Over the past decade, the Iowa-based Fridley Theatres chain has been working to reduce its small-town footprint to focus on its multiplex operations in the state’s larger communities. The single-screen Riviera Theatre in downtown Emmetsburg is one of the latest cinemas to transfer ownership, as local businessmen purchased the theatre in late April 2010. The theatre was closed for a couple of weeks to allow improvements to the 1930s-era building, including new sound and projection systems.

In addition to first-run movies, which are shown seven days weekly, the theatre can be rented out to groups and organizations for parties, meetings, and more. During the college football season, free parties have been held for community members to watch the Iowa Hawkeyes for free on the big theatre screen.