Capitola movie theater gets major upgrades

After a little more than $2 million dollars in upgrades, the CineLux Capitola Cafe & Lounge is offering moviegoers an expanded experience.

“We wanted to make sure that we had the best presentation possible for our guests,” said Tom Cole with CineLux Capitola Cafe & Lounge.

The theater has added five new auditoriums equipped with state of the art lighting, sound and stadium seating. Not to mention a cafe serving up tasty eats.

“You do not have to rush, sit down, have a glass of wine or a beer before going to the movie,” said Cole. “If you can’t’ finish it, take it in, enjoy it in the theater.”

City officials said the upgrades at CineLux fall in line with their mission to revive Capitola.

“We’re always looking at new businesses to come in to 41st Avenue,” said Capitola Soquel Chamber of Commerce CEO Toni Castro. “It’s centrally located and in Santa Cruz County. We’re trying to have businesses like the CineLux in there, they’re going to bring locals.”

Capitola Soquel Chamber of Commerce said they’re promoting vacant spaces through ads and social media.

“We want to keep our economy up there so we can live well here in Capitola,” said Castro.

Capitola’s city manager said the city has updated its zoning ordinance to allow a broader range of use and made some changes to parking rules, along with putting money behind redevelopment.

“And actually going out talking to various businesses out of the area and encouraging them to come to Capitola,” said Castro.

The chamber said they are especially interested in big stores that help draw in lots of people.