Company split won’t stop complex from opening
HUTTO — Get your popcorn ready — the curtain will still rise on the city’s planned cinema and entertainment complex in spite of some behind-the-scenes drama last week.
The show will go on for the under-construction EVO entertainment site, albeit under a different name after a restructuring within EVO’s parent company, officials said.
“While we wait for the brand reveal, residents can see the progress on construction at 180 Alliance Boulevard, off of US Highway 79 near Academy Sports,” Cheney Gamboa, director of economic development, said in a press release. “The Hutto Economic Development Corp. and city leaders promised our community a first-class cinema and entertainment experience and it is on track to be delivered on schedule.”
The story unfolded with a teaser at a Jan. 23 City Council meeting as Mayor Mike Snyder donned a hard hat with the EVO logo on it.
“Tonight, under executive session, we were talking about Project V, we were meeting on EVO, and that’s all I’m allowed to say at this time. More to come,” he said.
The cinema development was scheduled as an agenda item at a special joint council and EDC meeting Feb. 4. Snyder, along with council members Dan Thornton and Evan Porterfield, moved to make the discussion open to the public but were outvoted and the topic was kept under wraps behind closed doors.
On Feb. 5, the Austin Business Journal reported Elevate Entertainment Group, EVO Entertainment’s parent company, had split from its investment partner, Marbella Interests. The report noted the two entities would be dividing their assets, and that Hutto’s development would no longer be an EVO property.
On Feb. 5, the city released a statement telling the public to “get your popcorn ready,” as the entertainment destination will still be opening as scheduled.
It will be under new ownership of Austinbased Es Vedra Cinemas, which owns Violet Crown Cinemas, ShowBiz Cinemas and others.
“We’re excited to bring an all-new entertainment destination to Hutto,” said Charlie Tiantawach, CEO of Es Vedra Cinemas. “Opening May 2025, our 54,400-square-foot facility will feature a cutting-edge movie experience, including an eight-screen cinema with IMAX, alongside 12 full-size bowling lanes. Our expansive gaming space, enhanced food, beverage and cocktail menus, and unique programming are all designed to bring the community together.”
Though the issue is seemingly resolved, it has left the mayor feeling the city got “bait and switched.”
Snyder has noted the city agreed to more than $6 million in tax rebates as incentives, expecting they would receive a recognized premium-brand entertainment complex, only to now be unsure what brand the development will be and whether it will have the same quality.
Snyder faults the way city contracts are written, saying the switch does not violate the contract terms.
“At any point in time, the group could have changed their name or ownership structure. I think that what we have to do is work to make sure on our next agreement that we have contingencies for things like this if they are to occur,” Snyder said in a post about the issue. “From my perspective, we all voted for it. And we all need to do better by making sure details are in the agreement. We should be learning from things.”
