'We want to build a future business city': Houston landmark to get new life

The River Oaks Theater, a revered Houston landmark, will be given new life as a part of Star Cinema Grill's roster of venues.

Houstonians finally have a piece of good news after months of speculation regarding the future of the River Oaks Theater and the Art Deco masterpiece is finally getting a comeback that it deserves.

"We are excited about our relationship with Kimco and the many other new partnerships that will play a vital role in the long-term success of the River Oaks Theatre. Being a part of the Houston community is something we take great pride in, and as the only locally owned and operated movie theater group, we feel very fortunate to further expand our roots within our hometown," said Omar Khan, president and CEO of River Oaks Theater, the new Star Cinema affiliate.

The River Oaks Theater has remained shuttered in the dark ever since March 2021, but this new deal between Houston-based Star Cinema Grill and Kimco Realty is finally saving this landmark.

"The longterm solution to River Oaks Theatre being here is frankly butts in seats," Kimco Realty's vice president of leasing Andrew Bell told PaperCity. "We want this concept here. We want this theatre to thrive.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner joined Star Cinema Grill representatives, members of Friends of the River Oaks Theatre and other dignitaries for the announcement of the 10-year deal that's essentially a happy ending for the River Oaks Theater.

"We want to build a future business city, but we want to hold onto many of historical buildings and venues," Turner said. "You don't want to just plow over your history. River Oaks Theatre represents a part of our culture and our personality."

The historic theater at 2009 W. Gray St. had undergone several lease negotiations in 2021 when Landmark Theatres and Weingarten Realty were involved, but the lease talk ultimately fell apart.

Star Cinema Grill will reportedly keep the building's art deco design, as well as retain the River Oaks Theater name.

It was back in 1939 when River Oaks Theatre was built and the first film that was shown here was Garson Kanin’s “Bachelor Mother.”