Penn Theater in process of acquiring liquor license
Instead of a decaying building on Main Street in downtown Butler, imagine the marquee of the Penn Theater blazing brightly once again.
Instead of row upon row of chairs on an incline, picture three levels of chairs or tables and chairs for differing events to be held in one of Butler’s iconic spaces.
They’re all ideas that Bryan Frenchak, who purchased the theater in November, anticipates will be part of the refurbished theater once renovations are complete.
Newly planned for the growing list of features is a liquor license, according to Frenchak.
“It’s still in the process,” Frenchak said, “but we’re confident it will happen.”
The license, he said, is special to performance venues, and pertains to events that will be held at the Penn Theater. It will allow alcohol to be served before, during and after events, whether dance, comedy, dinner theater or other acts.
According to an October Butler Eagle article, the theater was designed by architect James E. Casale and opened in 1938 with “Girl of the Golden West” starring Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy as the first movie shown.
The theater was owned by Elias Ritts, president of the Butler County National Bank, and leased to the Altoona-based Paramount Theaters’ Service Corps.
The Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation lent the Butler Redevelopment Authority $290,000 to buy the building in 2009. On Nov. 10, the authority voted unanimously to accept a $65,000 offer from Frenchak to buy the building, while also donating $10,000 to the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation.
Frenchak said Thursday, June 23, that crews were finishing up pouring new concrete in the building, which now has three flat levels in the main theater, as opposed to one inclined floor.
The goal was to be able to set up tables as needed. Frenchak said with tables, the hope would be to fit 275 to 300 patrons. With only chairs, the maximum occupancy would fall between 400 and 500 people.
Frenchak said he also hopes to have the sign for the building fully lit within the coming days, adding another bright spot to Main Street.
He said his goal is to open the theater in September 2023.
