CHESAPEAKE, Va. — It's the end of an era for movie-goers in Chesapeake.
Regal Cinemas has officially shut down its location in the Greenbrier section of Chesapeake, nearly a year after the company announced the closure.
The closure happened on Jan. 12, according to the movie theater chain's website.
"It’s a piece of history closing for good and it’s pretty sad," said lifelong Chesapeake resident and business owner Arrington Gavin.
For people like Gavin who grew up coming to the theater, they’ll hold on to the memories made there.
"I actually had my first date with my wife here," he said.
He still remembers his move.
"She doesn’t like scary movies at all, but the plan was to go see a scary movie," he said. "See a scary movie, you know, she was gonna ease on to me, you know, that was the whole spiel, but you know we grabbed dinner and it was a beautiful night at the end of the day. I got my first kiss there, but obviously it worked!"
Kevin Warnecke said he’s not surprised to see the theater close.
"The theaters were always empty, but I was always happy to come," he said. "A lot of kids grew up here when this place was really popping off. For a lot of kids who grew up in this area who are now my age, around like 23, they grew up coming to this place."
But that doesn't mean he won't miss coming here.
"I’m gonna miss it. I saw this day, I knew it was coming. It’s sad to see it go, so many memories of taking friends here."
The company announced in January 2023 that Regal Greenbrier was one of 39 theaters that would close in weeks time after the theater chain's owner, Cineworld Group LLC, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
According to 13News Now's previous coverage, the company planned to reject the theaters' leases on Feb. 15, 2023, but Indiewire reported that several stayed open longer.
Regal has 428 theatres in 41 states, along with the District of Columbia and Guam, as of Dec. 31, according to the company's website. Those locations include Regal Kiln Creek in Newport News, Regal MacArthur Center in Norfolk, Regal Harbour View Grande in Suffolk, Regal Columbus and Regal Strawbridge Marketplace in Virginia Beach, and Regal New Town in Williamsburg.
As Regal Greenbrier closes its doors, change is coming to the Greenbrier area of Chesapeake.
The city is creating a plan based on resident input, and have already released potential plans for new retail space, recreation space, and a new multi-purpose event and entertainment facility.
The Greenbrier Mall site map includes a new multi-purpose event and entertainment facility for regional retail stores, dining, and a new library.
The Eden Way and Summit Pointe Map includes a new convocation center for events, a tree-lined main street with dining and shops.
Battlefield Center is focused on sports fields and recreation space.
Health Village is a concept that surrounds Chesapeake Regional Medical Center with age-targeted housing, and health retail.
While the survey for what you want to see happen to the Greenbriar area has closed, the city will host public comment meetings throughout the spring. According to the city’s website, more than 3,000 people have already shared their thoughts.
The city aims to report their plans for the area this summer.
RELATED: Reimagining Greenbrier: Chesapeake city planners want to know what you want to see in the area
Though nothing is set in stone, Warnecke said he’d like to see more for young people to do.
"Newer buildings, newer businesses, maybe a little bit more art," he said. "Whatever gets the people in, whatever gets the young people in, I know we’re like a high military area, so whatever draws those people in. Maybe more breweries and stuff like that."
Gavin said as they lose Regal Greenbrier, he’s encouraged to see plans for growth.
"I’ve been here forever so I want to see more growth and not the opposite," he said. "We have plenty of stuff for the family, but honestly we’re losing one because with the movie theater but more things for the families, more things for the parents to enjoy. Growing up in Greenbrier, growing up in Chesapeake, it was always ‘hey friends ill meet you in Lynnhaven, in Virginia Beach or in Norfolk. We never really had that hangout spot here in the area. I’m definitely team all the growth."
Even as change is on the horizon, both men are still sad to see a piece of their history roll the credits one last time.
"Part of your childhood kind of closed down," Gavin said.
Leaving only a message on the marquee that simply reads ‘goodbye.’