Blab Entertainment
Fox Tucson Theatre Launches Foodie Films Summer Series Pairing Classic Movies With Local Culinary Experiences
On June 28, the 91‑year‑old Fox Tucson Theatre will turn a routine movie night into a multi‑sensory celebration. The historic Art Deco venue is debuting Foodie Films, a summer program that marries beloved classics with hand‑picked dining experiences crafted by local producers.
The series features four films—"Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," "When Harry Met Sally," "Ratatouille," and "Sideways"—each paired with a themed menu that can be added to a ticket when purchased online. Patrons can choose a standard admission or elevate their evening by ordering a curated dine‑in experience that complements the on‑screen story.
Since its 1930 opening on 17 W. Congress St., the Fox has undergone extensive restoration, transforming its once‑dimmed marquee into a bustling hub for concerts, family programming, and community events. Foodie Films fits into the theater’s broader summer lineup, which also includes cultural screenings such as the March 11 matcha documentary "Zen and the Art of Matcha." By collaborating with local food makers, the theater aims to strengthen ties to downtown Tucson and offer a distinctive value proposition.
Menu details are tightly woven to each film’s themes. On the opening day, 2 p.m. viewers of "Willy Wonka" can add the "Pure Imagination" confectionery box from Tucson Chocolate Factory for $21. The box contains a Golden Ticket mini chocolate bar, specialty bonbons, chocolate‑covered caramel popcorn clusters, and caramelized cacao nibs. On July 11 at 7:30 p.m., guests of "When Harry Met Sally" can order Kneller’s Delicatessen’s "I’ll Have What She’s Having" meal for $32, which includes a corned‑beef sandwich on house‑made rye, crunchy coleslaw, and other accompaniments.
The July 19 "Ratatouille" screening offers the Le Macaron Treat Box for $26, featuring three assorted French macarons, two éclair halves, a handcrafted artisan chocolate, a petit tiramisu, and more. Finally, the August 1 showing of "Sideways" provides the Los Milics Curated Antipasto Experience for $38, with a reserve‑label wine, artisanal salami and prosciutto, sharp white cheddar, herb‑crusted goat cheese, Marcona almonds, Castelvetrano olives, rustic crostini, and a sweet dried fig spread.
Foodie Films taps into the growing trend of experiential cinema, where venues blend visual storytelling with sensory elements to draw audiences in a crowded entertainment landscape. By pairing well‑known films with regional culinary brands—Tucson Chocolate Factory, Kneller’s Delicatessen, and Los Milics Vineyards—the Fox positions itself as a destination for both movie lovers and food enthusiasts.
Tickets for each screening, along with optional food pairings, are available on the Fox Tucson Theatre website. Marketing materials emphasize that add‑ons are optional, allowing patrons to choose a standard ticket or enhance their experience. The program runs through the end of August, with additional screenings and community events slated for the fall.
In short, Foodie Films is a strategic effort to fuse classic cinema with local gastronomy, leveraging the Fox’s historic Art Deco ambiance, restored performance space, and established role in downtown Tucson’s cultural life. By offering themed food pairings, the theater seeks to deepen audience engagement, support regional businesses, and reinforce its position as a key entertainment hub in the region.
The series features four films—"Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," "When Harry Met Sally," "Ratatouille," and "Sideways"—each paired with a themed menu that can be added to a ticket when purchased online. Patrons can choose a standard admission or elevate their evening by ordering a curated dine‑in experience that complements the on‑screen story.
Since its 1930 opening on 17 W. Congress St., the Fox has undergone extensive restoration, transforming its once‑dimmed marquee into a bustling hub for concerts, family programming, and community events. Foodie Films fits into the theater’s broader summer lineup, which also includes cultural screenings such as the March 11 matcha documentary "Zen and the Art of Matcha." By collaborating with local food makers, the theater aims to strengthen ties to downtown Tucson and offer a distinctive value proposition.
Menu details are tightly woven to each film’s themes. On the opening day, 2 p.m. viewers of "Willy Wonka" can add the "Pure Imagination" confectionery box from Tucson Chocolate Factory for $21. The box contains a Golden Ticket mini chocolate bar, specialty bonbons, chocolate‑covered caramel popcorn clusters, and caramelized cacao nibs. On July 11 at 7:30 p.m., guests of "When Harry Met Sally" can order Kneller’s Delicatessen’s "I’ll Have What She’s Having" meal for $32, which includes a corned‑beef sandwich on house‑made rye, crunchy coleslaw, and other accompaniments.
The July 19 "Ratatouille" screening offers the Le Macaron Treat Box for $26, featuring three assorted French macarons, two éclair halves, a handcrafted artisan chocolate, a petit tiramisu, and more. Finally, the August 1 showing of "Sideways" provides the Los Milics Curated Antipasto Experience for $38, with a reserve‑label wine, artisanal salami and prosciutto, sharp white cheddar, herb‑crusted goat cheese, Marcona almonds, Castelvetrano olives, rustic crostini, and a sweet dried fig spread.
Foodie Films taps into the growing trend of experiential cinema, where venues blend visual storytelling with sensory elements to draw audiences in a crowded entertainment landscape. By pairing well‑known films with regional culinary brands—Tucson Chocolate Factory, Kneller’s Delicatessen, and Los Milics Vineyards—the Fox positions itself as a destination for both movie lovers and food enthusiasts.
Tickets for each screening, along with optional food pairings, are available on the Fox Tucson Theatre website. Marketing materials emphasize that add‑ons are optional, allowing patrons to choose a standard ticket or enhance their experience. The program runs through the end of August, with additional screenings and community events slated for the fall.
In short, Foodie Films is a strategic effort to fuse classic cinema with local gastronomy, leveraging the Fox’s historic Art Deco ambiance, restored performance space, and established role in downtown Tucson’s cultural life. By offering themed food pairings, the theater seeks to deepen audience engagement, support regional businesses, and reinforce its position as a key entertainment hub in the region.
