Congratulations to the new owners of the Howell Movie Theatre in Smithfield. I hope they continue the same business model. Its great to have a $2.50 movie theater especially in this economy.
From WTSBRadio.com Historic Howell Theatre Has New Owners (Back - L to R) Chuck and Amy Kirkman of Wake Forest are the new owners of the Howell Theatre in Downtown Smithfield. They are pictured with their sons, Andrew, 10, and Matthew, 12. Contributed photo The Howell Theatre in Downtown Smithfield is now operating under the ownership of Chuck and Amy Kirkman of Wake Forest. Located on South Third Street, the Kirkmans stated that the Howell Theatre will continue to operate as it has, by continuing to offer moviegoers the type of quality family entertainment that has made the theatre popular. The $2.50 admission for all of its showings will continue as well. “We are excited to take over this successful business from Mickey Buffaloe,” states new theatre owner, Amy Kirkman. “One of the key buying points for our family was how important the Howell is to Downtown Smithfield and the community. We consider this purchase an honor and our family is eager to continue the fine family entertainment tradition the Howell Theatre represents.” After purchasing the Howell Theatre from Mr. Rudolph Howell in April 1999, Mickey Buffaloe and his family continued the tradition of showing first-run movies in Smithfield’s historic downtown theatre and has been a constant mainstay in the small business community. In November 2004, Buffaloe weathered the opening of a multiplex theatre near the Carolina Outlet Center by changing his business model and format to offer moviegoers discounted tickets to second run movies. Working with local community organizations, families, school and church groups, Buffaloe worked hard to build back the attendance and has seen a steady increase in business since the change. “We are glad that the Kirkman Family chose to invest in Downtown Smithfield and will continue to operate the Howell,” states Chris Johnson, Executive Director of the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation. “With one of the few remaining downtown theatres in North Carolina, Smithfield has something in the Howell Theatre that other communities across the State and US only dream about. In January of 2009, Buffaloe was recognized by the Smithfield-Selma Chamber of Commerce as the Jimmy Creech Small Business Person of the Year. In New Bern, at the upcoming NC Main Street Awards Ceremony on January 28, Buffaloe will be recognized and honored by the NC Main Street organization as a “Main Street Champion.” “While we welcome the Kirkmans to Downtown Smithfield with open arms, we are sad to see Mickey and the Buffaloe family move on,” continues Johnson. “For the past ten years, Mickey has been an anchor and great contributor to downtown. His leadership and support of other small businesses downtown will certainly be missed.”
