Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre, located in Orefield, Pennsylvania, has successfully revitalized itself under the ownership of Matt McClanahan and Lauren McChesney. Opened on April 15, 1934, Shankweiler’s is known as the oldest continuing running drive-in theater in the world. Then in 2022, McClanahan and McChesney purchased the historic venue for $1.05 million. Only seven days after completing their acquisition, they threw open its doors to the community once again.
The couple was able to obtain a $1 million small business loan from the SBA 7(a) program to purchase their business. In addition, they provided a down payment of about $112,000. That’s a sizeable financial commitment, but it dovetails with their clearly expressed desire to maintain and preserve an important piece of Americana while keeping the venue profitable and sustainable.
In 2023, Shankweiler’s pulled in about $300,000 in gross revenues. As a seasonal business, its profits almost entirely come during the summer months, and July is usually its strongest month by far. She explained that this year, the theater had a really strong month in June, with an earned income of $122,602 just in that month.
The drive-in follows a traditional drive-in theater model, featuring a double feature every night. Their admission prices are pretty reasonable too — around $9 for kids and $13 for adults. Shankweiler’s is more than just a film screening. They organize deep-rooted community celebrations such as the annual Halloween trunk-or-treat, featuring games, costume contests, and treats provided by local businesses.
McClanahan expressed his personal connection to the theater, stating, “It was a very personal connection, because I grew up coming here, so I had that drive to preserve a piece of my own childhood.” Perhaps the biggest factor driving his commitment to the project’s success is his passion for the project.
“Because it’s historic, because it’s so special, there is that added pressure that we have to be successful with this.”
McClanahan emphasized the joy they experience when witnessing patrons enjoying movies together: “When the movies are playing and you’re watching hundreds of people share this amazing experience… it’s like that weight is just lifted and you realize this is why we’re doing it.”
McClanahan and McChesney take home a joint salary of about $36,000 per year. They have a strong belief and practice of putting everything they earn back into the company as well as their community. McClahahan said, “There’s a lot of things in addition to the movies that customers have to look forward to when they come to our theater.”
The couple’s transition from previous careers to managing Shankweiler’s Drive-In has been transformative. McChesney reflected on her decision to leave her former profession: “I thought it was going to feel a lot scarier to give up my previous career. As soon as I made that shift, it all just fell into place and made sense to me.”
Like most specialty cinema operators, the couple thinks Shankweiler’s is more than a place to watch movies. “It’s more than the movies. It’s a whole night,” McClanahan remarked. Their mission goes beyond the traditional cinema experience, fostering community engagement and lasting memories for families near and far.