It’s the end of an era for one of Southern California’s upscale movie theaters, as the iPic Theater in Pasadena has announced its closure after 35 years of operation.
The theater chain, known for its luxurious offerings, made this decision as part of its bankruptcy restructuring, despite earlier assurances that it would keep serving popcorn.
“As part of our Chapter 11 reorganization, we’ve made the tough choice to close our Pasadena location on Wednesday, June 3, 2026,” a press release stated.
“It has been a privilege to serve our guests and IPIC ACCESS members, and we truly appreciate your ongoing support.”
Guests were invited to partake in a complimentary movie and menu one final time before the theater shut its doors for good on Wednesday night.
The iPic Theater, which opened its doors in 2010, was part of the One Colorado Shopping Center development in Old Town Pasadena.
Movie lovers have enjoyed the luxury of recliners, craft cocktails, and full-service dining at the venue.
At its height, the company operated eight restaurants and 100 screens across 13 theaters in various states, including California, Florida, and New York.
They had prime locations in Los Angeles and Manhattan, with notable spots like Westwood on Wilshire Boulevard and South Street Seaport in New York.
Earlier this year, iPic quietly filed for Chapter 11 protection to plan a court-supervised sale of its assets, assuring that operations would continue during what it termed an “expedited” liquidation sale process.
Meanwhile, notices have been issued to employees regarding potential job cuts.
As part of the restructuring, Cinemex Holding USA, Inc. will manage iPic locations in several states including Florida and Texas, while Blue Fox Theaters will take over iPic’s Fulton Market in New York and Westwood locations in Los Angeles, with plans to rebrand them as “The Cinemas.”
This acquisition involves some changes. For instance, in-theater dining will be discontinued, making way for premium concessions featuring upscale food options, ensuring audiences still enjoy a high-quality moviegoing experience, as noted by Blue Fox Entertainment Group’s founder, James Huntsman.
The Pasadena venue isn’t alone; the iPic in Redmond, Washington, also closed its doors in April.
This marks the second time the iPic brand has faced bankruptcy, following a previous filing in 2019.
CEO Patrick Quinn mentioned that after reviewing their options, the company believed a court-supervised sale was in the best interest of stakeholders.
He expressed hope for minimal impact on operations as the firm seeks to reorganize and eventually return to the premium theater scene once this financial chapter concludes.
