Paragon Movie Theaters at CocoWalk (Paragon Grove 13), the all- new entertainment complex located in the heart of Coconut Grove finalized “phase two” of their concept– The Backlot Wine Bar & Lounge. With a grand opening on January 14th, The Backlot is “the perfect movie companion”, featuring a variety of international wines and beer as well as small plate food offerings such as cheese boards, flatbreads, and desserts. The Backlot also houses the much-anticipated “Prestige Audi Private Screening Room”. The Screening Room, with its 25’ Jumbo Screen, will host a variety of free public events and live TV broadcasts and will be available to book for private parties and screenings. Parking for Backlot and Paragon guests is $2 in the Cocowalk garage.

Over the next couple of weeks, The Backlot will host a sneak preview of the wine bar as well as free programming in the private screening room including the NFL playoffs, Miami Heat games, and classic films viewings. Future events include parties for Grammy Awards and The Academy Awards. Visit www.BacklotBar.com for the full schedule of events.

Paragon Grove 13 opened its doors in June after a $4 million dollar renovation to the existing complex that included all-stadium (and reserved) seating, all-digital Sony 4k projection, 3D screens, a complete floor to ceiling “face lift”, and an updated concession stand serving beer and wine. “We wanted to open the theater as quickly as possible because we knew the local residents and business were suffering with out one, but our premier concept always included more. We’re so excited to see the full vision come to fruition,” explains Mike Whalen, Paragon’s CEO. He continues, “Our amenity package creates the best theater going experience in Miami, at a price point similar to other Miami theaters. We’ve established a unique ‘companion’ to the theater where our audience can enjoy a drink and a bite before or after a movie, watch a game at our bar or a viewing in our screening room, or host a private event in a way that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the market.”

Mirroring the modern design of the theater and in support of local artists, Paragon commissioned famed Miami pop-artist Stephen Gamson to create exclusive pieces for the Backlot space. “It is often at a movie theater where new friendships are forged, taste is defined and our minds can travel. My art relates to pop culture and communication, therefore, I am especially excited to be a part of this experience,” says Gamson of the exciting installation.

The Prestige Audi Screening Room, a partnership with the country’s number one Audi dealership, will serve as an exciting entertainment venue. A permanent calendar of events will include weekly classic and foreign film nights, art presentations, concerts and live TV broadcasts such as Miami Heat games and American Idol. Additionally, patrons can rent out the venue for private parties, screenings, sports viewings, or meetings. “I can’t think of anywhere else you can see a UM game on a 25’ Jumbo Screen during the day and watch a screening of the Godfather at night,” says Whalen.

Visit www.paragontheaters.com or www.backlotbar.com for more information.

Photographs by Betty Alvarez copyright 2011