The Family Drive-In in Stephens City, one of the last drive-in movie theaters in Virginia, might soon be forced to close. The drive-in’s management posted on Facebook last week that the family that owns the property had listed it for sale.
While there was no sale pending at the time of the post, “that could change at any moment,” it said.
“We had hoped to be able to purchase the property and keep the drive-in around for many generations to come,” the post continued. “Unfortunately, at $1.5 million, the drive-in simply could not continue to exist as the monthly expense on the mortgage would be 3X the current rent and the business would immediately begin to lose thousands of dollars a month.”
The post says that some people have reached out about crowdfunding the purchase. And some businesses have indicated interest in sponsorships. But, it said, “it all just seems so impossible right now and there is a real sense of defeat at the moment.”
The Family Drive-In opened in 1956 and is now one of only six drive-in theaters in Virginia, according to The Winchester Star.
Until a sale occurs, The Family Drive-In will continue regular operations, showing movies Friday through Sunday. Current film selections include Freakier Friday, The Fantastic 4, Weapons, and Superman.
5890 Valley Pike, Stephens City
Feature image courtesy Family Drive-In
