The historic Pioneer Theater in Manteo, a beloved landmark in the Outer Banks community, has officially been sold. On February 14th, the theater, a cornerstone of entertainment for over a century, was purchased for $500,000 by a partnership of two local families, the Basnights and the Hatchells. This acquisition marks a new chapter for the Pioneer Theater Manteo, ensuring its legacy will continue for generations to come.
The sale comes after Buddy Creef, the previous owner, announced in December the difficult decision to close the theater. For many in Manteo and the surrounding areas, the news was met with sadness, as the Pioneer Theater represented more than just movies; it was a gathering place, a piece of local history, and a cherished community tradition.
Michael Basnight, speaking on behalf of the new owners, confirmed the purchase and expressed the families’ commitment to honoring the theater’s rich history. He emphasized that the name “Pioneer Theater” will be retained, and plans are underway to create a museum-like atmosphere within the venue, celebrating the Creef family’s dedication and the theater’s remarkable journey through time.
“What else would you call it if you are truly trying to preserve it and utilize all the good things that it has given to the community throughout the years?” Basnight stated. “We will be preserving it and all the things we’ve loved about it for 105 years, and that starts with the name. It will forever be the Pioneer Theater.” This commitment to preserving the name underscores the deep respect the new owners have for the theater’s significance in Manteo.
While specific plans for the Pioneer Theater Manteo are still under wraps, Basnight indicated that more details would be revealed soon. The community eagerly awaits news about the future vision for this treasured space, hopeful that it will continue to serve as a vibrant hub in Manteo.
Image: The iconic facade of the Pioneer Theater Manteo, a historic movie cinema in North Carolina, showcasing its marquee. The new owners are dedicated to preserving its cherished name and legacy within the community.
Buddy Creef, in an interview, shared the emotional weight of closing the theater, explaining that it had been operating at a financial loss for two decades. “For the past twenty years, the theater never made money. We would mostly break-even, make a little money here, lose a little money there,” Creef explained, highlighting the dedication to tradition over profit that had sustained the theater for so long. He continued, “I ran the theater the way my dad did. He kept it open for family tradition, community tradition.”
The financial strain, amounting to approximately $50,000 in annual losses in recent years, became unsustainable. Creef attributed these losses to evolving trends in the film industry, shifting entertainment preferences, and increasingly busy lifestyles, all factors exacerbated by the pandemic’s impact. Despite the challenges, Creef’s priority was to find buyers who would honor the Pioneer Theater’s legacy and connection to Manteo.
Creef revealed that numerous potential buyers expressed interest after his announcement. However, for him, it wasn’t simply a business transaction. It was about entrusting a piece of Manteo’s heart to the right hands. “If you’re any kind of person with heart, sentimentality and love for the community, you care about where things go,” Creef emphasized, reflecting his deep connection to the theater and its community.
Fortunately, the Basnight and Hatchell families, with their long-standing ties to the Creef family and deep roots in the Outer Banks, stepped forward. Creef expressed immense relief and optimism about the future of the Pioneer Theater Manteo under their ownership. “I feel very positive and very happy with the direction that this project is going. I’m happy as hell,” Creef declared. He acknowledged the changing times and the unsustainability of the previous operating model, stating, “Continuing it as we did it is no longer viable…I’m glad that we found somebody with local ties and local roots that is interested in carrying on and preserving the tradition of what we have done while always honoring the theater and our family.”
The sale of the Pioneer Theater Manteo to these local families signals a promising future for this iconic venue. As Manteo looks ahead, there is a collective sense of optimism that the Pioneer Theater will not only be preserved but will also evolve to continue serving as a vital part of the community’s cultural landscape for many years to come.
