cater to those needs.

When you walk into the theater, you'll see one-of-a-kind paintings of old actors adorning the walls. The paintings, done by one of the managers, fit in perfectly with the cozy atmosphere of the theater.

Over the last 30 years, the theater has changed to cater to its audiences.

Alyce Stults, a consultant and former owner of the theater, said they're expanding to include a third screen.

She said they'll be able to show more movies and keep movies for a longer period, as well as hold more events.

"This is going to give us more flexibility with the newly released films," she said.

The theater was originally opened in 1978 and the concept at the time was dining and showing films, while serving wine and beer.

Over the years, they've expanded their menu to include more entrées — as opposed to just snack foods.

Another change they endured was the change of the drinking age. When the drinking age was changed from 18 to 19 then 21, they expanded their food service.

Construction on the third theater began May 1 and the theater has no plans to close its doors during construction.