Much of the food at SMG is finger food, which I appreciated given patrons eat in the dark. (The word is out on whether this “technique” is part of their employee training.) Unlike traditional theaters with long continuous rows of seating, seats at SMG are sectioned off into two, three, or four chair groups, so the servers can easily take orders (which they punch into smart phones) and deliver food throughout the movie without bothering other patrons. Waiters dress in head-to-toe black and simultaneously crouch and walk so as not to obstruct the view of the screen. Though the food is not gourmet, there’s something luxurious about having waiters at your beck and call at the simple press of a button.

There are pizzas, burgers, salads, and tacos, plus several desserts and cocktails. While you can still order a giant tub of popcorn, the food at SMG is several steps above your typical movie theater grub. Speaking of the theater seats, these ones are plush and recline slightly, and each seat has a personal-sized swiveling table top, complete with a cup holder and a red “power button” that signals the SMG team you’re ready for service.

SMG movie tickets can be purchased online or at the front desk, and seating is selected at the time of purchase (so there’s no need to rush to the theater to score a good spot). The idea is not new to Charlotte, but SMG’s approach is more casual and family-friendly than its predecessor. Studio Movie Grill (SMG), which recently opened in Charlotte’s Epicentre (in the spot formerly occupied by Mez), takes all that we love about this classic combo and mashes them into one in-theater dining concept. And touch? Well, I’ll leave that one up to you. It’s a combination that appeals to all the senses-the sights and sounds of the film, the smells and taste of the food. Whether it’s a hot date, a night out with friends, or a family outing, few will object to dinner and a movie.

Studio movie grill margaritaville