Montreal theatre chain Guzzo Cinemas eyes expansion to Calgary, Vancouver
Vince Guzzo says the cinema industry is 'booming'
![The complex is operated by Cinema Park at the Metropolis Shopping and Entertainment Mall in Moscow, Russia, on Saturday, May 18, 2013. Russian box-office revenue jumped 120 percent in 2008-2012 as 3D releases inflated ticket prices and the number of modern screens doubled to more than 3,100, according to Nevafilm Research in St. Petersburg, which tracks the industry. Photographer: Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg](https://i.cbc.ca/1.3792058.1691528318!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_1180/movie-theatre-3d.jpg?im=Resize%3D780)
Guzzo Cinemas is looking to expand beyond Quebec to other major Canadian cities.
The Montreal-based cinema chain says it has been looking for opportunities in areas including Vancouver and Calgary.
Guzzo Cinemas president Vince Guzzo says he's hoping the expansion will allow him to take advantage of opportunities in other cities and find new synergies for his business, which also includes a construction company and Giulietta Pizzeria restaurants.
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Despite the struggles theatre businesses have faced in recent years with the growth of streaming services, Guzzo says the industry is "booming" and he feels the streaming is only causing consumers to seek more personal ways to take in films.
Guzzo Cinemas expansion will put the company in competition with entertainment giant Cineplex Inc., which owns over 150 theatres.
To counteract box office volatility and streaming companies, Cineplex has diversified its offerings beyond cinemas with gaming restaurant complexes the Rec Room and Playdium.
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