MARK KESZLER / Nspire Today!
For over three decades, John and Kim Phillips have been at the helm of Fox Theater in Sidney, offering a nostalgic movie-going experience with top-notch customer service. The historic theater, which first opened in 1951, has been under the Phillips’ ownership since Nov. 13, 1987.
The Fox Theater operates seven days a week, with nightly showings at 7 and matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 4 p.m. However, the business is still working to fully recover from the impact of COVID-19. “We haven’t really bounced back from COVID,” Kim admitted. “It changed the industry, and we’re still fighting to keep things going.”
The Phillips were determined to keep their doors open. “During 2020 and 2021, we were one of the only theaters in western Nebraska still open,” Kim said. “I pursued grants to help us stay afloat; we just kept pushing forward.”
Movie selection at the Fox Theater is handled by a national booking agency that curates films for 400-plus theaters across the country. The concession stand offers a variety of traditional theater snacks, including popcorn, nachos, hot dogs, snow cones, & Coca-Cola products. Kim is particularly proud of their popcorn. “We would put our popcorn up against anybody,” she said confidently. “People tell us all the time they come just for the popcorn.”
The Phillips are active in the community. Kim works as a bookkeeper for the City of Sidney and runs her own photography business. The couple operates the Snack Shack at the local ballpark during the summer and have a mobile concession trailer. Kim serves as the president of the Night of Hope Walk for Cancer and is a member of the Health Center Foundation board. John is involved with the Night of Hope Walk for Cancer. He has won many awards for his volunteerism to the community. The theater frequently donates to local fundraisers and offers auditorium rentals to support community causes.
Above all, Kim says, “Our doors are open every single night, seven days a week,” she said. “We’re here to support small-town movie lovers, and we love what we do.”
Business Name: FOX Theater
Business phone number: 308-254-3328 (movie information line); 308-254-5529 (manager)
Business address: P.O. Box 322; 1120 Illinois St., Sidney NE 69162
Business hours: M-F – 7 p.m.; Sat/Sun – 4 p.m.
Website address: https://www.foxtheatresidney.com/contac
Social media sites: Facebook, Twitter
