Both theaters showed late first-run movies (films still in release that have gotten cheaper to exhibit) and various special event programs in a casual, living-room-like setting.
The city selected Speakeasy Theaters to develop the site, oversee the renovation, and run the venue, and spent more than $4 million to restore the original features including chandeliers, etched glass, and colorful murals depicting dancing maidens, warriors and Greek gods.
[7] Each of the Speakeasy Theaters offered unconventional seating, including couches and small tables.
Food was ordered at the concession counter on the way in, then brought to the seat/table when it was prepared; patrons received a mildly glow-in-the-dark number to help the staff find them during the movie.
Both theaters hosted a weekly event called The Baby Brigade, a showing where infants under 1 year of age were welcomed.
[10] When Speakeasy Theaters went out of business the city, which owns the property, immediately sought new bids to continue to operate the Cerrito theater, arguing that "The Cerrito gave us an identity as a city, an appeal that a lot of people didn't feel was there before.
"[8] Rialto Cinemas, which operates several other historic theaters in the Bay Area, was chosen over six other bidders.