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ACWORTH - North Cobb residents have a new place for movie night as the NCG Acworth Cinema officially opens its doors today.

The theater is off Acworth Due West Road, less than a mile from Cobb Parkway.

On Thursday night, Acworth city leaders, residents and business owners got a sneak peek of the theater before it opens to the public.

"This completes our journey to becoming a retail destination," Mayor Tommy Allegood said. "This will drive people to our community."

Allegood, along with his wife, Carol, and several of their business partners from the Old Mill restaurant saw "Four Christmases" in the new theater Thursday night. The new James Bond movie, "Quantum of Solace," was another popular choice.

Before the new theater, City Manager Brian Bulthuis said Acworth residents had to drive to movie theaters on Barrett Parkway or Cartersville. Now, there is one in their backyard.

"On a Friday or Saturday night, you can come out and do everything right in Acworth," he said.

Many of the restaurant owners from downtown Acworth were thrilled with the new opportunity, seeing the endless dinner and movie possibilities.

"This will most definitely increase business at my restaurant," said Henry Chandler, owner of Henry's Louisiana Grill in downtown Acworth. "This is a huge growth factor for a our local economy."

The theater has partnered with several restaurants for a dinner and a movie promotion. For $37, people can purchase a package that includes a $25 gift certificate to area restaurants and two movie tickets.

Restaurants includes Moe's Southwest Grill, Prezzano's Pizzeria, the Old Mill, Beef O'Brady's, Fusco's Italian Restaurant, Di Gusto's Italian Grille and Henry's Louisiana Grill.

"We're hoping that this will increase business for us," said Rebecca Bush, event coordinator for the Old Mill restaurant. "Most of the time, when people go to the movies and dinner they choose a restaurant that's close to the theater. Now we have a movie theater right down the street from us."

The theater is part of the Neighborhood Cinema Group, based in Owosso, Mich. The Acworth theater will have more than 60 employees.

Jeff Geiger, one of the owners of the theater and vice president of NCG, said he's glad the theater was able to open before the holidays.

The 40,000-square-foot, multimillion-dollar complex has 12 screens. Each theater features high-back, reclining stadium seats.

"We anticipate people driving past our competitors and coming here," Geiger said, noting the differences in NCG theaters.

Instead of buying tickets at an outdoor box office, people purchase tickets and concessions at the same counter inside the lobby. The theater has refill stations for popcorn and drinks where customers can refill their items themselves.

Patrick O'Boyle, promotions manager for NCG, said the theater features the latest technology for movie theaters including Dolby digital sound, DLP digital projection and the ability to show 3D digital movies.

Tickets range from $6 to $9.

New in theaters this weekend is "The Day the Earth Stood Still." The remake of the 1951 sci-fi thriller stars Keanu Reeves and Jennifer Connelly. For other movies and times, turn to page 3D.

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