The 2025 Dine-In Cinema & FEC Summit in Austin, Texas provided an incredible opportunity for industry leaders to come together and discuss the future of entertainment, dining, and guest experiences. As a proud participant, MTI the manufacturers of the AutoFry®, gained valuable insights into the evolving landscape of dine-in cinema and Family Entertainment Centers (FECs). Here’s what we learned and why our presence was crucial at this industry-leading event.
Exploring the Dine-In Business Models
Throughout the summit, we had the privilege of touring three leading dine-in theaters: Flix Brewhouse, Cinepolis Movie House & Eatery, and Schulman Theatres Film Alley. Each venue showcased unique business models that cater to their specific customer demographics. While all three theaters operate within the dine-in sector, their approaches to foodservice, operations, and entertainment offerings varied. These differences highlighted the importance of flexibility and efficiency in foodservice operations—key elements where MTI’s ventless kitchen solutions can provide a significant impact.
AI’s Emerging Role in Dine-In Cinema
One of the most exciting topics discussed at the summit was the integration of AI in the dine-in cinema industry. AI-driven scheduling for movie times emerged as a game-changer, with operators noting that traditional scheduling processes can take days to complete. By leveraging AI, these schedules could be generated in just a few hours, allowing for better optimization and responsiveness to customer preferences.
The Expansion of FECs and the Need for Speed in Foodservice
A major discussion point was the increasing trend of integrating Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) into dine-in theaters to drive additional foot traffic. Operators emphasized that a seamless foodservice experience is critical to the success of these hybrid entertainment spaces. One key insight was that customers are likely to bypass concessions altogether if they perceive a long wait—specifically if a line exceeds four people.
This underscores the need for fast, efficient, and high-quality food production, an area where MTI’s AutoFry excels. Our ventless, automated, cooking solutions enable theaters and FECs to deliver delicious menu items quickly without requiring extensive kitchen renovations or additional labor-intensive processes.
Why MTI’s Presence Mattered
MTI’s participation in the 2025 Dine-In Cinema & FEC Summit was vital for several reasons. First, it allowed us to engage directly with industry leaders, understanding their operational challenges and emerging trends. Second, it reinforced our commitment to providing cutting-edge, ventless kitchen solutions that help theaters and FECs maximize efficiency and profitability. As the dine-in cinema industry evolves, we remain dedicated to offering innovative equipment that meets the demand for speed, safety, convenience, and exceptional food quality.
By staying ahead of industry trends and collaborating with key players, MTI continues to be a trusted partner for dine-in cinemas and FECs looking to elevate their foodservice operations. We look forward to applying these insights to better serve our customers and shape the future of entertainment dining.