Restaurateur's big appetite for film
Adam Bouabda is no stranger to the restaurant business, but has recently launched his own venture, combining a contemporary and relaxing eatery with the entertainment and thrills of the big screen cinema.
Flix Movie Café is based on Church Square in Hartlepool and opened its doors for business in early September this year. Its service delivery is based upon a unique concept of showing films in a restaurant setting, with scheduled screenings each day.
Owned and managed by Adam Bouabda, Flix serves a delicious range of home-cooked finger foods including burgers, pizza, hot-dogs, nachos and skewers – perfect for tucking into whilst enjoying your favourite films. The seating arrangements are contemporary but relaxed, with all customers facing one of the three big screens within the restaurant.
Son of popular Hartlepool restaurateur Krimo Bouabda, Adam has learnt his trade from the very best. He has worked in his father's restaurants since the age of 20, but also has experience of working within McDonald's management training programme, which showed him a different side to running a busy restaurant and the strict working practices required.
The initial idea of a movie-showing restaurant first came to Adam around ten years ago, but due to the expansion and development of the Krimo's empire, he was not in a position to act upon it. He says: "Since November 2008, the venture finally started to take shape and I received the keys to the premises in June this year. From there we had a really quick turnaround and I now employ 12 members of staff."
"Despite setting out on my own venture, my dad has been a tremendous support in every way and I couldn't have done it without him."
Flix has three screenings each day from Tuesday to Saturday, with the ambiance and films tailored to the clientele that visit at that time. Daytime adopts more of a drop-in café format, primarily targeted towards the Art College students, where popular TV shows such as American comedies are shown rather than feature-length films.
At 5.15pm a family film commences then at 8.15pm a 15 or 18 rated movie is shown to appeal to a more adult audience. The restaurant hosts specific themed nights throughout the week that include a quiz night, 80's night, cult favourites, chick flicks and comedy.
Adam explains: "Customers will arrive in plenty of time before the showing, placing their order and receiving their food before the movie starts. They can then sit back and enjoy the film over an appetising meal in an intimate and relaxed setting.
"It is obviously a very different concept from anything else and often requires explanation to our customers, but once they understand how it works they really get into it and enjoy the occasion. I would say the experience is styled upon watching a DVD from your sofa, but with waiter service, great ambiance and no washing up at the end."
Flix can also cater for kids' parties, combining a great venue with home-made party food, a film of the customer's choice and a fun and friendly service. Perfect!
Looking to the future, Adam eventually plans to open seven days a week, possibly expand the menu, and would even consider opening a second outlet in a major student city further down the line.
For screening schedules, information and bookings, contact Flix Movie Café on 01429 863300.
