Salem’s community loved theater, Southgate Cinema-World, officially closed down September of 1999 by Regal, after being in operation from June of 1976. Initially opened as a first run theater, its transition to an affordable second run theater helped to establish it as a bargain theater within the community. Specifically, Southgate Cinema-World was praised for its convenient location with proximity to the family neighborhoods, making it a popular and affordable location for children to adventure to. The theater was also nearby a Pietro’s Pizza (this specific location has since been closed) and Los Arcos restaurant.
Thankfully, in March of 2004, Southgate Cinema-World was reopened as Northern Lights Theatre Pub by Kevin Roddabush. Northern Lights would continue to function as a second run theater, but with a unique twist! When the theater originally closed, Regal had taken the chairs, projectors and two screens, leaving Roddabush to furnish the theater from scratch. His special twist was that tables were to be installed in front of the movie theater chairs to create a unique dining experience. His goal was to highlight the joy of eating while watching movies, emphasizing that unique experience in advertising. This special addition to Northern Lights helped to reestablish the theater as a special place for kids and families, continuing a legacy of family fun!
In the present day, Northern Lights still operates as a food/drink, movie, dining experience and is in close proximity with an arcade and multiple ice cream shops! As of September 2022, Northern Lights is now considered a first run theater, but this change doesn’t alter families seeing Northern Lights as an iconic landmark for family activity.
