If you find yourself searching for hollywood st joseph mo, you might be in for a bit of a surprise. Most people typing those words into a search bar are actually looking for one of two very specific things, and neither of them involves a walk down a star-studded sidewalk in California.
Basically, you’re either looking for the big movie theater at the Shoppes at North Village or you’re trying to find the casino down by the river.
It’s an easy mistake to make. St. Joseph, Missouri, has a "Hollywood" connection that isn't about blockbusters and red carpets, but rather about local entertainment that’s been a staple of the community for decades. Let's clear the air on what's actually there, what happened to the names, and why the local "Hollywood" scene is a bit more complicated than it looks on a map.
The Mystery of the Missing Hollywood Casino
Here is the thing: if you pull up a map and look for a "Hollywood Casino" in St. Joseph, you aren't going to find one. At least, not anymore.
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There’s a common misconception that the riverboat casino in town is a Hollywood property. While Penn Entertainment (the company behind the Hollywood brand) has a massive presence in the region—think Hollywood Casino St. Louis and Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway—the St. Joseph location is actually the St. Jo Frontier Casino.
It’s been around since 1994, making it one of the original four riverboat casinos in Missouri. Over the years, ownership has bounced around. It was once owned by the Grace family, then Herbst Gaming (which became Affinity Gaming), and now it’s under the wing of Affinity Interactive.
Why do people keep calling it "Hollywood"?
Honestly, it’s probably because of the massive marketing budget of the Hollywood brand nearby. If you live in St. Joe, you see the Hollywood Casino commercials for the Kansas City or St. Louis locations constantly. It’s a classic case of brand bleed. You hear "casino" and "Missouri," and your brain fills in "Hollywood."
What You’ll Actually Find at St. Jo Frontier
If you go down to 777 Winners Circle, you aren't getting a Hollywood production, but you are getting a solid, local experience. It’s the second-smallest casino in the state, which gives it a "hometown" vibe that the massive corporate spots in KC just can't replicate.
- The Slots: They have about 400 machines. It’s not thousands, but they have the classics and some newer video poker setups.
- Table Games: It's mostly focused on Blackjack and Mississippi Stud.
- Dining: You’ve got the Fireside Sports Bar & Grill. Don’t expect a five-star steakhouse; expect a good burger and a cold beer while you watch the game.
The "Real" Hollywood St. Joseph MO: Regal Cinemas
The only place in town where the "Hollywood" name is officially on the building is at Regal Hollywood - St. Joseph.
Located at 5405 N. Belt Highway, this is the anchor of the Shoppes at North Village. For a long time, it was simply known as Hollywood Theaters before Regal acquired the chain. If you grew up in St. Joseph or the surrounding Buchanan County area, you probably still just call it "the Hollywood."
It’s a 10-screen complex. It’s got the standard stadium seating and the overpriced (but necessary) popcorn. It’s the place to be on a Friday night, especially since it’s surrounded by the biggest shopping district in the city.
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But there’s a nuance here that locals know: the theater industry has been shaky. While this location survived the wave of Regal closures a few years back, it’s always a good idea to check the Regal app before heading out. They’ve modernized quite a bit with the Regal Crown Club, so if you’re a frequent flyer, the points actually add up to something useful, like a free small soda or a movie ticket.
Why the Confusion Matters
You might think, "Who cares what it's called?"
Well, if you're a traveler or someone moving to the area, the distinction matters for your wallet. If you have a PENN Play card (the loyalty program for Hollywood Casinos), it won't work at the St. Jo Frontier Casino. You can’t use your Hollywood comps here.
St. Jo Frontier uses the A-Play rewards program.
It’s a different ecosystem entirely. If you’re chasing tier status or want to use that $50 in "Penn Cash" you earned in Kansas City, you’re out of luck in St. Joe. You’d have to drive about 45 minutes south to the Kansas Speedway to find a true Hollywood-branded casino floor.
Local Secrets and Tips for Visiting
If you are heading to the "Hollywood" area of St. Joseph (North Belt Highway or the Riverfront), there are a few things that aren't in the brochures.
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The Riverfront isn't just for gambling
The area around the Frontier Casino is actually quite historic. You’re right on the Missouri River. While the casino is technically a "riverboat" (though it’s now permanently docked and feels like a building), the surrounding trail system is great for a walk if the weather isn't acting like typical Missouri weather—which is to say, if it’s not 100 degrees or a blizzard.
Timing your Movie Trip
The Regal Hollywood theater gets packed during the Saturday matinee window. If you’re looking for a quiet experience, Tuesday nights are the "secret" window. Plus, Regal usually runs "Value Days" on Tuesdays where tickets are significantly cheaper for members.
The Food Situation
Honestly, the food at the theater is... theater food. If you're at the North Village shops, you're better off hitting one of the nearby spots like 54th Street Grill or even the local favorite, Boudreaux's Louisiana Seafood, which is a short drive away.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
- Verify the Brand: If you’re looking for casino rewards, remember that hollywood st joseph mo doesn't exist under that name. Use your A-Play card for the Frontier Casino and your PENN Play card for the Kansas City or St. Louis locations.
- Check Movie Times: Use the Regal app or website directly rather than relying on third-party aggregators, as showtimes in mid-sized markets like St. Joseph can shift based on local events.
- Parking: Both the casino and the theater have massive, free parking lots. You never have to worry about the "big city" hassle of paying for a spot or walking three blocks in the rain.
- Stay Local: If you’re visiting from out of town, don't just stay in the "Hollywood" bubbles. St. Joseph has an incredible Museum Market (the Patee House is a must-see) that gives you way more value than a slot machine ever will.
The "Hollywood" side of St. Joseph is less about glamour and more about a solid night out with friends. Whether you’re catching a flick at the North Village or trying your luck on the river, just make sure you’re headed to the right spot for the rewards card you’re carrying.