Reading Cinemas permanently closed its Grossmont Center theater. It was the company’s last location in the San Diego region. San Diego moviegoers are left in shock with the abrupt closure of a longstanding theater.
Reading Cinemas Closes Its San Diego Location
Reading Cinemas announced its closure on Monday, writing, “As of Monday, June 1, 2026, Reading Cinemas Grossmont location will be permanently closed.”
The theater served the San Diego County community for nearly 18 years, drawing regular visitors. The chain directed patrons to visit the Angelika Film Center in Carmel Mountain Ranch. The multiplex had long served East County moviegoers and featured the chain’s TITAN XC premium-format auditorium.
According to a report by The San Diego Union-Tribune, a layoff notice has also been filed with the state. The notice filed in April states that 63 employees will face layoffs between May 31 and June 15.
The closure follows the loss of its lease and ongoing redevelopment at the shopping center. The chain also closed its Town Square location in Clairemont last year.
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According to Grossmont Center, Federal Realty Investment Trust has broken ground for redevelopment. The Trust acquired the 64-acre Center in 2021. The current changes are part of the first phase of a multi-year plan.
The aim is to keep businesses open and accessible during the revitalization. The plan will refresh the 925,000-square-foot center with completion expected by October 2026.
The closure of Reading Cinemas Grossmont marks the end of an era for the company in San Diego. Patrons shared their emotions about the closure. One of the comments read, “Oh no, my family and I are so sad to hear this news. This is the only theater we go to. My husband and I just went there last weekend, and he took our daughter yesterday, too. Such a great theater, always nice staff, and good prices. Thank you for being a place where we made so many movie memories.”
The community reaction shows how the theater was a part of locals’ daily life.
