Iconic Cinema 4 in Rogersville to Reopen Under New Owners

Micah and Julie Petoskey plan to revive the beloved movie theater with renovations and new features.

Feb. 14, 2026 at 6:07am

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After the Cinema 4 movie theater in Rogersville, Tennessee closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, a couple from Michigan, Micah and Julie Petoskey, decided to take over the business and reopen it. The Petoskeys, who are self-described movie lovers, are currently renovating the theater and plan to add new features like arcade games to create a community hangout spot, while still maintaining the theater's classic charm and affordable pricing.

Why it matters

The reopening of the Cinema 4 is significant for the Rogersville community, as the theater has been a beloved local institution for decades. Its closure during the pandemic was a major loss, and the Petoskeys' decision to revive the business demonstrates the continued demand for in-person movie-going experiences, even as streaming has become more prevalent.

The details

The Petoskeys, who have backgrounds in IT and human resources but no prior experience running a movie theater, leased the Cinema 4 space and began renovations in December 2025. They are refurbishing and restoring the interior, while also making some changes like removing the ticket booths and adding a new counter system. The color scheme is inspired by a vintage film projector that has been at the theater since it first opened. The Petoskeys are also adding arcade machines to create a community hangout space, especially for young people. They plan to show a mix of new releases and classic movies, and offer affordable pricing with senior matinees and summer programming for kids.

  • The Petoskeys began renovations on the Cinema 4 in December 2025.
  • The Petoskeys aim to reopen the theater in the spring of 2026.

The players

Micah Petoskey

One of the new owners of the Cinema 4 theater, with a background in information technology. Micah is a self-described movie lover who previously worked at a theater while in college.

Julie Petoskey

One of the new owners of the Cinema 4 theater, with a background in human resources. Julie is also a movie enthusiast, and the couple's second date was at a local theater.

Cinema 4

An iconic movie theater in Rogersville, Tennessee that closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but is now being revived by the Petoskey couple.

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What they’re saying

“I love movies in general. I rarely got to go as a kid, and it's kind of like snacking, right? If your mom never let you snack, when you get out on your own, you're like, 'I can have whatever I want — there's no one here to stop me.'”

— Micah Petoskey

“For a long time, there was a belief that this kind of thing would go away. People would just stay home and stream; restaurants would just ship food out the door. I disagree. I think people want to get out and be in the community and do things as a group. There's something special about that, that home will never replicate.”

— Micah Petoskey

“I told my wife: I hope this is someone's first job, they go on their first date here, they meet their future spouse here — all those things. That would be so great.”

— Micah Petoskey

What’s next

The Petoskeys still need to complete the renovations, inspections, and hiring before they can officially reopen the Cinema 4 theater in the spring of 2026.

The takeaway

The revival of the Cinema 4 theater in Rogersville demonstrates the enduring appeal of in-person movie-going experiences, even in the age of streaming. The Petoskeys' passion for film and commitment to creating a community hub are inspiring, and show how local businesses can thrive by catering to the unique needs and interests of their community.