If you’re typing Kerasotes Secaucus New Jersey into your phone while sitting in the Harmon Meadow parking lot, you’re probably a little confused. Maybe you remember the sleek, red-and-black "ShowPlace ICON" branding. Or maybe you're looking for that specific luxury vibe that Tony and Dean Kerasotes spent over a century perfecting.
Here is the quick reality check: The Kerasotes name is gone.
As of June 2024, the theater at 650 Plaza Drive officially transitioned to Regal Secaucus ShowPlace 14. It wasn't just a quiet change of signs, either. The entire Kerasotes ShowPlace chain basically folded its national operations, handing the keys of their prime locations back to landlords or selling them to giants like Regal and Marcus Theatres.
Honestly, for a lot of North Jersey locals, it felt like the end of an era. Kerasotes wasn't just another AMC. It had this specific "ShowPlace" identity that tried to make movie-going feel like a legitimate event again.
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What Actually Happened to Kerasotes in Secaucus?
Business is brutal. The Kerasotes family had been in the theater game since 1909—we’re talking since the era of nickelodeons. But the post-pandemic landscape, combined with the 2023 Hollywood strikes, created a perfect storm that the smaller luxury chains just couldn't weather as easily as the big boys.
In June 2024, the Secaucus location was sold to Regal Cinemas. By June 30, the Kerasotes parent company officially ceased operations across the country, closing doors in Chicago, Minneapolis, and California.
If you have an old Kerasotes gift card gathering dust in your junk drawer, you're mostly out of luck. Regal did honor them through the end of 2024 as a gesture of goodwill during the transition, but we've moved past that window now.
The Current Experience: Is It Still "Luxury"?
You’ve probably wondered if the quality dipped after Regal took over. It's a fair question. Kerasotes was famous for their "ICONX" premium large format and those massive, plush recliners that made it way too easy to fall asleep during a slow second act.
The good news? The hardware is still there.
- The Seating: You still get the reserved power recliners. They haven't ripped them out.
- The Tech: The 14 screens still feature the high-end digital projection and Dolby sound systems that Kerasotes installed.
- The Food: This is where things changed the most. Regal swapped the "ICON Kitchen" menu for their standard theater fare. You’ll get the classic Regal popcorn and snacks now, though they still have the bar for beer and wine.
One thing that’s definitely different is the rewards program. You’re now in the world of the Regal Crown Club and Regal Unlimited. If you’re a frequent flyer who sees three or more movies a month, the Unlimited pass is actually a better deal than anything Kerasotes ever offered.
Why People Still Search for Kerasotes Secaucus
Nostalgia is powerful. People still search for Kerasotes Secaucus New Jersey because, for about a decade, it was the spot for a "grown-up" movie night.
Before the takeover, it had a reputation for being cleaner and more "premium" than the AMC Meadowlands 12 nearby. It felt exclusive. You didn't just go there to see a flick; you went there to sit in a lobby that felt like a hotel lounge.
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Nowadays, the vibe is a bit more "corporate multiplex." It’s efficient. It’s reliable. But it lacks that quirky, family-owned-but-luxe DNA that the Kerasotes brothers insisted on.
Dealing with the "Mice" and Maintenance Rumors
Look, if you check recent reviews from late 2025 and early 2026, you’re going to see some mixed bags. Some patrons have complained about maintenance issues—broken recliners or, occasionally, critters.
It happens to the best of them.
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When a massive chain like Regal takes over a 14-screen beast, things sometimes slip through the cracks. However, the management team at the Secaucus location (shoutout to guys like Clif, who frequently pops up in positive reviews for his hands-on service) has been working to keep the standards high. If you go during a Tuesday matinee, the place is usually spotless and quiet. Friday night at 8:00 PM? Well, that's a different story.
Practical Tips for Your Next Visit
If you’re heading to the old Kerasotes (now Regal) anytime soon, keep these things in mind to save yourself a headache:
- Validation: Don't forget that parking in Harmon Meadow can be a circus. The theater usually validates or offers easy access, but check the kiosks if you're parked in the main deck.
- The App: Use the Regal app. Don't stand in line at the box office like it's 1995. You can pick your exact seats and even pre-order your popcorn so it’s ready when you walk in.
- Tuesday Deals: Regal’s "Value Days" are legit. You can usually snag tickets for a fraction of the weekend price if you have a (free) Crown Club membership.
- Check the Screen: If you want the best possible experience, look for the "Laser" or "RPX" listings. They utilize the high-end tech that made this location famous in the first place.
The Bottom Line
Kerasotes Secaucus is a ghost of the past, but the building is very much alive. It’s the same 14-screen powerhouse in the heart of Harmon Meadow, just wearing a different jersey now.
While we might miss the specific "ShowPlace ICON" branding and the slightly more upscale kitchen menu, the core experience—huge screens, great sound, and seats that tilt back until you’re practically horizontal—remains.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the current showtimes: Since Kerasotes no longer exists, you won't find updates on their old site. Head directly to the Regal Secaucus page.
- Join Regal Unlimited: If you miss the "membership" feel of the old ICON program, the Unlimited pass is the modern equivalent for heavy users.
- Explore Harmon Meadow: Make a night of it. The theater is surrounded by spots like Bonefish Grill and Houlihan’s, making it one of the few places in North Jersey where you can actually "dinner and a movie" without moving your car.