Elkin's Historic Art Deco Theater Gets New Life as Music Venue & Cafe
After a four-year restoration, The Reeves Theater in downtown Elkin is now open as a music venue and cafe. The theater’s grand reopening occurred in late December.
Live Americana music is the venue’s primary focus with reserved seating for 252 people. Concerts take place Friday and Saturday evenings, and future plans include Thursday shows.
The Reeves originally opened in downtown Elkin as a 700-seat movie theater in 1941. The stately art deco theater evolved into the Elk Twin and operated until 1994, at which point it was shuttered for nearly a quarter century and fell into disrepair.
Hope arrived in 2013 when a new set of owners – Debbie Carson, Chris Groner and Erik Dahlager – purchased the property from the Tri-County Citizens Foundation.
“It was a landmark that had sat empty for so long,” Carson says. “It was a shame to see this central structure in downtown Elkin vacant. We had toyed around with the idea of a music venue, so when we heard it was going to be for sale, we jumped on it.”
The restored Reeves Theater grabs attention on Elkin’s West Main Street. A new vertical sign harkens back to the theater’s art deco beginnings and pairs well with the original curved, blue panels that were refurbished and reinstalled on the brick exterior.
Inside, the original tile floor welcomes visitors into the lobby cafe, which includes bistro tables and a bar serving local wine and beer. Chef Leanna Freeman, a Surry County native, oversees the farm-to-table cafe that is open Monday through Saturday.
When the current owners purchased The Reeves, little remained of the interior. A hole in the concrete floor marked where the stage once stood. They built a new stage with a state-of-the-art performance surface made of recycled rubber. Dahlager constructed the stage front and theater boxes using stucco on concrete block. The material reflects the curvature of the original design. Wide aisles and a gentle sloping floor provide comfort for all guests and accessibility for those with limited mobility. The theater also has the ability to show movies and host private events.
“It’s been fun to see it take shape,” Carson says. “We hope it will be a catalyst for activity and economic development on this end of Main Street.”
For more about The Reeves Theater, including tickets to upcoming shows and a cafe menu, go to www.reevestheater.com or call 336-258-8240
Related News
-
Nov 7, 2014Elkin Hotel Top in its Class
In a business sector where service is king, there is nothing quite as gratifying as being recognized for delivering a memorably positive guest experience, and the Fairfield Inn and Suites of Elkin has reason to be proud after winning the Bill Marriot Chairman's Annual Award for four consecutive years. -
Jun 10, 2023Food Trail Celebrates the Mouthwatering Ground Steak Sandwich
Surry Ground Steak Trail shines the spotlight on mom-and-pop restaurants that serve this uniquely Surry County creation. Born of necessity in the Great Depression, ground steak sandwiches survived because they are so tasty. -
Oct 29, 2021Chase the Winter Blues with Yadkin Valley Wine & Beer Passport
The Yadkin Valley Winter Wine & Beer Passport provides a fun and economical way to experience North Carolina wine country this winter. Passport holders receive tastings at every participating winery and brewery, plus a distillery. -
Jul 27, 2019Check Out Bluegrass and Old Time Music Jams Six Days a Week in Surry County
To experience old-time and bluegrass music in person, check out one of these local jam sessions. And if you play an instrument, bring it along and be prepared to jump in and hang on!