The drive-in movie business is a romantic endeavor to say the least. The thought of a drive-in movie may bring back fond memories of watching what is now film history on those hot summer nights. Drive-in movies peaked in the 1950s with nearly 4,000 theaters dotting the American landscape; now there are under 400. But according to the United Drive-In Theaters Association, there is evidence of a renewed interest in drive-in movies, with new theaters being constructed and old ones refurbished.

Drive-in theaters in America are a good business, but a big undertaking. Investors must carefully consider all the first steps, including finding up to 14 acres of land far away from competing screens and taking the pulse of the community (some may not want a drive-in theater due to traffic concerns and the belief that drive-ins are "passion pits.") Then concentrate on the business plan and financing of the venture.

Here are some considerations for drive-in movie theaters. Basics include the following:

1. Focus on providing a family-friendly environment, with strong concession sales.

2. Make sure the drive-in theater is properly sited so moviegoers can get the best views.

3. Invest in equipment that will provide good sound and a bright picture.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Understand the draw of drive-in theater nostalgia

You simply can't run a drive-in without first looking at where outdoor movie theaters came from. Understanding the history of drive-ins, what worked and what didn't will help you draw upon the past to establish a drive-in movie theater that will attract visitors from miles away.

I recommend: The Capri Drive-in website has a great section on history of the drive-in movie theater. Drive-in Theater lists all the currently operating drive-in theaters in every state.

Research the market for competition for drive-in movies

If you're going to open a drive-in, you need to know who the competition is. Plan your drive-in at a location that is far enough away from other local drive-in movie theaters and large multiplex theaters, as well as in an area that does not have distracting city lights.

I recommend: Drive-In Movie gives you the lowdown on drive-in movies in every state as well as Canada and Australia. The United Drive-In Theater Association has statistics on drive-in movies for the last decade and tells where new theaters are being constructed and old theaters refurbished.

Think ahead when planning the site and buying drive-in movie equipment

A successful drive-in movie theater will start with a correct site plan, most times requiring intensive excavation to make ramps for all cars to see the movie screens. When you're planning your venture, also take into account the drive-in movie theater equipment you'll need to run a successful business.

I recommend: Drive-In Workshop tells how not to build drive-in movie theaters, describing one failure to plan an outdoor movie business correctly. The Boston Globe sheds light on how the digital age of movies affects current drive-in movie owners, most of whom who still operate 35-mm reels.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure you look at local zoning ordinances when researching outdoor movie theatres. The zoning board can make your dream a reality if you work with them.

Drive-in movies were the brainchild of Richard M. Hollingshead. He spent time determining the best way to arrange a group of cars so that the movie patrons would have a good view of the screen. He patented the idea and opened up the first drive-in theater in Camden, NJ.

At their peak, there were more than 4,000 outdoor movie theaters operating in the United States. Over time their popularity decreased, but recently drive-ins have had a resurgence. When you are preparing to open a local drive-in, there are a few steps you will need to do:

1. Invest in quality film projection equipment to give your customers the best viewing experience possible.

2. Create a large promotional campaign for the grand opening of all of your local drive in movie theaters to ensure their success.

3. Make sure all of your drive-in movie theaters are well stocked with snacks such as candy and popcorn.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find projectors from drive-in movie theater equipment sellers

After you've purchased a drive-in, you will need new projectors for every screen. Many old drive-ins have screens that are in great condition, but in most cases the projectors will either be missing or damaged. It's easy to order what you need and have it ready before your official opening date.

I recommend: Buy 35mm projectors at R.S. Engineering & Manufacturing, International Cinema Equipment or Atlas Specialty Lighting.

Purchase drive-in movie equipment

Anyone who has decided to reopen or start up a new drive-in theater will need a variety of equipment for the projection booth. This includes extra bulbs for the projectors, a method of transmitting audio to the audience members, leader film, marking tape, splicing equipment, film cleaners and other related products. A drive-in owner will need to have plenty of these items on hand for everyday use and emergency situations.

