Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: Tim and Karrie League (2023)

How I Built This · 12 Oct 2026 · 1h 16m

What this episode covers

Tim and Karrie League, co-founders of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, recount their journey from a failed first theater in Bakersfield to building a national chain in Austin. They detail the operational challenges of combining movie exhibition with full-service dining, including securing liquor licenses and managing complex logistics. The episode covers their strategic expansion, a contentious legal battle with franchise partners that resulted in a merger, and their resilience through the pandemic-induced bankruptcy and subsequent acquisition by Sony Pictures.

Mentioned

Companies
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, Shell, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Products
Metro Private Cinema
Also
Rice University

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