Americans are returning to theaters for extra than simply the flicks

Americans are flocking to the flicks once more — they usually’re again for extra than simply the flicks.

Theater operators throughout the US are reporting the spendiest summer time in years, because the nation rediscovered the basic joys of seeing the most recent Hollywood fare in a packed home — raking in a whopping $4.61 billion in home ticket gross sales from May-August, stated to be one of the best numbers since 2013, in line with Rentrak.

But one chain stories that even the streaming diehards who nonetheless refuse to depart their properties are discovering a option to take part within the enjoyable — by ordering large luggage of takeout popcorn.

AMC, which has roughly 850 theaters nationwide, reported this week that meals supply gross sales are up virtually 50 % 12 months over 12 months.

Partnerships with widespread meals supply companies like Doordash, Uber Eats and Grubhub have confirmed profitable for the chain — which stated one of many top-selling concessions is none apart from popcorn — particularly AMC’s Megabag providing, an outsized portion packaged for takeout with a facet of buttery topping, that sometimes sells on the apps for $24.99 earlier than charges and ideas.

Cassie Kennard, AMC’s supervisor of media relations, advised Restaurant Business Online that whereas it’s “hard to beat” chowing down on recent popcorn and different film treats on the theater, “we also know people want to enjoy those same foods at home, whether it’s for a movie night in, a gathering, or simply because they’re craving it.”

Popcorn and sweet fanatics helped AMC to its highest reported income weekend ever of their 106-year historical past, on the tail finish of July — led by the opening of “Spider Man: Brand New Day”, and helped alongside by the immense and ongoing recognition of “The Odyssey”.

AMC’s complete take between Jul. 29 and Aug. 2, from 10.2 million moviegoers worldwide, was $355M domestically and $927M globally.

The firm additionally stated that as a part of the patron spending spree, they had been capable of greatest all private data for meals and beverage gross sales over any single weekend.

So far, AMC has earned $923.4 million within the culinary class — an 18 % year-over-year improve, per monetary filings.

The nibble information comes as some returning movie-goers are going to excessive lengths to snag tickets to the movies they wish to see most.

In August, The Post reported on the crowds of keen New Yorkers who had been staying up all night time to see “The Odyssey” on the AMC Lincoln Square, the place round the clock IMAX 70mm showtimes over a string of successive weekends had been the most well liked ticket on the town.

One hardcore film fan stated that he’d seen folks on TikTok “legitimately buying wheelchairs” — to safe accessible spots at sold-out showings.

““I low-key respect the commitment,” Joe Colón, 29, advised The Post. “That is insane.”