New Harkins entertainment center concept BackLot coming to Phoenix

Arizona based movie theater chain Harkins announced on Monday plans to open a family entertainment center in north Phoenix in 2024.

The new entertainment concept to the brand, Harkins BackLot, will debut at the Shops at Norterra shopping center at Happy Valley Road and Norterra Parkway off of the I-17 freeway.

BackLot will include the state’s largest sports viewing screens, bowling, patio dining, a restaurant and bar, an arcade, virtual reality games, large party rooms for event hosting. The venue design will be inspired by classic movie studio backlots.

“Harkins has been providing exceptional family entertainment for nearly 90 years,” Mike Bowers, CEO and president of Harkins Theatres, said in the release.

“Expanding our brand to dedicated family entertainment centers is a natural progression of our innovation legacy. Our secret sauce is our unique ability to pair the fun of an entertainment center with the excitement of movies at our movie studio-themed BackLot entertainment centers.”

The restaurant will offer a variety of menu and beverage items, including burgers, flatbreads, sandwiches, desserts, cocktails, beers and wines.

“Entertaining our friends and families is at the heart of what we have always done. I’m excited to build on that tradition with Harkins BackLot,” owner Dan Harkins said.

More BackLot locations in Arizona are expected to be announced soon.