The End of an Era: Four Kerasotes Theaters Close Under the ShowPlace Icon Brand, Leaving a Gap in Theater Options for Chicago and St. Louis Park

The remaining four theaters operated by Kerasotes Theatres are closing immediately, leaving a gap in theater options for their respective cities. These theaters, located in Chicago (South Loop), St. Louis Park (suburban Minneapolis), Mountain View, California; and San Jose, California (Valley Fair Mall), all operated under the ShowPlace Icon brand.

This closure is significant not only because it marks the end of a circuit that has been operated by three generations of the Kerasotes family since 1909 but also as a reflection of the challenges faced by the exhibition industry. The chain, which at its peak operated 95 theaters nationwide, was known for its focus on premium services under the Showplace brand.

Tony Kerasotes has confirmed the closures but has not provided further comment at this time. However, Gus Kerasotes, a Greek immigrant who opened the first theater in Springfield, Illinois in 1909 and later expanded it by his sons, expressed his regret over losing control of his family business. “It’s sad to see something that was built with so much love and care come to an end,” he said in a statement.

The closure of these remaining Kerasotes theaters leaves only two theaters and 18 screens for a population of 1.2 million in Chicago’s South Side area. This news comes just days after Regal Theaters acquired another location from AMC Theatres earlier this year and closed down one of their own locations last week.