One of the recreational choices citizens of Houston and the surrounding area have is to go to the movies. In fact, thanks to Houston’s Phoenix Theater and Drive-In, people can enjoy the movie experience indoors or outdoors.
Long-time Texas County residents Josh and Jennifer Shelton took ownership of the business in June 2018.
“We had been considering this for a couple of years,” Jennifer said. “I think when we made the move it was a God decision; He knows the right timing.”
Phoenix’s indoor and outdoor facilities are both equipped with digital projection and Dolby surround sound systems that allow for showing first-run new releases.
“We try to get the popular new releases as often as we can,” Jennifer said.
The indoor facility can seat up to 190 patrons and features a concession stand with many choices, including popcorn-and-drink combos. Meanwhile, the drive-in can accommodate close to 150 vehicles and has a sound system designed to be heard on an FM radio. A centrally-located building houses a concession stand (with burgers, hot dogs, nachos, snow cones in the summer, and many other choices), restrooms and space for the digital projector.
“We haven’t had any complaints about the sound,” Jennifer said. “Everything seems to run smoothly – except for someone’s car dying now and then if they leave it on too long. But we happily give them a jump.”
Pets are OK in the drive-in if they don’t become a distraction.
“As long as they’re not being disruptive, it’s fine,” Jennifer said.
An unusual option available at the Phoenix’s indoor theater is it can be rented for video game parties including wireless controls. The Sheltons said seeing the game image on the “silver screen” is amazing.
MOTION PICTURE HISTORY IN HOUSTON
Houston’s drive-in opened in 1951 and was then called the Sunset Drivein. The indoor venue began showing films in 1980.
To say that drive-in theaters are rare these days is a major understatement, as there are only nine still in operation in Missouri.
The Sheltons understand and enjoy the historic nature of their business. Josh even has childhood memories of going to the drive-in.
“It’s pretty awesome,” he said. “I can’t tell you any specifics about it, but I remember running around and playing out there.”
The Sheltons said they have seen people be pretty creative with their seating arrangements at the drive-in, including using a mattress and a futon in the back of pickups.
“There are a lot of people who come here for the first time and mention how neat it was,” Jennifer said. “The drive-in really is a great experience.”
The Phoenix’s indoor venue operates almost every day with varying show times. The drive-in was open on weekends during the holiday season, and operates on a week-by-week basis until opening for good in the spring and showing movies into late fall.
MORE INFORMATION
The Phoenix Theater and Drive-In has a website complete with schedules for the indoor and outdoor venue: www.phoenixdrivein.com. The complex can also be found on Facebook. Movie prices for both venues are $6 for adults and teens, or $5 for kids ages 3 through 12 (kids 2 and under are admitted free). The phone number for reserving the indoor screen for a video game party or for other information is 417-967-3010.