Aloma Cinema & Grill Is Reviving Florida’s Original Dine-In Theater Experience with GoTab Technology

A New Chapter Unfolds in Winter Park with the Green Room Café

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OVERVIEW: Aloma Cinema & Grill has been a local icon in Winter Park, Florida, for over four decades. First opening its doors in 1978 as Aloma Drafthouse, the theater pioneered the dine-in cinema concept before it was mainstream, offering moviegoers a casual, flavorful alternative to traditional cinema chains. Today, with three screens and a refreshed food and beverage program led by Executive Chef Adrian Mann, Aloma is rewriting its story for the next generation.

Part of this new chapter is the Green Room Café, a fresh addition offering guests specialty cocktails, chef-crafted lunch specials, and a cozy spot to gather even when they are not seeing a movie. Designed to expand Aloma’s appeal beyond afternoon and evening showtimes, the café reflects the team’s vision to create an all-day destination for Winter Park.

Read on to discover how Florida’s original dine-in theater is stepping into the future without losing its classic soul.

A Legacy of Good Times and Great Movies

Since the day it opened, Aloma Cinema & Grill has been a community cornerstone. “We were one of the first, if not the first, dine-in theaters in Central Florida,” said manager Jim Matthes. “Back then, drive-ins were popular, but we offered something different. And we’ve kept that identity for over 40 years.”

With three screens seating between 50 and 150 guests each, the theater caters to a diverse audience, from retired snowbirds to young families seeking an affordable movie night. Their secret is staying rooted in what works while innovating with each new era.

“People come here because it feels like home,” Matthes shared. “Our ticket prices are the cheapest in town, but it’s not just about a good deal. It’s about having a great time with good food and feeling welcome.”

To bring their upgraded vision to life, Aloma partnered with Tried & True Consulting, a family-owned and operated business led by CEO Donald Wilczynski Jr. Known for their expertise in payments, card processing, and point-of-sale solutions, Tried & True Consulting helps small businesses unlock growth and operational excellence.

“We’ve been working with Don from Tried & True, and he has answered every single one of my texts, no matter what time,” said Matthes. “They were a huge help in making this transition happen smoothly.”

When Aloma decided it was time for an operational upgrade, Tried & True Consulting recommended GoTab, a decision that transformed both the guest experience and the business’s bottom line.

Guests can now order food and drinks right from their seats using mobile ordering, handhelds, and QR codes, creating a seamless experience from the opening credits to the final scene.

Enter GoTab: Modern Tech for a Classic Venue

Aloma Cinema & Grill transitioned to GoTab earlier this year, replacing a legacy POS system they had used since 2017. The switch was not just about updated software. It was about transforming how service happens during a film.

“Our previous system required servers to take an order, walk it back to the kitchen, and then return to the theater,” Matthes explained. “With GoTab’s handheld devices and QR ordering, guests can place orders directly from their seats. It cuts service time in half.”

For guests, that means fewer interruptions and faster food delivery. For staff, it means more streamlined workflows and less back-and-forth. “We’re seeing tip rates go up because the service is smoother and faster,” Matthes said. “And our servers can focus on creating a great experience rather than just running tickets.”

The results speak for themselves. Guests who order via QR code receive their food up to 48 percent faster than those who order traditionally. Average ticket sizes have increased, and server tip rates have gone up significantly.

“Sometimes guests get their drinks or popcorn within 20 seconds,” Matthes said with a laugh. “They’re blown away. They’ll joke, ‘That took long enough,’ and I’ll say, ‘Yeah, a whole 20 seconds.’ They love it.”

Servers are also happier because they can focus on hospitality instead of running back and forth with tickets. Kitchen staff benefit from GoTab’s kitchen display system, which communicates orders clearly, keeps track of stock levels, and improves workflow during busy times.

A Menu That Honors Tradition While Raising the Bar

One key part of Aloma’s revitalization is its food inside the Green Room Café.

Led by Chef Adrian Mann, former executive chef and owner of Dexter’s Winter Park, the theater’s menu has evolved without abandoning crowd favorites. From Chef Adrian’s Serious Caesar Salad to the Southern Dill Chicken Nuggs Sandwich and the famous Dexter Special pressed sandwich, the offerings combine comfort with familiar culinary flair.

“Chef Adrian helped us upgrade the menu without breaking what was working,” Matthes said. “We’re seeing a great return on these additions. Better food brings in the clientele we want, people looking for a quality experience, not just an inexpensive movie night.” 

The addition of the Green Room Café and its specialty cocktail menu has also expanded Aloma’s daytime appeal. Open daily for lunch, the café serves dishes like the Blackened Chicken and Shrimp Salad alongside drinks such as the Showtime Spritz and Espresso Martini.

Why GoTab Was the Right Choice

For Aloma, the shift to GoTab was not only about guest experience. It was a smart financial decision.

“We needed a way to reduce credit card fees and improve efficiency,” Matthes said. “GoTab helped us do both. The teams at Tried & True and GoTab supported us through every step, with an on sight “Success Manager,” from implementation to refining the cinema dining experience.”

As summer ramps up, Aloma Cinema & Grill is poised for one of its busiest seasons yet. May through mid-August accounts for nearly half of its annual sales, making operational efficiency critical.

“Our goal is to keep making this place better for everyone who walks through our doors,” Matthes said. “GoTab helps us do that while staying true to who we are.”

Guests arriving at Aloma are welcomed warmly and guided to their theater. Ticket takers or managers explain the QR ordering system, encouraging guests to order early to avoid having to wait for food. Once seated, guests can place additional orders during the movie without needing to flag down a server, maintaining the immersive film experience.

“The fewer interruptions during the movie, the better,” Matthes said. “With GoTab, guests can order what they want, when they want, without feeling like they’re missing the film.”

Key Takeaways

Venue: Aloma Cinema & Grill, Winter Park, Florida

Opened: 1978

GoTab Tools Used: POS system, QR code ordering, handheld devices, kitchen display system

Implementation Partner: Tried & True Consulting, led by CEO Donald Wilczynski Jr.

Menu Highlights: Chef Adrian’s Serious Caesar Salad, Southern Dill Chicken Nuggs Sandwich, Dexter Special pressed sandwich, specialty cocktails

Guest Experience: Seamless ordering and checkout with faster service and fewer interruptions

Impact:

• Orders via QR arrive up to 48 percent faster
• Higher average ticket sizes
• Increased server tip rates
• Reduced credit card fees
• Improved operational efficiency during peak seasons

Why It Works: GoTab empowers Aloma Cinema & Grill to blend its nostalgic charm with modern technology, ensuring every guest leaves happy and eager to return.

Unique Insight: Unlike many theaters across the country that rely heavily on blockbuster ticket sales alone, Aloma’s revenue strategy is deeply diversified. Nearly half of their annual sales occur between May and mid-August, which includes not only movie ticket and food sales but also special events, senior community partnerships, and their newly launched Green Room Café. This strategic mix of programming and F&B ensures stability even when movie releases slow down, positioning them as both an entertainment venue and a local dining destination.

To learn more, visit Aloma Cinema & Grill’s website.