## Level Up Your Career: Harkins Theatres Needs You!
Calling all Arizona gamers! Are you ready to trade in your controller for a real-life adventure in the world of entertainment? Harkins Theatres is expanding their Backlot entertainment center, and they’re looking for passionate gamers like you to join their team!
The Future of Entertainment: Harkins Theatres Hiring for Backlot Entertainment Center
Valley-based movie theater chain Harkins has announced the opening of a new kind of family entertainment center in north Phoenix, set to debut at the Shops at Norterra shopping center in 2024. The concept, Harkins BackLot, will be a movie studio-themed entertainment center featuring a unique blend of movies, games, and dining experiences.
The BackLot concept was inspired by classic movie studio backlots and will include the state’s largest sports viewing screens, bowling, patio dining, a scratch kitchen and bar, an arcade, virtual reality games, a patio, and party rooms. Additionally, there will be space for private and corporate functions, making it an ideal destination for families, friends, and businesses alike.
“Harkins has been providing exceptional family entertainment for nearly 90 years,” said Mike Bowers, CEO and president of Harkins Theatres. “Expanding our brand to dedicated family entertainment centers is a natural progression of our innovation legacy. Our secret sauce is our unique ability to pair the fun of an entertainment center with the excitement of movies at our movie studio-themed BackLot entertainment centers.”
Harkins Theatres is a family-owned company with a rich history dating back to 1931, and has grown to become the 7th largest movie theater circuit in North America. The company operates 35 theaters with 487 screens throughout Arizona, California, Colorado, and Oklahoma.
Future Plans: Multiple Locations and Collaboration with Vestar
More BackLot locations are expected to be announced soon, with Harkins Theatres aiming to expand its presence in the entertainment industry. The company has already partnered with Vestar, a prominent retail and entertainment developer, to bring the BackLot concept to new markets.
Vestar has a proven track record of developing successful shopping centers and entertainment destinations, including Desert Ridge Marketplace in Phoenix, Tempe Marketplace, and Queen Creek Marketplace. The partnership between Harkins Theatres and Vestar promises to bring a new level of entertainment and dining experiences to communities across the region.
Economic Impact: Job Creation, Tax Revenue, and Economic Output
The opening of Harkins BackLot is expected to have a significant economic impact on the region, with the creation of over 1,500 permanent jobs and an estimated $50 million in total tax revenue for Buckeye. The project is also projected to generate over $1.8 billion in economic output in 10 years.
The economic benefits of Harkins BackLot will be felt across the region, with a positive impact on local businesses and the community. The project will also provide a boost to the local economy, creating new opportunities for employment and growth.
The Future of Entertainment: Verrado Marketplace
Construction is underway at the site of Verrado Marketplace, a future West Valley shopping and entertainment landmark. The development is located on the southern edge of the Verrado master-planned community and is expected to open in spring 2026.
Verrado Marketplace will be a 500,000-square-foot shopping center anchored by retailers Target, Ross, Marshalls, and HomeGoods, as well as supermarket Safeway and Harkins Backlot, a new entertainment concept from the Valley-based movie theater chain.
Retailers and Restaurants: A Dynamic Mix of Premium Retail and Dining
The shopping center will feature a dynamic mix of premium retail and dining options, including ULTA Beauty, Famous Footwear, Buckle, Salt Tacos + Tequila, Bath & Body Works, Shake Shack, Handel’s Ice Cream, Nekter Juice, See’s Candies, Thai Chili, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Tropical Smoothie, Hawaiian Bros, European Wax Center, Zara, Nails, Pacific Dental, America’s Best Contacts & Glasses, and Mountain America Credit Union.
The retailers and restaurants at Verrado Marketplace will cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences, providing something for everyone in the family.
Community Hub: Central Lawn, Live Performance Stage, and Welcoming Spaces
The shopping center will also feature a central lawn, a live performance stage, outdoor fireplaces, a splash pad, and other welcoming touches, making it a community hub for the Verrado community and the entire West Valley.
The central lawn will provide a scenic backdrop for community events and gatherings, while the live performance stage will host concerts, festivals, and other performances throughout the year.
Gamestanza Analysis: Implications and Practical Aspects
The rise of entertainment centers like Harkins BackLot and Verrado Marketplace is a significant trend in the retail and entertainment industry, with a shift towards experiential retail and community-driven destinations.
The Rise of Entertainment Centers: A Shift in Consumer Preferences
Consumers are increasingly seeking out immersive and interactive experiences, rather than simply shopping or dining. Entertainment centers like Harkins BackLot and Verrado Marketplace cater to this trend, offering a unique blend of movies, games, and dining experiences.
The rise of entertainment centers also reflects a shift in consumer preferences towards community-driven destinations that offer a sense of belonging and connection.
Competition and Opportunities: The Impact on Local Businesses
The opening of Harkins BackLot and Verrado Marketplace will create new opportunities for local businesses, with a potential impact on the local economy and job market.
However, the competition from these new entertainment destinations may also pose a challenge to local businesses, particularly those in the retail and dining sectors.
The Future of Harkins BackLot: Growth, Innovation, and Community Engagement
The future of Harkins BackLot is bright, with a focus on growth, innovation, and community engagement. The company plans to expand its presence in the entertainment industry, with new locations and concepts in development.
The company’s commitment to community engagement and innovation will drive growth and success in the years to come, solidifying its position as a leader in the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. Harkins Theatres is expanding its entertainment empire, not just with silver screens, but with a fully immersive Backlot experience. This move signals a major shift in the landscape of entertainment, blurring the lines between traditional movie-going and next-level interactive fun. The implications are exciting. Harkins is clearly betting big on the future of experiential entertainment, capitalizing on the growing demand for unique and engaging activities. This could mean big things for gamers, movie buffs, and anyone looking for a truly memorable outing. As Harkins expands, it’ll be interesting to see how this new model impacts the industry as a whole, potentially inspiring other venues to adopt similar strategies. Will we see a wave of Backlot-inspired entertainment centers popping up across the country? One thing’s for sure: the future of entertainment is interactive, immersive, and full of possibilities. Are you ready to step into the Backlot?
