Alameda Theatre & Cineplex — Attraction in Alameda

I have been going to this movie theater since I was a child. On July 22, 2023, I took my niece and me to the movies. Everything was great at first but then as we walked to the concession stand, my energy started feeling weird. I noticed the line I was in was moving slower than the other line. Something told me to switch lines, but I didn’t. so my niece and I start to order: two popcorn, two drinks, a nacho and one hot dog. Then I quickly decided I want a hotdog as well, so as the surfer cashier starts to ring me up for another hot dog, the other Caucasian male, who looked like his life decisions were embedded in his face, says he already gave me my other hot dog. Mind you everything is out in the open. I’m holding a big bag and trying to find a way to hold all this food I just ordered. So he’s telling me he gave me the second hot dog, the surfer cashier doesn’t see a second hot dog, but agrees with him and then tried to take the other customer's order as if we were done with each. So the other Caucasian male whose bad decisions were written all over his face was trying to swear he gave me my other hotdog, but you can see all that have is what I have. Long story short. I ended up getting the hot dog I never got, while the bad decision-maker face was making it seem like I was trying to steal a hotdog but pay for everything else. Then the surfer boy proceeds to throw the hotdog at me, but try to do a politely. All I can do is give him the death stare and walk away. I will never return to Alameda Theater. I was so tempted to get the manager right then and part of me still wishes I did because the next time they see a person like me, they will show more respect because you may not have a job once your actions are put to the test. But God bless them because he made it clear to me why I’m paying to watch the movie and they are getting my food and accusing me of stealing 1 hot dog and paying for everything else. But hopefully, no one makes an example out of their lack of respect and...

I remember working at this theater snack bar before it closed in the late 70's. It used to be like a center island in the middle of the lobby. The balconies were accessible for the one big original screen. The seats up there were suspiciouly nasty back in the day. I remember old Al, the old usher guy. The theater manager at the time was a guy named Pedderson. I think he kinda hated life and wasn't very nice. I later heard the guy died from a heart attack

The old screen curtains were ratty and full of soda and food stains. The hidden upper balcony store rooms where the snack bar supplies were stored were dark and dank. Probably the walls leaked as early as that if not before. Kinda spooky. I'm just glad I never spotted any rats or roaches.

Back then the giant "Alameda" neon sign outside was broken and never lit up. The marquee bulbs on the underside of the entrance overhang were always mostly burned out. The old box office was a small booth outside in the center of the front walk under the marquee overhang.

The old Ryders Diner and then later the Record Factory Store used to be where the new added multiplex screens and bistro/bar are now on the corner. I like the new theater now. It should've always remaind a theater. Too bad it never had a great Mighty Wurlitzer organ like the Oakland Paramount. That would've been cool.

It wasn't exactly the most ideal job. My fondest memory was being able to see the first Star Wars movie for free as many times I wanted. A lot of free movies and old Al looked the other way. Crappy job but good times. My...

I go here very frequently because it's the best theatre in terms of technical quality, but the service here is terrible. I've been forced to have to leave without buying tickets multiple times because one of my friends in a large group doesn't have an ID with their date of birth. If you are under 18, you cannot buy R tickets for other people without ID and are very strict about checking for it. I've had friends who have been turned away with their college student picture ID because it didn't specify a date of birth. If you bring a large group, expect to be asked for everyone to show ID, make sure everyone had their DOB listed. If one person doesn't have valid ID, you will not be able to buy a ticket for them. They are also very strict about bringing outside food and drinks in. I use to bring soda in my jacket but now they will check you at the entrance and confiscate any outside food and beverages. While the candy and drinks aren't reasonably priced, the popcorn is. You can get 50¢ refills which is very nice. Just know that if you get up to get a refill and try to come back into the theatre, the attendant will stop you and ask to see your ticket. This system of checks is honestly getting out of hand, it makes it a real hassle to have an...