NORTH CAROLINA: Cinema Opens to Rave Reviews in Shelby

Shelby, N.C. – Hull Storey Retail Group, the owner of the Cleveland Mall in Shelby, North Carolina, and Carmike Cinemas (Nasdaq “CKEC”), one of the largest theatre operators in the U.S. nationally, are pleased to announce that a new state-of-the-art, 10-screen, all stadium seating theater opened Friday, August 27^th at the front of the Cleveland Mall.

The new facility offers the ultimate movie-going experience. Featuring approximately 1,250 seats, all 10 auditoriums feature stadium seating and plush, high-backed seats, allowing for comfort as well as unobstructed sight lines for patrons.  Each auditorium is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and digital sound.  Each auditorium features wall-to-wall screens.  Each screen is slightly curved allowing an even disbursement of light, resulting in a crisper and clearer picture than on traditional flat screens.

“Moviegoers at the new Carmike Cinema at Cleveland Mall will experience unparalleled comfort, quality, service and convenience,” said Fred Van Noy, chief operating officer of Carmike Cinemas.  “Our new generation of Carmike theaters provides industry-leading amenities, the highest quality film presentation, and a comfortable, hometown atmosphere.  It’s a great fit with the outstanding regional location provided by the Cleveland Mall in Shelby.  The people of Cleveland County and the surrounding area will be pleased with our newest theater.  We have operated in Cleveland County for over 20 years.”

 “With the opening of the new 10-screen Carmike theatre, we are delighted to offer a first-class entertainment venue for the region while improving the quality of life for residents of Shelby and Cleveland County,” explained Hull Storey Retail Group Managing Partner Jim Hull.  “We look forward to further strengthening our community relationships and contributing to the economic growth of the area.  We understand how important it is to have a vibrant and prosperous regional mall as the gateway to this community.  The mall today provides over 400 jobs and is a top-ten employer in Cleveland County.  Cleveland Mall through sales and ad valorem taxes is one of the largest taxpayers in Cleveland County.”

Cleveland Mall, owned and managed by Hull Storey Retail Group, totals 387,000 square feet of retail space.  As the largest retail center in the region, Cleveland Mall has approximately 40 specialty stores and three major department stores: Belk, Sears, and Goody’s. 

Headquartered in Augusta, Ga., Hull Storey Retail Group (www.hullstorey.com) is one of the largest owners of retail properties in the Southeast with a portfolio of over 9 million square feet, with 46 retail centers including 15 enclosed malls in 37 cities across North & South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Texas and Florida.  Hull Storey has a consistent record of property redevelopment and improvement as well as a demonstrated commitment to building strong community relationships to foster economic development.

Carmike Cinemas, Inc. operates 291 theatres with 2,229 screens in 36 states as of June 30, 2004.  Carmike’s market focus for its theatre locations is small to mid-size communities with populations of fewer than 100,000.  The company’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market under the ticker symbol “CKEC.”  For more information on Carmike, visit www.carmike.com.