[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 195 (Tuesday, November 28, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S5638]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                       RECOGNIZING ROYAL THEATERS

 Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, Idaho small businesses are the 
backbone of our economy and the lifeblood of our communities, but 
rising costs and inflation have brought increased challenges to Main 
Street establishments across our state. This holiday season, I am proud 
to relaunch Support Local Gems All Season Long, a holiday revival of 
the statewide Support Local Gems initiative, which encourages Idahoans 
to do their holiday shopping at the small businesses that make the Gem 
State special. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee 
on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor Royal 
Theaters as one of Idaho's Local Gems.
  With two locations in Idaho Falls and one in Blackfoot, Royal 
Theaters is beloved by southeast Idaho's moviegoers. Kent and Ingrid 
Lott purchased the Centre Theater, originally a 1913 Vaudeville 
Theater, in 1993. Once a single-screen theater, the Lotts turned the 
balcony into a second theater 3 years after its opening. Royal 
Theaters' second Idaho Falls location boasts four screens, while the 
Lotts' Blackfoot location houses seven.
  The Lotts' passion for the movie business is evident in their 
renovation projects throughout the years. In 2013, Royal Theaters 
upgraded the 35mm film projectors to digital projectors. In their 
latest project, the Lotts remodeled both Idaho Falls locations with 
stadium seating and VIP seats. For more than 30 years, Royal Theaters 
has offered a special moviegoing experience for southeast Idaho.
  Congratulations to the Lott family and the employees at Royal 
Theaters. You are an outstanding example of what it means to be one of 
Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great State proud, and I look forward 
to your continued growth and success.

                          ____________________