The Gaslamp Quarter’s exciting new luxury theatre, dining and entertainment complex, Theatre Box®, is set to open in October at Fifth Avenue and G Street. Occupying one city block in a two-story, 73,000-square-foot building, the first phase of Theatre Box® will introduce TCL Chinese Theatre’s first luxury dine-in cinema, Sugar Factory American Brasserie and the Chocolate Lounge. Nick Cannon’s Wild ‘N Out Sports Bar and Arcade plus a 6,000-square-foot rooftop bar will open as part of a second phase.
President and COO of TCL Chinese Theatre, Alwyn Hight Kushner, and Sugar Factory Founder, Charissa Davidovici, joined forces to develop Theatre Box®. The entire project is inspired by the movie-going experience and a traditional theatre box filled with treats of guests’ choosing.
“This is a completely new and revolutionary concept for our brand,” said Hight Kushner. “We are looking forward to utilizing nearly 100 years of knowledge to provide San Diego with an innovative movie-going experience that is modern, fun and luxurious. Guests can expect one-of-a-kind extravagant amenities provided by the variety of entertainment options inside Theatre Box®.”
Famed Hollywood movie palace, TCL Chinese Theatre, will bring its rich, 90-year history to San Diego with the opening of the eight-theatre, luxury cinema. Theatre Box® will welcome film enthusiasts with a striking lobby combining the contemporary, imaginative appeal of Sugar Factory with the classic Hollywood glamour of the TCL Chinese Theatre – stunning guests with a 45-foot-tall ceiling and the iconic movie star handprints and footprints. Sugar Factory’s signature sweets and treats will fill the lobby, including more than 500 types of candy; bulk candy from dozens of candy bins; giant gummy bears; and a café counter offering gelato, gourmet coffee, freshly-baked pastries and other refreshments. The brand’s famed Couture Pops, a pop culture phenomenon and celebrity accessory, will also be on display. Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Nicole Scherzinger, Sting, Charlie Sheen, Kim Kardashian and Drake are just a few of the celebrities who have been spotted with the sparkly lollipops.
“We absolutely love San Diego and have been looking for the right opportunity to bring Sugar Factory here since we first introduced the brand,” said Davidovici. “When we saw this building, previously home of a historic theatre, the architecture took our breath away. We knew immediately that this was the spot for Sugar Factory and Theatre Box®.”
Located on the second story, the luxury boutique cinema will house eight theatres and treat moviegoers to an experience unlike anything else in the world, including movie premieres and other special events. Each of the luxury theatres will provide plush, reclining seating for approximately 100 people. Customizing the movie experience for every guest, individual theatre boxes complete with pre-ordered goodies will be waiting at every seat upon arrival. At the touch of a button, movie-goers will be able to enjoy over-the-top offerings from Sugar Factory’s expansive menu of signature cocktails, dishes and desserts in the comfort of their individual leather recliners. Popcorn will be taken to the next level with several different flavors and the option to mix and match.
The 14,000-square-foot Sugar Factory American Brasserie will be situated on the main level, which is accessible by both Fifth Avenue and G Street. An expansive menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner will feature specialty dishes like red velvet pancakes, Chocolate Decadence French Toast, Monster Burgers piled high with toppings, woodfired pizzas, flavorful pastas and more. Known as the “The Most Instagrammed Restaurant in the United States,” signature items are as much of a treat for the eyes as they are the taste buds, including the world famous smoking candy goblets, such as the Lollipop Passion garnished with unicorn lollipops and candy necklaces; and decadent Insane Milkshakes, such as the Caramel Sugar Daddy Cheesecake topped with a whole piece of cheesecake. Sugar Factory’s birthday parties have gained popularity among celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, who recently celebrated her children’s birthdays at Sugar Factory in Las Vegas.
Designed by Gulla Jonsdottir, the new Sugar Factory in San Diego will be the brand’s most luxurious location to date, topped with high ceilings, oversized crystal chandeliers and filled with lush furnishings.
The 3,000-square-foot Chocolate Lounge, located on the main level, will offer an oasis where chocolate lovers’ fantasies are turned into reality. The intimate lounge will serve an array of exclusive, movie-themed cocktails served in chocolate dipped glassware as well as host various DJ appearances.
San Diego native Nick Cannon’s 14,000-square-foot Wild ‘N Out Sports Bar and Arcade will open later in the year, bringing next-level entertainment to the Gaslamp Quarter. The full arcade will feature interactive games and memorabilia from the famed MTV hit show alongside a full-service sports bar with the largest televisions in San Diego. A monthly DJ appearance from Cannon will be complemented by various celebrity guests and the ‘Wild ‘N Out Girls.’ More information about the rooftop bar, also opening in the second phase, will be announced in the coming months.
Theatre Box® will be located at 701 Fifth Ave. in the center of San Diego’s bustling Gaslamp Quarter. More information about Theatre Box® is available on the website at www.theatrebox.com, and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @theatreboxENT.