Curtain call: What happens to Oviedo Mall when Regal Cinemas shuts down?

OVIEDO, Fla. — Thursday is the last day to take in a movie at Regal Cinemas theaters across the U.S. as the movie chain temporarily closes its doors due to the lack of new releases.

What does it mean when a Regal Cinemas theater is the main draw to a larger shopping mall? The Oviedo Mall is about to find out.

READ: Only 23 of 67 stores back in business as Oviedo Mall reopens

The Regal Cinemas at the Oviedo Mall brings in 600,000 people annually to the mall.

While it hasn’t been that busy since it reopened following the shutdown due to COVID-19, the loss again is expected to trickle down to the other businesses here.

“I think for us the biggest thing is that it causes less foot traffic,” said Tara Cowdal, the director of the Paul Mitchell School at the mall. “We really depend on guests coming in for services so that our future professionals get best practice and practical experience while they are enrolled in the school.”

READ: Oviedo City Council approves renovating mall space into apartments, hotel

But the food court is expected to suffer the most.

“Yeah, it’s going to be devastating for us, but you know we are doing our best with the virus. We’ve gotten creative we are working on food picked up by Uber and also curbside drop off,” said the owners of Sarku Japan in the food court.

They are hoping the loyalty of longtime customers will help keep them in business.

Video: Only 23 of 67 stores back in business as Oviedo Mall reopens Several malls, including the Oviedo Mall, opened their doors again under phase one of Gov. Ron DeSantis' plan to reopen Florida.

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