It’s a hit so far for the business that began with a movie theater and became a preeminent hospitality and entertainment company, said Bill Barstow, co-founder of Main Street Theatres, Inc.
“We currently own and operate 53 screens in Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Ohio on the theater side; and then we have freestanding restaurants Backlot Pizza + Kitchen and Backlot Taphouse—both featuring our Detroit-style pizza—in Omaha, Milwaukee, and Cincinnati,” Barstow explained. “We also have a ‘UK with a Midwestern twist’ restaurant concept called Buchanan’s in Milwaukee. Lastly, we have a cocktail concept called Inkwell in the West Loop district in Chicago. We like to have our restaurants co-located or in close proximity to our theaters.”
The establishments are well-liked by patrons, and the business is well-respected by industry peers. The Barstows’ footprint extends beyond Omaha, and Colleen Barstow serves the National Association of Theater Owners as Chair of Independent Theater Owners Committee representing over 7,000 North American Screens as well as the only woman elected to the governing executive committee of NATO (The other NATO). Their children have also played important roles.
“We are truly a family enterprise,” Barstow said.
Aksarben cinema
2110 S. 67th St.
Omaha, NE 68106
402.502.1914
ACX Cinema 12+
6200 South 205th Plaza
Elkhorn, NE 68022
402.979.8153
acxcinemas.com
This profile originally appeared in the 2024 FACES of Omaha, presented by Omaha Magazine. To see the full book, see our flipbook here.