Rialto, Raleigh's oldest movie theater, reopening this summer with new owners

The Rialto, known as Raleigh's oldest movie theater before it shut its doors last year, will reopen this summer under ownership.

The new owner, Hayes Permar, posted on Facebook he will reopen the iconic theater with neighbors and friends.

"Neighbors, friends and I formed a group to run The Rialto," Permar wrote on Twitter. "I'm really proud of the effort put in to get it done, and now we have a ton of work ahead to keep it great. I can't wait. Thanks in advance for all the support."

Permar wrote he grew up seeing movies and live performances at the Rialto and said he will bring live concerts and performances back to the theater.

In August 2022, the Rialto's longtime owner Bill Peebles said the theater will close for a short time because of his retirement and current market conditions, citing the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Rialto, located at 1620 Glenwood Ave. in Raleigh, is the oldest movie theater in Raleigh and was "among the few cinemas that have been in continuous operation since opening in 1942," according to a post on its website.

The Rialto originally opened as The Colony Theatre in 1936. It was inside a building that used to be an A&P grocery store. In 1942, the space was converted to The Colony movie house.

In 1983, the space underwent renovations and became the Rialto Theatre.

A reopening date was not announced, but Permar said he will post many updates.