The Peoria Journal Star is reporting that the Peoria Theater in Peoria, Illinois will close on September 15, 2011. The two-screen theater is located inside the Landmark Cinemas at the Landmark Recreation Center and was known for their art-house movie selection and the ability to enjoy an alcoholic beverage with the movie.

"We're very disappointed to have to close," said Jay Goldberg of Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment, which runs the venue. "We thought it was going pretty successfully. We were able to draw some great, (independent) first-run films."

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Goldberg said the management of Landmark Recreation Center was willing to renew the theater's lease, but the rent would be raised significantly.

"Unfortunately, the amount of rent they wanted is not doable for an independent film center," he said. "The amount of people who go to see the movies has not been strong enough to afford us to pay more rent. If they would continue to keep the rent the same, we would renew our lease without hesitation."

Bill Lanzotti, general manager of Landmark Recreation Center, said the venture wasn't producing the revenue that was expected over time. Lanzotti also said the space could be better utilized by being returned to Landmark Cinemas, especially during the busy Christmas and summer movie seasons. Landmark may look into creating a dinner-and-a-movie deal with Bullpen Sports Bar, located at the complex, he said.

Lanzotti said Landmark won't likely keep the liquor license.

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It opened in February 2009 and is the only movie theater in Peoria to have a liquor license.