Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Zacarias.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Mark Fishman is a man of many ventures. One is real estate and other is just a love for movies. In 2010, the building that has been the home of The Logan Square Theatre for over 100 years was up for sale. It includes 16 residential apartments as well as five other commercial spaces. When he found out the theatre was also for sale he couldn’t believe his luck. He did not want to see the theatre fail and keep it alive for the already thriving community. With the new restaurants and shops popping up at the time he wanted to make it special. With the help of some friends that are designers and architects they twisted his arm just enough to make the grand commitment to make it what is it is today.
Working for Mr. Fishman since 2008, I have been lucky to apart of the ride. He loves the challenge of real estate but loves dabbling in other ventures as well. It has given me the opportunity to not only learn about real estate but find a passion to create memorable experiences. Having a marketing background and working with the likes of Dole, Ameritech and Brown & Williamson and executing national events for these clients gave me the confidence to take on anything.
As the special event and marketing director, we continue to provide quality programming. Not with just mainstream content but with classic that are meant to be seen on the silver screen.
It was a lot of work turn The Logan into what you see today. It was all hands on deck and thrilled to say I was a part of it all.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It was a never going to be easy. When the keys were handed over we have to go dark for several months. The theatre was in brutal shape. It smelled like urine and was dirty and needed more than just a good cleaning. The renovation added new seats, digital projectors, custom made carpeting, an extension of the old vintage box office, a full service bar and extensive concession stand.
The true struggle was getting to make all the pieces fit together. For example, Mark, a curious man, decided one day during construction to see what was above the makeshift ceiling panels outside of the box office. It was a treasure. A beautiful, pristine stain glass window that arched over the vintage box office and the length of the entry way. From there he wanted to make sure this piece stayed in place and reflected the charm of its era. So the design team had to make sure the inside flowed and highlighted the stain glass.
The Logan Theatre – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Being the Director of Special Events and Marketing is a challenge but a fun one. I need to make sure that not only we spread the word of our programming but to make sure our clients are presented well. Along with our mainstream programming we open our screens to festival, local premieres for indie films, conventions and private events alike. Our motto is “if we don’t put our all into it and do well, neither will our client.” They come to us for support and I am more than happy to oblige.
Our staff is amazing and a great support to not only our patrons but clients alike. I’m proud of the group we have here at The Logan. They represent the atmosphere we would like to portray, a Community environment where we welcome all.
We differ from most theaters in that we have a special charm that is spoken from our art deco decor, to our staff with outfitted in bow-ties and friendly welcoming atmosphere and programming. We are not only a movie theatre we are a community center. We offer movies, open mic comedy, movie trivia, a late night movie series and other events that may carry the movie theme but still inviting to come together as a community.
Our favorite month is October and our Late Night at The Logan Horror Movie Series. We deck out The Logan with Halloween decorations everywhere and have the best costume party! We show the best of horror from the Shining to Nosferatu with live organ accompaniment.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I want to see happy faces. A smile reflects an enjoyable experience. That is what The Logan Theater is about, providing a place for an enjoyable experience for all. If I see a smile, then I know we are doing our job!
Contact Info:
- Address: 2646 North Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60647
- Website: www.TheLoganTheatre.com
- Phone: 773-342-5555
- Email: Marketing@TheLoganTheatre.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelogantheatre/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelogantheatre/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheLoganTheatre?lang=en
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/logan-theatre-chicago
Logan Theater sign
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