(HOPEWELL, NJ) -- Sara Scully, ScullyOne Productions, Hopewell Theater’s co founder and the woman whose vision breathed life into the renovated historic theater’s relaunch will lead the theater’s expansion to include its recently acquired restaurant at 7 West Broad Street, and oversee the arts hub as a whole. Since opening the theater in 2017, after she led its interior fit out renovation, and branding start up phase, Scully has served as HT’s hands-on Executive Director. With the venue’s expansion she will apply her talents to oversee the business development and design of the restaurant, ensuring that its founding fulfills its promise of enriching what the club-style theater can offer. Scully will also oversee the hiring of the theater’s new Executive Director who will report to her and business partner, Mitchel Skolnick.
“This is an exciting opportunity to establish a creative destination for Hopewell,” Scully says, “An arts club for everyone, a place to meet friends, hang out and get inspired.”
The restaurant will expand what the theater can offer while also being a place to dine on its own. It will host special value-added events related to theater programming such as meet-the-artist VIP receptions, afternoon unplugged concerts, book signings and readings. The restaurant will also expand member benefits with an “arts club” option featuring perks to be enjoyed at the restaurant, as well as a creative co-work membership. The restaurant’s programming, operations and marketing will have synergy with the theater’s. The ambiance and decor will pair with the theater’s interior design by sharing the same warm, and intimate atmosphere but the look will be distinctly different. The restaurant will also enhance the Theater’s own dine-in concession menu as well as its occasional supper and brunch clubs. The menu will be fresh and sourced locally wherever possible. Priority will be given to systems in the restaurant that support sustainability, reuse and reduction of plastics and disposables.
Renovations on the restaurant building have begun with Baxter Construction gutting the interior. Scully and Skolnick have hired consultant, Kendra Thatcher to project manage the expansion under Scully’s direction.
The expansion team is currently reviewing proposals from potential restaurant partners who will team up to co-create and run the restaurant. Those interested in responding to the RFP should email info@HopewellTheater.com.
The restaurant property is located at 7 West Broad St., Hopewell, NJ and is owned by Mitchel Skolnick, Scully’s business partner in both the theater launch and the restaurant expansion. Skolnick and Scully own the production company that runs Hopewell Theater. Skolnick also owns the theater building with partners, Jon McConnaughy and Liza Moorehouse.
Hopewell Theater offers a range of unique cultural experiences, from independent film and live music to guest speakers, artists and performances. Patrons can dine-in on small plates from local restaurants or just come for the show. Film buffs will particularly enjoy a state-of-the-art movie theater in Hopewell, NJ with a dine-in menu. A landing spot, a launch pad, and an incubator, Hopewell Theater is also a place where artists can play, practice, perform or show their passion project on the big screen. The theater is available to rent, at both hourly and day-rates. Hopewell Theater is located at 5 South Greenwood Avenue in Hopewell, New Jersey.
PHOTO: Sara Scully, ScullyOne Productions. Photo credit: Kendra Thatcher
