Carolina Movie Theater — Attraction in Hickory

I used to like this place, but the last time I visited I discovered that they have an unofficial policy against selling a ticket earlier than 15 minutes prior to the show. I was not actually trying to enter the building early, I just wanted to purchase my ticket before dinner like I have done at many other theaters.

The policy is not posted because apparently it's only enforced when they feel like it's necessary. I am not sure why a person quietly standing in front of their box office by themselves warranted this concern, but it is what it is.

The cashier made it seem like I was acting suspicious and unreasonable. I felt like a kid who'd been dropped off by my parents. I'm 35. I did not appreciate being gaslighted by an actual young person, who pretended like every movie theater has this policy and why would I ever think otherwise? The only reason he would give was some ridiculous statement about how a ticket is admission to their building and they'd had "problems." No further explanation forthcoming. I asked why the policy wasn't posted and he told me it was because it wasn't something they advertised.

It left a very sour taste in my mouth and colored my entire perception...

This place is THE best kept secret around. Let's help get the word out! $3 movies with awesome concession prices and FAMILY OWNED! Who wouldn't love that!? This theater built in 1934 will take you back as soon as you pull up, for those of you lucky enough to have experienced movies old-school. It's a great history lesson and experience for all ages. We met the owner Billy Ray. It was such a pleasure spending time talking with him and learning the history of the theater. I cannot wait to book a birthday party there and for you gamers....get booked as soon as you can. You can get your equipment hooked up and game on the big screen! That's right! Super cool! There are great restaurants within walking distance. We look forward to going back every chance we get. We are blessed to have found this little piece of heaven, come and take a step back in time. This place is priceless. Thank you Carolina Theater for working so hard to keep going. Let's all go out and support this local piece of history. We'll be...

I usually enjoy coming to this theater, but today was a disappointing experience. I had my feet resting lightly on the seat in front of me (with no one sitting there), and a staff member came in and aggressively yelled at me to put them down instead of just asking politely. I immediately apologized and said my bad, to which he said the chairs were 300$ and told another couple in our row that those kids (fully grown women) feet were up, smacking the area my feet were loud enough to make me jump.I understand rules are rules—but there’s a way to speak to people with respect. The way it was handled felt unnecessary and there’s a big difference between enforcing rules and being disrespectful. It’s a lovey theater and I love supporting it rather than AMC but this was embarrassing for...