Imagine being able to go to the movies without the 25-minute trek to Short Pump. Imagine watching a movie with your family and not having just paid an arm and a leg for snacks and drinks. Now, imagine doing all of that from the comfort of your own car.

John and Kristina Heidel want to bring that dream to a big screen near you, so to speak.

The Heidels are actively searching for a place to open the Goochland Drive-In. With a deep belief in the magic of movies, the two are hoping to bring a piece of Americana back to Goochland.

“This is something that we’re really excited about,” said John. “And this is a project that is about a lot more than just business.”

The vision for the drive-in is pretty simple: give local residents a chance to watch a movie much closer to home while also paying less and still getting a great experience.

John, an entrepreneur who recently sold his cleaning business, and Kristina, a part-time chief financial officer and accountant, share a love of movies. They share a deep love for community and family. Parents to two children—5-year-old Anna and 4-year-old Grant—the Heidels know a thing or two about trying to find fun family activities.

“I just want to have a place where people can go with their families and enjoy the county,” Kristina said. “We love Goochland so much and we think a drive-in would really be in keeping with the rural nature that everyone loves.”

Theoretically, the theater would combine many things that people say they want, namely more economical prices and a great experience. Not only would it provide a retro feel, with styling influences from the 1950s and 60s, but it would combine that atmosphere with state-of-the-art technology in the way of sound and picture.

John said he would like to run it maybe four days a week in the spring and fall, showing double features. Admission would likely be by the car, perhaps $15 to $20 with concessions priced for the family.

The Heidels say they’ve been scouting for some time, looking for the right spot. In talking with members of the community, they say the support has been overwhelming.

“We don’t want to do this unless it’s in the right place,” John said. “We’ve talked with the county about what we’d need and we’ve talked about several potential sites.”

The Heidels envision having a screen that would come down when it’s not in operation. But they also see the theater being a hosting site for classic car shows and potentially other special events.

“There’s something about being able to be in your own car that’s nice,” Kristina said. “Not having that worry, especially with kids around other people, worried they might bother someone, is a big relief.”

In reality, John said the community needs some kind of activity for those of all ages and movies are a universally-enjoyed attraction.

“We just think this is something that makes perfect since in Goochland County,” he added.” 

For more information, visit their Web site at www.goochlanddriveintheater.com.