Melbourne’s new next-level cinema experience arrives this week with FoMo Cinemas opening its East Brunswick doors this Thursday 18 January 2024.
A haven for cinema and food lovers alike, FoMo Cinemas brings together the best of the silver screen with an elevated in-cinema food offering in a first for Australian movie-goers.
Housed in the newly opened East Brunswick Village precinct by Banco, FoMo Cinemas is the latest joint venture from local screen visionaries, Barry Peak (Valhalla/Cinema Nova) and Natalie Miller AO (Longford Cinema/Cinema Nova).
FoMo’s General Manager Laura Toister joins the team with close to 20 years’ experience working in the cinema and events industries, including over a decade managing Palace Cinema Como in South Yarra.
With a total capacity of 392 seats across six state-of-the-art theatres, FoMo will serve up some of the biggest films of summer in its opening weeks alongside a brand-new menu featuring the freshest flavours and ingredients.
“Natalie and I have wanted to run a cinema that combines a movie with a meal for a long time. When I’m in the US I love going to the Nighthawk, Alamo and Syndicated cinemas with their no-fuss dining at standard prices. Cinemas run for movie lovers by movie lovers. Like us,” said Co-founder Barry Peak.
“Finally, technology allows that here, and FoMo is the result. Don’t miss the great pre-shows created by Ben Crocker, or the delicious diner food of our chef Darren Collier. PS: There’s no obligation to eat anything, but you’d be crazy to miss out.”
Designed by Head Chef Darren Collier, FoMo’s cinema cuisine has been carefully and deliciously curated to compliment the in-theatre setting. Playing on some classic cinema fare, the menu includes antipasto and cheese platters, tasty fried bites, New York-inspired deli sandwiches, deluxe burger combos, hand-stretched pizzas and a delectable dessert slate.
All dishes are prepared with mid-film dining in mind, while Collier’s extensive restaurant experience has ensured a focus on flavour and authenticity. The dining menu will be available to ticket holders in all cinema screenings, with items ordered in advance or during the film via the cash-free interface housed at each cinema chair.
The streamlined system sends orders straight to the kitchen, avoiding the need for punters to use their phones or attract the attention of a waiter. The cinemas themselves have similarly been expertly designed to accommodate prompt and discreet service throughout. Food and drinks can also be ordered from FoMo’s foyer bar.
With no pre-features advertising – except trailers – audiences will still be given plenty of time to peruse the menu during the custom-made FoMo pre-show reel. Featuring interactive elements including quizzes and trivia, movie history nostalgia and classic movie moments, the FoMo preshow is a celebration of the very ritual of cinema-going.
Beyond the comprehensive menu, Cinema FoMo’s bar will champion local beers and specialty cocktails while also satisfying the cinema traditionalist with popcorn, choc tops and soft drinks. Other candy bar snacks include salty and sweet popcorn options, ethically sourced chocolate, crisps by bespoke local manufacturers and a variety of dietary-friendly nibbles.
Designed by ITN Architects, FoMo’s brand new, purpose-built complex serves as a transportive gateway to the cinematic worlds awaiting on screen. The lavish foyer bar takes inspiration from Blade Runner, with neon artworks, stark colour contrasts and retro-futurist styling. All six cinemas are equipped with high quality projection and immersive sound design throughout.
Two theatres will also be installed with 3D capabilities, including the largest 114-seat auditorium which offers 4K laser resolution on a screen measuring over 10 metres wide. And with ticket prices comparable to standard cinema rates, FoMo’s premium viewing experience remains accessible for all.
FoMo Cinemas will screen the latest in big-screen blockbusters from both Hollywood and abroad, as well as a selection of movie classics and popular releases. Not-to-be-missed new releases screening across FoMo’s opening weeks include Tina Fey’s much-anticipated Mean Girls: The Musical, and the soon-to-be holiday classic The Holdovers.
Also on offer, Ferrari, the biopic of the legendary Italian sports car founder with Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz, stylish Jason Statham thriller The Beekeeper, Sean Durkin’s wrestling biopic The Iron Claw starring Jeremy Allen White and Zac Efron, Sofia Coppola’s award-season drama Priscilla starring prizewinning actress Cailee Spaeny and heartthrob Jacob Elordi and more.
Situated in East Brunswick Village’s Bluestone Way, FoMo Cinemas’ neighbours include beloved Middle Eastern restaurant Rumi which recently relocated its only venue to EBV, Bridge Road Brewers’ first-ever Melbourne brewery venue and many more boutique vendors.
The new FoMo Cinemas open on Thursday 18 January 2024 at the East Brunswick Village. For more information, visit: www.fomocinemas.com.au for details.
Images: FoMo Cinemas – photos by Tony Lee