Bethel Cinema to Close Unless Interested Party Steps Up to Take Over Ownership

In a letter to the community today, the Bethel Cinema owners Pam and Ken Karlan announced that they will be closing their doors, unless someone steps up, offering to take over the movie theater. "Due to the current pandemic and economic strife that goes with it, the continued operation of Bethel Cinema has become impossible.  As a regrettable outcome of this, we have to shut the theater," they said.

If you are reading this and are interested in taking over operations of the theater, please step up - soon! "We would be thrilled if someone was interested in taking over the business.  We will be heartbroken if the theater is truly closed for good," they said.  Please email pskarpen@aol.com or you can reach Ken at (203) 943-0600.

Please read the note from Ken and Pam below:

Dear Bethel Cinema community - we have all seen better times. The world has thrown us a curveball and now we are all together (though very much a part) in this shared experience.

Unfortunately, due to the current pandemic and economic strife that goes with it, the continued operation of Bethel Cinema has become impossible.  As a regrettable outcome of this, we have to shut the theater.  It is with both sincere regret and sadness that we write to let you know that Bethel Cinema is permanently closing our doors as of today. It is our utmost priority to inform you of this as you are the people that have kept us going through the years.

We have been the owners of the theater for the past 15 years and it has been an incredible privilege to be part of this community and a part of your lives.  Like every business, we are the sum of our team and our customers and we have been fortunate enough to have incredible people in both of those areas. 

We are very proud of what we have done and our commitment to nourishing your minds, bodies and souls.  Movies can do that.  They can stay with you for hours, days, weeks, even years.  We were determined to bring fantastic, thought-provoking films to the area, delicious treats to your bellies, and lots of good conversation to enjoy.  We could not be more thankful to all of you who have believed in us, been loyal to us, and have rooted for our success.  

We would be thrilled if someone was interested in taking over the business.  We will be heartbroken if the theater is truly closed for good.  Should you or someone you know be interested in owning a movie theater (it is a really cool job!), please reach out to us at either pskarpen@aol.com or you can reach Ken at (203) 943-0600.

Take care of yourselves and each other. Stay well, stay healthy.  Keep enjoying movies!

Much love,

Pam and Ken

Bethel Cinema is located at 269 Greenwood Ave. in Bethel