New downtown Asheville movie theater, Grail Moviehouse, nears completion

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Grail Moviehouse, a new independent downtown movie theater on South French Broad Avenue, is nearing completion. The theater will feature three screens, a concessions stand and an array of art and independent films. The theater is expected to open in a couple of weeks.

On a tour last week, owners Steve White and Davida Horowitz revealed a theater that’s quickly coming together inside a big building that’s also home to the Downtown Market, the Sly Grog bar and Hopey & Co. grocery store. The new brick-and-mortar location of Little Bee Thai restaurant is also opening in the big building, as is a collection of office space for independent tech businesses called HatchAVL.

The Grail Moviehouse has three screening rooms, ranging in size from about 60 seats to 160 seats. (One theater has seats salvage from an old Brooklyn theater.) Expect Asheville-style concessions. And look for an old Lance vending machine that will be retooled to vend miniature art pieces (a la the Art-O-Mat.) White said that he’s also been working with mural artist Gus Cutty on an indoor artwork that will pay homage to great moments and stars in cinema history.

Stay tuned for updates on opening events and movie line-ups.