Move over United Artists Movie Theater, Regency Theatres is coming to East Hills Mall. "We're so excited to announce to Bakersfield that Regency Theatre is coming to East Hills Mall," said East Hills Mall spokesperson Anne Lynch. "Right on! I'm excited to have this new theater. Lets go for it!" said shopper Aurora De Leon.

Regency Theatre is a discount movie theater with $2 admission prices and $1 hot dogs. "They're more discount oriented. Similar to the dollar theater on California Avenue," said Lynch. With its policy of discounts, Regency Theatre vice president Andrew Golin said East Hills Mall was the perfect fit. "The opportunity came available, and we jumped on it. That market could definitely use that theater with that policy in this economy. It's become a popular policy within our company," said Golin. "We're going to have a value oriented family driven theater where people can see discount movies, buy food for kids, take the whole group out and not break the bank," said Lynch.

It's a different type of attraction for a mall many people think is going out of business. Especially since all the major anchor stores have left and the movie theater was the last major attraction. "People have been talking about the nail in the coffin at East Hills Mall for a while. East Hills is not going out of business. Which is evidenced by the fact that the moment one theater moves out, Regency couldn't wait to get here and they're excited," said Lynch. "We're excited about it. I think the community will really like it," said Golin. "Wow! It's exciting to see this mall turning around again! We lost a lot of customers with the news of the old theater leaving, but a new one coming in will bring more people in," said mall shop owner Andy Carrillo. "I'm feeling optimistic. The theater can only improve traffic here at the mall so I can't wait to see what it brings," said mall shop owner Danny Villa.

UA Theaters was the only movie theater in east Bakersfield. With its closure, moviegoers on the east side would have to travel downtown or to the west side. But now not only will Regency theatre offer discounts but convenience as well. "I think there are people who don't always have transportation to go to other areas in city so it gives them something close to home here," said shop owner Billy Martin. "We're so excited and we can't wait for them to open," said Lynch.