I recommend: Find the bulbs you need at Bulb Direct or Sonic Equipment. Try a stereo transmitter from Jack Roe USA to run audio through the radios of every vehicle. Buy splicing equipment, marking tape and other booth supplies from CLACO Equipment and Service.

Serve popcorn at all of your drive-in movies

Popcorn is one of the most commonly purchased snacks by movie goers everywhere. Your drive-in will need to keep plenty of it popping during hours of operation. An industrial popcorn machine will keep all of your customers well stocked with this salted snack.

I recommend: Select a popcorn machine from Gold Medal Products, Galasource or BigTray.

Stock up on snacks for you outdoor movie theaters

Your customers will visit the concession stand before and between every movie to purchase treats that they can enjoy during the films. Make sure you have plenty of candy and other snacks available to offer them a wide selection.

I recommend: Buy candy at discount prices from Buy Wholesale Candy or CandyWarehouse. Get candy in promotional boxes and packaging that you can design at Promotional Marketing Concepts. Pick up a cotton candy machine from Galasource.

Create a modern outdoor movie business

Inflatable movie screens provide great audio and visual quality and can be set up almost anywhere. With the proper equipment, you can begin a mobile drive-in movie business.

I recommend: Find the drive-in movie theater equipment you need at Outdoor-Movies, Open Air Cinema or Fun Flicks Outdoor Movies.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Advertise your drive-in movie business in a variety of ways: local newspapers, radio stations, community event websites, social networking groups, direct marketing materials and local television stations.
• •  Provide a special incentive to encourage people to attend the grand opening of your drive-in theater, such as a car load for only five dollars or free popcorn.

Outdoor movies and popcorn are enjoying a resurgence in the United States, but drive-in movie theaters supplies and equipment aren't exactly easy to find. Local drive-in theaters cost a good deal to set up, and you don't want to waste money on equipment that isn't going to last or be suitable for the outdoors. So, just what do you need in the way of drive-in movie theater equipment. And what can you expect it to cost?

Unlike a standard movie theater, you won't have to worry about velveteen seating or ambient lighting. Aside from the cost of airing films, your costs will fall into three broad drive-in movie equipment categories. As you research drive-in theaters information, you'll find you need:

1. A drive-in theater screen

2. A projector suitable for drive-in movies

3. Drive-in movies concessions

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase a screen suitable for the outdoor movie business

Naturally, the heart of outdoor movies--movie screens--range in price mostly according to size and durability. On the small end, 9-foot screens average about $2,300 to $4,500, depending upon quality. Thirty-foot screens are $10,500 to $11,000 and 40-foot screens are $15,500 to $17,000 on average.

I recommend: Open Air Cinema sells outdoor movie screens in a variety of sizes and quality levels. Outdoor-Movies offers drive-in theater screens of high quality in either wide screen or full screen ratios.

Find projectors for your drive-in movie business

At the less expensive end, there are all-in-one projection systems ranging from $9,000 to $10,000, appropriate for local drive-in movie theaters. Higher quality projection systems run $10,500 to $12,500.

I recommend: R.S. Engineering & Manufacturing carries a nice variety of projection systems and replacement parts. NEC Display Solutions boasts some of the brightest projectors available today.

Remember concessions for local drive-in movies

No movie theater is complete without a popcorn machine. Small commercial machines (holding about 16 oz. at a time) may be purchased for around $120 to $250, and sometimes more, depending on features. Large machines (holding around 48 oz. at a time) generally sell for between $1,000 and $2,000. And 4 oz. bags for your customers to hold their popcorn sell for about $80 to $90 for 500, while popcorn kernels cost about $25 to $35 for 50 lb.

I recommend: EPopcorn.com provides a great guide to buying commercial popcorn machines, plus many great models to buy. Paramount Concessions sells wholesale popcorn poppers, popcorn bags and boxes, popcorn kernels and more.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  You can save a bundle on drive-in movie theater equipment if you don't buy a screen. If you have a large enough surface (like the wall of a building), you can simply paint it white using screen paint (such as 'Screen Goo') to create a permanent movie screen for your drive-in theater.