Bistro Flix gets remodel and reopens as café and theater

Fast forward to this year: The business reopens on Jan. 8 with a new interior, new ownership, and a new name — Bistro Flix.

Owners Bill Malcom, Laura Johnston, and Aaron Clark are excited to join the Hood River community as first-time entrepreneurs and fellow movie-lovers.

Johnston knew the owner of Novus from previous work and, when she learned the new venture was not working out, decided to check out the café. Johnston saw potential in the building and reached out to her ex-husband Clark and his long-time coworker Malcolm, who had decades of hospitality, business, and food experience between them. By November, the three were all-in, moving from as far as Texas to the Gorge.

“Everybody in the community has been amazing and we really love our neighbors,” said Malcolm, the chef at Bistro Flix. When they first opened, Malcom said that the mixer broke and they were unable to make pizza dough until Freshies down the block shared their mixer. They allowed Malcolm access to their kitchen at night to prep for the next day. So far, renting the space has gone well.

The team has added their own flare inside with funky light fixtures, new paint, and large, comfortable seating in the theaters. Johnston said there are plans to add another bar, lounge-type seating upstairs, and games like darts or pool. People have requested a children’s area similar to what Andrew’s used to have, which Johnston said is another future possibility.

The Bistro Flix trio loves the energy they continue to receive from the community and understand how important the café-theater space is to the town.

“We’ve had all positive responses, people saying they’re so glad we reopened,” Johnston said.

For now the plan is to show two movies at a time on a biweekly schedule, with a classic or indie film starting daily at 6 p.m. and a new release beginning at 7 p.m. They plan on starting weekend matinee films at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to avoid clashing movie times with CineStars around the corner.

Documentaries, themes, private screenings or events, and film festivals could all be possibilities for Bistro Flix. The three are excited to show the new Bob Dylan movie and, hopefully, the Warren Miller film this year.

“We’re trying to mix up genres. We welcome suggestions and really want input from the community about the films they want to see,” Johnston said.

Guests can reserve seats when purchasing their movie ticket, whether online or at the kiosk. They offer a simple menu with pizza, flatbreads, and sandwiches; there are menu items friendly for gluten free and vegan diets, like their lemon olive oil cake. Beer and wine will be available soon. www.bistroflix.com.