By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
The Showroom in Asbury Park has been voted one of the top five movie theaters in New Jersey by NJ.com.
Over 2000 state residents voted for their favorite theater in the one week long contest.
The other four theaters in the top five are iPic Theaters Hudson Lights in Fort Lee; Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theater, Jersey City; Princeton Garden Theater, Princeton and Kerasotes Showplace 14 in Secaucus.
A reporter from NJ.com will visit all five theaters within the next two weeks and judge them on film quality, picture and sound, film selection, food and drink selection, atmosphere, comfort and extras such as, IMAX, dine-in, among others.
The owner of The Showroom, Mike Sodano, was obviously delighted by the honor.
“We’re pretty happy about it,” he said. “Just like the Oscars they say its nice to be nominated, but we hope we get an Oscar.”
Sodano said being one of the top five was impressive and he would love to come out number one. He said the reporter had already visited his theater to see “I Am Not Your Negro.”
The reporter also purchased some snacks.
“He bought some of our unique refreshments,” he said.
Sodano said the reporter did not want to be compensated in any way and paid for his ticket and refreshments.
No matter where they come out in the final vote, Sodano said he is glad to be included.
“It’s another notch for Asbury Park,” he said.
