Theater files for Chapter 11
Whitley site hopes to emerge by fall, wants to expand
Paul Wyche | The Journal Gazette
More than $1 million in debt has forced officials of Bones Theatre of Columbia City to seek bankruptcy protection with hopes of emerging by the fall.
On Tuesday, company President Chris Jones said patrons can expect no change in services – including honoring gift cards – as the private company goes through bankruptcy.
“This is something that happens (in business),” said Jones, who partnered with Tim DuVall in 2006 to break ground on the $2.2 million, four-screen, 500-seat complex featuring first-run movies.
“Business will continue to operate as usual,” Jones said. “We will emerge sooner rather than later.”
Bones Theatre, which has 15 part-time workers, filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy March 1 in the Fort Wayne division of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Indiana.
The filing listed debts of more than $1 million and assets of at least $500,001.
When Bones Theatre opened, officials touted its digital surround sound and stadium seating. In recent years, they have boasted being the first and only theater complex in Indiana to offer MoPix technology for moviegoers who are hearing impaired or visually impaired.
The company hoped to add additional screens. Jones said part of the reorganization might include adding a 3-D projector. In any case, Jones said traffic for the Tim Burton 3-D film “Alice in Wonderland” was brisk last weekend.
“If it’s a good movie, it’s a good movie,” Jones said, noting he’s able to show 3-D movies in 2-D format.
A 3-D projector can cost $70,000, but the business it generates is worth the investment, operators have told The Journal Gazette.
“That is something we’re looking at,” Jones said.