The David Minor Theater located on 5th Avenue, tucked next to the audacious Fifth Street Market and across the street from the Granary, serving not only as a haven for film buffs and people who like to drink beer while watching movies, but also as a living breathing memorial for Eugene resident David Minor, who passed away in 2008, at the age of 27.
“He lives through these walls because we knew him very well. The overall atmosphere is based on our group of friends,” said theater owner Josh Goldfarb, who started the theater after Minor passed away.
Although Goldfarb had no experience in the movie theater businesses, he created a theater, that’s thriving six years later.
“We learned as we went. It was organic,” Goldfarb said.
The space was originally a stereo store that Goldfarb worked at with his father. Goldfarb had always kicked around the idea of opening a movie theater, especially one where he and his friends wouldn’t have to sneak beer into.
Hence the motto: “No longer sneaking beers into the theater since 2008.”
The funky coral and teal walls mixed with the fading red carpet offers an intimate laid-back setting, where undoubtedly, many have made a rainy day good. Currently, David Minor has a 50-seat and a 15-seat theater, both outfitted with comfortable couches.
“The best part is the atmosphere for me,” said Jason Randall, who manages the theater’s website and designs posters, in addition to working at the theater itself. “It’s laid back and people like to have a good time.”
Randall also enjoys watching people chat in the lobby after the films, a spacious area with white leather couches. When the two theaters sell out, this space is used as a third theater, complete with surround sound.
“You can drink beer inside, which is similar to European cinemas, and it’s very cozy and has a family atmosphere,” said Felix Reidinger, a German exchange student who attended UO last year.
The David Minor has everything a small theater should have that larger companies simply can’t offer. TXT-A-BEER allows theatergoers to text the concession area what kind of beer they would like and then have it brought to them. If guests have to get up to use the restroom, a live feed of the film is playing in the lobby. Guests can also order food from the Granary, Lucky Noodle and Cornucopia to enjoy while watching a film.
“It made sense to utilize restaurants,” said Goldfarb. People get a sneak peek of the food and it creates a neighborhood community.”
Known for catering to ages 21 and over, the theater has recently opened their first two shows of each day to minors. Tickets are reasonably priced at $6 each. Sunday shows are $2, Tuesday is two for $1, all matinees are $3 and students and seniors get a $1 off.
“Rather than watching on your laptop or iPad, why not use our couches and giant screen?” said Goldfarb with a laugh.