Akaroa Cinema Business for Sale With Massive Potential

Ethels Cinema, Café and Bar is a popular boutique twin-screen cinema complex situated in the picturesque seaside town of Akaroa, located 90 minutes from Christchurch. The historic French and British settlement is a popular holiday destination nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano.

Ethels offers a unique cinematic experience complemented by freshly made onsite café food during the day, Italian style pizza at night and a fabulous range of boutique wines and craft beers. It’s a locals meeting spot where friends can catch-up to have a bite to eat, a drink and go to the movies.

The two theatre rooms (36 and 17 seats) feature fully equipped digital projection, surround sound and plush seating with a table for your snacks, coffee or glass of wine. The cinemas blockbuster, foreign and arthouse films are delivered electronically over the cinemas fibre internet connection or can be manually ingested to the playback servers.

Over the past 3 years the current owners have transformed Ethels into a highly rated destination with an awesome community following and customer base that helps it remain busy all year round. The owners have navigated the business through the difficult trading conditions produced by Covid and now with the writers and actors strike in the US resolved, it’s the perfect time for new owners to take over the helm of this much loved community hub.

Trading just six days per week, there is ample room for further growth by developing the breakfast, lunch and dinner trade to capitalise on Akaroa’s bustling tourism market. A team of reliable full and part time staff will be available to a new owner. The digitised theatre operations can be automated, any competent computer user can be fully trained to use the cinema systems.

The ideal purchaser for this potentially highly profitable enterprise is a working owner, couple, or family with hands-on hospitality experience wanting a business where they can grow the revenue and generate profits while creating a unique lifestyle business. Movie themed functions combined with the liquor licence provides an added attraction for the function market.

The cinema complex is located next to the Akaroa Community Library, with ample free street parking, ensuring a steady flow of foot traffic. There is indoor and alfresco seating for over 50 diners, plus takeaway orders, which bring in a wide customer base. The landlord is committed to the ongoing business owner's success with a long term on the lease remaining and an affordable annual rent in place.

Business Highlights:

Fully licenced
Bustling tourism market
Affordable rental in place
Strong brand and marketing
Well equipped kitchen/cafe
Two fully equipped theatre rooms
Well-supported by the community

Seeking expressions of interest/offers/enquiries over $150,000 + GST. Negotiable handover and support available.

In the first instance for all enquires contact the business owner Mark Bamber, info@ethels.co.nz, 027 936 8210.