BATAVIA TOWNSHIP, MI (WTVB) – The Capri Drive-In in Coldwater plans to reopen Friday night in defiance of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s orders which ban movie theaters in the state from opening due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Capri owners Tom and Sue Magocs have promised to use social distancing guidelines and they plan to have the drive in open every night.
The concession stand is basically closed and only cash will be accepted at the box office, no debit or credit cards will be taken.
Tom Magocs said in a recording there will be a $5 charge for anyone bringing outside food into the drive in. He says they have to do this because, “it’s the only way we can keep going”
He says they will make an attempt to open “Lord be willing. Hopefully we don’t get shut down”.
Customers have to stay in their cars. Rest rooms will be open but no more than five persons will be allowed at one time.
The Capril plans to show “Smokey and the Bandit,” “Jurassic Park,” “Trolls World Tour” and “Sonic the Hedgehog”.
The gates will open at 7:30 p.m. with the movies starting at dusk.
The Capri has been a family owned business for 56 years and it was originally scheduled to open for this season on March 20.
All movie theaters including drive-ins have been ordered to close until at least May 28th after Whitmer extended a State of Emergency order. A legal challenge by Republican legislative leaders is scheduled for a court hearing on Friday.
The frustration of not being allowed to open was evident on the Capri’s marquee recently when it said “Want to Open, Can’t, Call Gov, Thanks.”
The Capri opened its gates Easter Sunday when the Coldwater Area Ministerial Association held a drive-in service which attracted hundreds of vehicles.
