Cineplex serves up popcorn and other concession items outside of movie theatres

A pilot program of the service had “encouraging early demand” and Cineplex expects the appetite for discounted concessions to grow over time.  Photo by Cole Burston/Bloomberg via Getty Images

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Cineplex Inc. is giving unsold concession snacks the sequel treatment. 

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The movie theatre chain announced Wednesday that the majority of its 168 locations across 10 provinces will sell surplus popcorn, nachos and hot dogs at a discount through a partnership with mobile app Too Good To Go.  

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The app, which expanded into Canada in 2021, aims to help restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries and other retailers cut down on waste by selling excess food at reduced prices. 

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“Like in many food service environments where demand can vary throughout the day, some surplus concession items at the end of service were unavoidable,” Kevin Watts, Cineplex’s executive vice president, exhibition, LBE and film, said in an email to the Financial Post. “Prior to this partnership, those unsold items would typically not be resold and could go to waste.” 

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To find snacks on the cheap without buying a movie ticket, consumers can look up nearby participating Cineplex theatres through Too Good To Go. Theatres will sell two types of “surprise bags”: one with popcorn for $5.99 and one with a mix of concession snacks (popcorn, nachos and/or hot dogs) for $8.99.  

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“Once reserved, customers visit the theatre during the designated pick-up window, show their in-app receipt, and swipe to confirm pickup with a concession stand employee,” Luke Slinger, head of key accounts for Too Good To Go Canada, said in an email. 

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Watts said a pilot program on the app had “encouraging early demand” and Cineplex expects the appetite for discounted concessions to grow over time. 

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Founded in Denmark in 2015, Too Good To Go operates in towns and large cities across Canada and works with major chains such as Tim Hortons, Loblaw Cos. Ltd. and Metro Inc., as well as local independent restaurants, cafes and grocers.  

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Slinger said Canadian consumers currently save nearly 100,000 bags of unsold food every week through the marketplace app.

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