Like so many businesses, theaters have been hit hard since the beginning of the pandemic, and Oakland's New Parkway Theater was no exception. But while their screens are still dark, what the eight-year-old theater did have was a loyal following--and as they soon found out, that proved to be their saving grace.
Two weeks after the state shutdown, The New Parkway pivoted to a pickup and delivery food program. And the results have been surprising: while selling food hasn’t come close to replacing revenue lost from showing films, the business is surviving and moving forward.
“It’s fair to say it was an instant hit,” says Carlos Courtade of New Parkway, who sees the theater mainly as a community space. "People were trying to do whatever they could to help. They didn’t want to see The New Parkway shut its doors.”
To hear more about this heartwarming story of community and perseverance, make sure to check out the Oaklandside feature.
Posted on 10/08/2020 at 01:00 PM
A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization
Federal Identification Number (EIN): 46-3416157
P.O. Box 6654
San Rafael, CA 94903
USA