Movie Theater Offers a Slap in the Face Instead of Charging High Prices for Concessions

By: Bobby Johnson, WTL

Updated: 10:15 AM CT, Mon March 21, 2022

In a grand feat of attempted innovation, RedStock theatres are offering patrons the option to receive a literal slap in the face* instead of paying high prices for concessions. This promotion will run until mid-summer with the hopes that it will draw more people into the theatres after the last few years. "We just aren't getting as many butts in seats as we would like," said Brett Wichowski, the Vice President of sales for RedStock theatres. "With everything streaming now it's hard to leverage any real money with the movies. Everyone wants to stay home, so we were hoping to level the price for them coming out."

"We just aren't getting as many butts in seats as we would like"

It may seem gimmicky but sales for the theatres have increased nationwide, especially in the Midwest. Morale has skyrocketed amongst employees as well. While the rest of the country faces an employee shortage, RedStock is thriving. "This is easily the best job I've had," said a Monica Lebanowitz, a 19-year old concession stand employee who has worked for RedStock for about six months. "I started on the ticket side, but once they spoke about this new promotion I really wanted to try it out. I have to tell you, it really feels good to slap someone across the face when you're dealing with irate customers all day." Monica pointed out that the irate customers were rarely the ones that were getting slapped, which was the only downside. "All the ones willing to get slapped to save some money are actually really nice people!"

"it really feels good to slap someone across the face"

Wichowski says they did have to hire extra security due to an unforeseen issue. "We had people going to the concession stand and not seeing movies," Wichowski commented. "These people would come and wait in line just for a soda and a slap by our young concession workers. It was disgusting. That's why I hired Bruno." Bruno is a 6' 5" 325lb man from the dissolved nation of Old Chownski. His job is to sit to the side until he gets a nod from the manager on duty. "When I get the nod I slap the face," said Bruno, whose sole job it is to slap the face of those who are deemed by the manager to have ill intentions regarding their policy. "It lowered the creeps by 80% when it was Bruno slapping them and not Monica. It brought in a fair share of different kinds of creeps, but it keeps Bruno busy."

This is one of the more creative ways a company has dealt with the decline of their industry due to the pandemic. Roundabout airlines ran a similar offer to their passengers after hearing about Redstock's promotion. You could accept a punch in the jaw from their clerks instead. Unfortunately, the tense nature of the business opened up to quite a few brawls in the smaller airports it was piloted in.

Redstock will run this promotion through June 12th and reassess at that point. Until then, go get a free large popcorn and a slap in the face* at your nearest participating Redstock theatre

*Coupon required