Wehrenberg Theatres was a regional cinema chain based in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. Founded in 1906 by Fred Wehrenberg, it was one of the oldest and largest family-owned theater companies in the United States prior to its acquisition.
History Fred Wehrenberg opened his first movie house, the Cherokee Theatre, in St. Louis in 1906, establishing the foundation for the company. Over several decades, the company expanded its operations, primarily across Missouri, but also into Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota. Wehrenberg Theatres was known for its longevity and for adapting to industry changes, including the introduction of sound films, the rise of drive-in theaters, and the transition to multiplexes. In 1948, the company opened the South Drive-In, which was St. Louis's first drive-in movie theater.
Operations At its peak, Wehrenberg Theatres operated dozens of locations, many of which were modern multiplexes featuring amenities such as stadium seating, digital projection, and expanded food and beverage options. The company maintained a strong presence in the Midwest, particularly within the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Acquisition In December 2016, Wehrenberg Theatres was acquired by Marcus Theatres, a division of The Marcus Corporation, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The acquisition included 19 Wehrenberg locations with 207 screens. Following the acquisition, the Wehrenberg Theatres brand was gradually phased out, and its former locations were rebranded under the Marcus Theatres name. This acquisition significantly expanded Marcus Theatres' footprint in the Midwest.