Historic Houston Theater to Re-Open

The long-awaited reopening of the historic River Oaks Theatre is almost here. The 85-year-old theater will reopen next month for the first time since March 2021. Culinary Khancepts bought the theater in 2022 and started renovations to the 17,000-square-foot cinema house. The improvements are expected to cost $5 million.

Gensler’s Houston office designed the project, and Star Commercial Construction Group handled the renovations.

The revamped theater will feature three auditoriums, all new theatrical lighting, projection and sound systems, a private screening room, newly installed luxury seating, and more.

Next door to the theater, Culinary Khancepts is also planning a restaurant called Leo’s River Oaks. Culinary Khancepts’ vision for Leo’s River Oaks is to create an elegant dining establishment offering a twist on fine dining. The 5,100-square-foot space will combine traditional restaurant seating, private dining rooms and an outdoor patio. The menu will include steaks, seafood and fine wines.