It turns out, movie theaters will continue to be a part of the many offerings at Mall of America, after all.
And the sequel, or the next iteration of them, promises a snazzy "VIP" experience with oversized reclining chairs and swivel tables, "gourmet" food options from a chef and an assortment of wines and handcrafted cocktails from a mixologist.
CMX, a subsidiary of Mexico City-based Cinemex, is building a 64,000 square-foot movie theater complex on the fourth floor in the same space previously occupied by the mall-operated theaters that closed last month.
At the time, officials at the Bloomington megamall were tight-lipped about the "first-to-market entertainment venue" that would replace the cinemas and said more details would be forthcoming.
The new theaters, which will include about 1,110 seats in 14 rooms, are slated to open this fall after nine months of construction.
The upscale features reflect a trend toward upgraded amenities to appeal to consumers who can watch movies from the comfort of their home via on-demand and streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu.
"Our theater in Mall of America, the most iconic shopping mall and one of the most visited tourist attractions in the U.S., is a prime location for CMX as we continue our aggressive and strategic U.S. development," Jaime Rionda, CEO of CMX, said in a statement.
The new venue will offer a "premium large-format room" with an extra-large screen and a high-tech sound system. The recliners will also have dim LED lights and storage compartments for purses and shopping bags. Moviegoers will also be able to order food and tickets in advance through the CMX app.