Fast-growing cinema chain takes space at Nashville Yards

In a challenging time for classic cinema chains, EVO and its movie-bowling-dining experience has nearly tripled in size during the past year.

Starting with one location in Texas in 2014, EVO this year acquired ShowBiz cinemas and now operates 19 venues across five states. This week, it signed a deal with Nashville Yards to open a 48,000-sq.-ft. location that will take up and entire floor of an office building in the urban mixed-use center.

Guided by a corporate goal of transforming the movie theater business, EVO mixes high-end viewing rooms with bowling alleys, climbing walls, bumper cars, restaurants, and bars.

“We have seen firsthand the enormous positive impact these multifaceted entertainment venues can have on the life and vibrancy of these new urban quarters,” said Ted Tanner, executive VP of real estate development at AEG, co-developer with Southwest Value Partners of Nashville Yards, an 18-acre downtown development in Music City.

EVO’s latest location is its first in Tennessee and will feature 12 dine-in cinemas, eight lanes of bowling, gaming and virtual reality attractions, and a scratch kitchen and bar overlooking the plaza in front of Nashville Yards’ music venue.

EVO also operates locations in Florida, Oklahoma, and Wyoming.