Bryan and Carrie Stucky pose in their new business. (Photo property Oak Harbor Cinemas)
The business empire expands.
Oak Harbor City Councilman Bryan Stucky and his wife Carrie are the new owners of Oak Harbor Cinemas.
The duo, who own and operate Wallin-Stucky Funeral Home, acknowledged the move on social media Wednesday afternoon.
“After seeing the theater sit on the market for an extended period, we couldn’t help but worry about its future, especially with the possibility of it closing or falling into the hands of an off-Island investor,” the couple wrote on Facebook.
“After months of thoughtful conversations, we knew we had to step up to preserve this beloved community asset.”
The three-screen complex debuted on Barlow Street in the mid-’80s and was my home away from home for many years starting with the arrival of Tim Burton’s “Batman” in 1989 shortly after my family moved to Whidbey.
There was a substantial time period (decades even) where a seat in the back row of each of the three rooms perfectly contoured to my posterior — until the scourge of cell phone usage in otherwise-darkened theaters drove me to move my viewing hours to my duplex.
The Stucky’s, however, still believe in the power of communal cinema, and I wish them all the best.
“While streaming from home is convenient, there’s something truly special about experiencing a movie with family and friends on the big screen,” the couple said on Facebook.
“It’s an important part of what brings people together, and we’re committed to keeping that tradition alive.”
In introducing themselves as the new owners, the couple talked about plans for the future.
“We have some ideas in the works and are eager to collaborate with the fantastic staff to bring even more excitement to Oak Harbor Cinemas,” they said.
“Expect fun additions like expanded concessions, birthday parties, sensory friendly showings, video games on the big screen, and possibly some other surprises along the way.
“While this may help bring a little something new, we want to assure you that the heart of the theater will always remain the same: a welcoming space where everyone can gather and enjoy a great movie.”
The Stucky’s bought the theater from business partners John Solin and Michel Gahard, who took control of Oak Harbor Cinemas in 2019 after Far Away Entertainment pulled out, ending a 15-year run.
Solin was the original owner of the business.
Coupeville Sports 