WEST BOUNTIFUL — Fans of the local Gateway 8 movie theater noticed a change when they attempted to approach the window Monday.

It was closed.

Last Friday, Aug. 7, JL Theatres Corp., otherwise known as Red Carpet Cinemas, sold its assets to M3B Partners, LLC, which prompted the closing of the movie theater.

The assets were purchased by M3B from Banco Popular North America after JL Theatres defaulted on its loan with the bank.

However, movie goers do not have to fear traveling to Salt Lake City for too long or worry about whether the theater will stay in its current location. Spencer Marsden, a former Bountiful resident and graduate of Bountiful High School, said the theater will remain intact.

“We’re renovating the whole thing,” he said. “We want to create an environment in which customers have a memorable and fun experience at the movies.

“This theater is an integral part of the community, and we want it to be a place where families, couples, and people of all ages can go and have a great time from the moment they enter the theater to the moment they leave.”

Some residents, however, are skeptical of the move, saying that “without a major overhaul on a lot of its issues,” the theater may still be in trouble after it reopens.

“I think there’s too much to be done to the inside in the short time frame they’re giving themselves,” said Ben Whitman, a Bountiful resident and former frequent visitor of the theater. “The floors were almost always dingy, sticky and dirty. And the sound system in some screens was horrible. It really brought down the movie-going-experience.”

Whitman said the prices were unreasonably high as well, which was the main reason he stopped going there to watch films.

“You really didn’t get what you paid for, so I ended up going to Salt Lake to watch a movie.”

According to McKay Marsden, attorney for M3B, they are still working with General Growth Properties (the landlord) on a lease agreement that will keep Gateway 8 at its current location.

Until the lease terms are finalized, the theater will remain closed.

“Gateway 8 was always a place at which I looked forward to watching movies while growing up in Davis County,” said Spencer Marsden. “We want to bring that back.”

Part of the renovating plans will include a better sound system and better seating. Other plans have not been released, though Marsden said people will enjoy the theater again once it reopens.

The company hopes to have a grand opening event sometime in early September.

“It’s going to be a celebration, one that the whole community will enjoy,” said Spencer. “We plan to offer complimentary concessions and door prizes for all those who come out and celebrate this exciting time for Gateway 8 Cinemas and for the community.”

sgillet@davisclipper.com