A century-old movie theater chain is entering the Houston market for the first time with an exciting new entertainment complex. B&B Theatres, the fifth-largest cinema chain in the U.S., has announced plans to open a massive 90,000-square-foot facility in Friendswood, Texas.
This $750 million development is part of the 106-acre Friendswood City Center project, a new mixed-use area along FM 528. The theater complex is set to open in spring 2027 and promises to be unlike anything the city has seen before.
The Largest ScreenX Theater in the World
The centerpiece of the new B&B Theatres complex will be the world’s largest ScreenX auditorium. ScreenX technology projects images not only on the main screen but also on the side walls, creating an immersive 270-degree viewing experience.
At 272 feet long, this screen will be one of the biggest of its kind globally, offering moviegoers an unforgettable cinema experience.
Along with the ScreenX theater, the Friendswood complex will also feature a 4DX auditorium, which enhances films with physical effects such as motion, wind, rain, and even snow. These features are especially popular for horror films, where the added elements make jump scares even more thrilling.
Family-Friendly Fun and Entertainment Options
B&B Theatres isn’t just about movies. The Friendswood location will offer a wide range of family-friendly entertainment options. One such attraction is Spark Immersive Bowling, a modern twist on traditional bowling.
This innovative bowling alley will project interactive graphics onto the lanes, featuring themes like Angry Birds or holiday visuals, to add a fun, gamified element to the experience.
In addition, the complex will have an arcade with over 100 games, virtual-reality rides, and a restaurant offering New American cuisine and movie-themed cocktails.
The restaurant will also feature a rotating menu, making it a dynamic dining option for visitors. There will be outdoor space with a stage and patio for live music and lawn games, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
B&B Theatres’ Expansion into Texas
B&B Theatres currently operates over 550 screens across 16 states, but the Friendswood location will be its first in Houston and its sixth in Texas. Though the company has operated theaters in Port Arthur and Portland, this new project marks a major step in expanding into the Houston market.
Brock Bagby, president of B&B Theatres, shared his excitement about the project. He explained that Friendswood’s rapid growth made it an ideal location for the company’s new venture.
“We love Texas and have always wanted to be in Houston. We’ve worked on several deals through the years, and this one finally came to fruition,” Bagby said.
Friendswood City Center: A Major Mixed-Use Development
The B&B Theatres complex is part of a larger development in the Friendswood City Center, which will include a central park, retail stores, restaurants, offices, apartments, and even a hotel. The entire 106-acre site is designed to be a hub of activity and entertainment for the rapidly growing suburban area.
Construction on the theater complex is already underway, with final design plans in the works. The venue is expected to take about 16 months to complete once construction begins. The project is sure to be a major addition to the Houston area’s entertainment scene, drawing residents and visitors from across the city.
