Carmike Cinemas, Inc. (Specimen)

Carmike Cinemas Inc. is a motion picture exhibitor headquartered in Columbus, Georgia. As of December 31, 2009 it operated or has an interest in 244 theaters in 35 states, making it the fourth largest theatre company in the United States.

Carmike was founded when Carl L. Patrick, Sr. acquired Martin Theatres from Fuqua Industries in 1982. The theater name comes from a combination of Carl L. Patrick, Sr.'s two sons, Carl Jr. and Michael, hence Carmike.

Carmike theaters are largely positioned in rural or suburban areas with populations under 200,000. The company bills itself as "America's Hometown Theatre". The Company's theatres are operated under various names and will generally have a name followed by the number of auditoriums at that location, for example "Carmike 15". Names currently in use include Carmike, Wynnsong, GKC, Cine, Cinema, Movies, Stadium, and other local variants such as "Fleming Island 12" in Fleming Island, FL.

Carmike sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2000 after failing to make $9 million in interest payments. The company had about $650 million in debt. After declaring bankruptcy, many theaters (mostly smaller single, twin, and triple theatres) in dead markets were closed down, and some were renovated or relocated in areas with desirable market potential. Most of these newer theaters are 10 screens or larger. The number of theaters owned or operated by the company dropped from 448 to just over 300. During Bankruptcy, the company was forced to sell or close several historic theaters, including the Villa Theatre in Salt Lake City, Utah and The Indian Hills Theater in Omaha, Nebraska, the latter of which contained a 70-foot wide Cinerama screen, the largest in the United States. The Indian Hills was later demolished in August 2001. Actress Patricia Neal called the destruction of the theater "a crime."

Carmike exited bankruptcy in early 2002, having successfully restructured its debts and operations.


Close Up of Vignette




Certificate: Common Stock, specimen, late 1900’s

Printer: Security-Columbian / United States Bank Note Company

Dimensions: 8” (h) x 12” (w)

State: GA-Georgia

Subject Matter: Sports and Entertainment | Movie Theaters | Specimen Pieces

Vignette Topic(s): Female Subject | Company Logo Featured

Condition: No fold lines, punch hole cancels in the signature areas and body, very crisp.