11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
A landmark movie theater in Kendall is closing for a big change. See what's next
This summer's film blockbusters 'F1' and the Jurassic dinosaurs may have run their course before The Falls unwraps a reimagined movie complex in its central courtyard.
But it's coming soon to the Kendall shopping landmark, said Regal communication manager Kevan Kerr.
Don't expect just another movie house. Think pub food served at your seat, cushy lounge chairs, a lobby bar.
On Monday, July 14, The Regal UA at The Falls closes for a couple months so that crews can finish revamping the inside and reopen the multiplex as a dine-in theater.
The Falls, which has boasted a multiplex since the mall's opening in 1980, will see its Regal movie house revamped, reopened and renamed the Regal Bistro at The Falls in late summer.
The unveiling should come in time for fans to enjoy the second half of the 'Wicked' musical that's set to open nationwide Nov. 21. When they see Elphaba and Glinda's concluding adventures at the fancier Falls, these movie fans can be noshing on barbecue chicken pizza, and spreading out on roomier seats.
Here's what to know about the upgrades:
How many auditoriums will the new Regal Bistro boast?
The Regal Bistro will still have 12 theaters, but they will contain about half the seats.
Luxury recliners require more floor space than traditional stadium seating, so the capacity in the converted auditoriums will decrease by about half, according to Kerr.
That means the largest theater, Auditorium 8, will go from 302 seats to 144. Auditorium 1 will decline from 94 seats to 45 but gain two spaces for disabled customers. Currently there are 13 handicap spaces spread around the auditoriums. Regal Bistro will increase accessible seating areas to 23.
The closing Regal Falls has 1,296 seats. The revamped Regal Bistro at The Falls will have 767 reclining seats.
According to Regal, the new recliners are dual-motor to adjust headrest and seating positions. Seats in the front row are also getting an upgrade with the addition of lay-flat loungers. Regal calls this forward-most section 'a novel cinematic experience.'
How will the movies sound?
Regal Bistro at The Falls will upgrade its presentation to beam movies via Barco laser projection through Dolby 7.1 surround sound systems.
What high-end food can customers order?
Moviegoers have enjoyed traditional theater popcorn, candy and soda at The Falls for 45 years. You still can get the popcorn and Milk Duds when things turn fancier. But Regal Bistro at The Falls is a dine-in theater concept with servers available in the auditorium to take food and beverage orders from seated guests, Kerr said. Eventually, customers will also have access to the full menu through Regal's mobile app to independently place orders without requiring the attention of a server.
Items on the full-serve menu will include bacon cheddar potato skins, barbecue chicken pizza, brew pub beer cheese bacon burger, chicken BLT and fried pickle spears.
What's the lounge like?
The modern lounge area will serve as the communal hub for theater guests to congregate, chat about what they are about to see or just saw, and includes a full bar serving cocktails and 24 beers on tap. Large screen TVs will be tuned to 'current non-cinema entertainment,' Regal says. Translation: sports and other popular TV fare.
Will there be a box office out front?
Customers stood out front for years in The Falls' open-air courtyard to buy movie tickets from people in the glass- and steel-enclosed box office. These days, that's a thing of the past at most theater chains.
As Kerr explains, modern moviegoers are increasingly purchasing tickets in advance through mobile apps or online before they even get to the cinema, so traditional box office areas are being phased out as theaters are renovated. Loyalty programs like Regal Unlimited allow subscribers to secure tickets covered by paid monthly plans. For guests who still want to wait to get to the theater before buying tickets, the new Falls Bistro will have three digital kiosks in the spruced-up lounge area inside the main doors.
When is The Falls Regal Bistro opening?
The complex's reopening is scheduled for late summer, but a specific date is not yet available. Construction and renovation requires a bevy of permits, Kerr said, so an exact date can't be provided yet.
What can Regal moviegoers do in the meantime?
During the construction period at Regal Falls at 9000 SW 136th St., two nearby locations such as Regal Kendall Village (8595 SW 124th Ave.) and Regal Southland Mall (20505 S. Dixie Hwy.) are available to Regal Crown Club members and Unlimited subscribers who use their apps for loyalty programs.
What happened to Regal's Oakwood in Broward?
Operations ceased at the Oakwood multiplex in Hollywood on July 6, Kerr said. The location is no longer a part of the Regal network. Regal Dania Pointe is a newer nearby option for Broward Regal customers at 128 Sunset Dr. in Dania Beach.
