Name of Owner:
Thom Vourlas and Tench Phillips
Year you opened for business:
1977
How would you describe your business?
Art Cinema (“Art” films, independent films, documentaries, cult films, classics, etc.)
Briefly describe your typical client/customer.
From 1 to 92 – depends on whats showing.
What is one thing most people do not know about your business that would surprise him/her?
We’re cheaper than most theaters. The two of us boot films, take tickets, design a bi-monthly schedule and distribute ourselves.
What do you enjoy most about doing business in your district/community?
I can walk to work.
What do you enjoy most about doing business in Hampton Roads?
Just enough people (who like our kind of programming) to keep us going.
What challenges do you face as a business owner?
Competition is everywhere, from multiplexes to “Red Boxes” to HDTVs.
What’s in store for your business in the future?
Unknown, but hopefully there’ll always be an audience for our type of programming.
What could local government do to help small business owners in your business district (besides lower taxes)?
I wish I knew.
What is one thing your business district needs?
More retail.
