The doors of Moorhead's Safari 7 Cinema will reopen Friday, a month after fire and smoke heavily damaged the business.
Moorhead's Fire Marshal Rich Duysen determined a blaze that occurred early on Jan. 10 was caused by a popcorn warmer that overheated, igniting popcorn oil.
Fire damage was limited to the concession stand but smoke damaged the lobby and hallways.
When it reopens Friday, the theater will once again offer showings of nearly new movies and ticket prices still will be $1.50, manager Sean Dullea said.
But the wildlife motif that dominated the décor for the past three decades has vanished.
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"They (animal wall hangings) had to go because of the smoke damage," Dullea said.
"The lobby was gutted and it has been completely realigned. There's nothing left that people will recognize," he said.
The Safari is owned by Cinema Entertainment Corp., a company based in St. Cloud, Minn., which also owns the West Acres Cinema and Century 7 Cinema in Fargo.
Dullea said the Safari now looks like its sister theaters in Fargo.
"It's neat and clean-cut," Dullea said.
He declined to say how much repairs cost, but he said the work was extensive.
"It went above and beyond what insurance paid and then some," Dullea said.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Dave Olson at (701) 241-5555
