Kevin Dillon has been the general manager of the 14-screen theater on Cape Girardeau's west side for several years, and in that time, he said, he's seen a lot of changes -- specifically, last year, when Marcus Theatres acquired the former Wehrenberg Theatre and announced changes.

Dillon said the entire experience around going to see a movie has changed.

"Instead of just coming to the movies, we have all the amenities to go with it," Dillon said. Moviegoers can enjoy a drink and take in the plus-size screen in the Take Five Lounge just inside the front entrance, or order food from the menu at Zaffiro's Express.

Dillon said he's seen people come in an hour or so before showtime and just sit back and relax.

"They can get everything in one place," he said.

Kevin Dillon is general manager of Cape West Cinema in Cape Girardeau.Fred Lynch

And, of course, with the remodel, Dreamlounger seats were installed to replace the former row-style seats.

Seats are padded, with footrests, Dillon said.

"They're in every auditorium. It doesn't matter where you sit -- every seat you buy, it's a Dreamlounger," Dillon said.

That is one big change, Dillon said: Since the Dreamlounger seats are larger than the old seats, movies tend to sell out faster, so he strongly encourages moviegoers to pre-purchase tickets online.

"That way, especially on high-volume times, such as weekends and on Tuesdays, people know exactly what seat they're going to be sitting in, and can buy tickets up until Wednesday of the next week," Dillon said.

"You can kind of plan out your evening," he added. "You don't have to rush out here to try and get a seat."

Dillon said there has been an increase in business, but that isn't the entire story.

"There's a different group of people," he said. "Some of the regular moviegoers who would come out once a month, now they're coming more often. People who stopped going to the movies, they tried the amenities, tried the seats -- it does have an effect that people want to come back again and again."

But it isn't just the amenities in the building, he said. The theater shows more than just first-run movies now.

Kids' movies, classic movies, even the Metropolitan Opera run on the big screen now, Dillon said.

And there are discounts, he added, which makes movies more affordable for families and for those on fixed incomes.

"A lot of people enjoy our $5 Tuesdays," Dillon said, and early-bird discounts and senior discounts for those older than 60 are also available.

"They [Marcus] really wanted to make it affordable for everybody," Dillon said. "Hopefully this will help everyone come out and enjoy the amenities and the new facility."

Ribbon cuttings

Beyond Commercials will hold a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. Wednesday at 1856 Broadway in Cape Girardeau.

Summers Lane Boutique will hold a ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. Thursday at 121 S. High St. in Jackson.

Business licenses

Clarence Matthews applied for a business license to operate Matthews Insurance Agency, formerly (Nicholas) Laiben Insurance Agency, at 1825 Carondalet Drive, Suite 105, in Cape Girardeau. Matthews is a Farmers Insurance agent.

People on the Move

Billy Puckett

First Midwest Bank recently announced the addition of Billy Puckett as business development officer at its Cape Girardeau location, 1820 N. Kingshighway.

In this new role, Puckett will work on growing First Midwest's portfolio focusing on business and commercial services, according to a news release.

Prior to joining First Midwest, Puckett was director of business operations/insurance agent with State Farm Insurance from 2010 to 2018 and was recruited by leadership to open his own agency in 2013 based on strong sales, operating and team leadership performance.

A Southeast Missouri native, Puckett returns to the area with his wife, the former Christie Hogan, and their two children, Hogan and Collins.

Kelly Darby

Kelly Darby of Jackson, a financial adviser with Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, was Life Application Leader in the Missouri East Region in July.

Darby joined Modern Woodmen in November 2010.

Kandra Gregory

Kandra Gregory of Jackson, a financial representative with Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, was named Rookie of the Month in the Missouri East Region in July.

The honor is given to a full-time representative who has been with Modern Woodmen for less than a three years and is leading the region in production.

Gregory was also named Life Leader in the Missouri East Region for July.

Gregory joined Modern Woodmen in December 2016.

Dr. Tiffany Samples

Saint Francis Healthcare System recently announced a new hospitalist, Tiffany Samples, DO. She joins 19 other hospitalists who provide dedicated care to their hospitalized patients, according to a news release.

Dr. Samples studied medicine at A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri, and completed her internship and residency at Oklahoma State University in Tulsa.

Hospitalists are doctors who focus on the general medical care of hospitalized patients. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Saint Francis hospitalists coordinate and manage the health-care needs of each patient from admission to discharge. Hospitalists help ensure a continuum of care among primary care doctors, physician specialists and inpatient care providers.

mniederkorn@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3630