This couple took a risk by buying a drive-in theatre when it was a dead business: Now it makes $550K a year

Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre was a no-go land for investors. On and off for sale for around 7 years, it was seen as a hugely risky business for anyone to take the plunge.

However, one determined couple decided to take the leap and buy the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania theatre, financing the project through a $1.2 million loan with a down payment of just over $100,000.

Lined with just vision and a lot of, ahem, drive, the once-failing theatre now brings in an estimated $550,000 annually.

“I had the qualifications, we had the background, we had the blueprints to redefine the business — who else was going to do it but us?" It’s safe to say filmmaker Matt McClanahan’s passion is there, as he confidently told CNBC about America’s oldest drive-in.

The duo behind the business transformed more than just the place—they breathed new life into it, leaning on creativity and community spirit as much as they did on the big screen. Approaching the theatre with a mix of nostalgia and modern savvy, the theatre shows classic films alongside newer releases, hosting themed and local events, and carefully curating concessions to enhance the vibe.

Financially speaking, pocketing more than half a million dollars a year on a million-dollar loan is no small feat. And their day-to-day costs are substantial, with movie licensing the biggest taker of their earnings. Other things, such as snacks, bills, and themed decorations also contribute, but staging car shows and craft fairs all help to boost things financially, as well as give them a name in the community.

Their reasonably priced food (this is not a promotional ad, I’ve seen the menu and $2.50 for a drink with a $5.25 hamburger is more than decent in Trump’s economy) along with family atmosphere make it a huge hit over summer with families who bring their children along; in winter the films are catered towards an adult audience as schools return and the cold weather draws in.

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After ending 2023 with $300,000 in revenue, the following year saw them screen over 90 different films and bring in a total revenue of $549,489. Along with his co-owner Lauren McChesney, they earned a combined salary of $36,054 a year.

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