Your Guide to the Stars: Transit Drive-In Shares Pricing, Policies, and Tips for a Perfect Night Out

The Show Goes On: Four Generations of Cohen Family Keep Transit Drive-In a WNY Icon

Clarence, NY – For nearly a century, the Cohen family has been a cinematic cornerstone of Western and Central New York, transforming a passion for film into a multi-generational legacy.

Today, their flagship, the Transit Drive-In in Clarence, stands as a vibrant testament to resilience and innovation, thriving under the stewardship of the family's third and fourth generations.

The story begins in 1925, when Irving Cohen met Mary Gossin in Rochester, New York. Their courtship, marked by ice skating, canoeing, and movie dates, led to their marriage in February 1926. Just a year later, in 1927, they ventured into the movie business, purchasing their first theater in the small town of Wayland, New York.

Irving and Mary Cohen. 1926

Irving and Mary's pioneering spirit soon saw them acquire or build other theaters across the region, including the Strand in Hornell, the Plaza in Corning, and another in Mount Morris. While building their theater empire, they also raised a family of two sons, Gary and Macy, and a daughter, Jacqueline, demonstrating a remarkable balance of business acumen and family dedication.

The Stueben Theatre in Hornell, New York

A significant milestone was reached in 1937 with the construction of their first new indoor theater, the Steuben in Hornell, which was celebrated at the time as one of the Northeast's most beautiful venues. Their expansion continued with the purchase of Buffalo's historic Allendale Theater in 1940. Recognizing the growing popularity of outdoor cinema, they built the Van Buren Drive-in in Dunkirk in 1949, followed by the Sheridan Drive-in in Tonawanda in 1950.

The Transit Drive-In, however, would become the enduring heart of their operation. Purchased in 1957 from a group of Buffalo businessmen, it quickly became a central focus for the family. Irving and Mary's older son, Gary, managed the Transit from 1957 to 1963, before passing the torch to his younger brother, Macy, who ran it from 1963 to 1986. Macy notably expanded the parking capacity from 600 to 990 cars by 1973 and introduced in-car heaters, allowing for a 12-month schedule from 1972 to 1977.

The Transit Drive-In's journey hasn't been without its trials. A devastating wind storm in December 1971 toppled the original screen tower, promptly replaced by the impressive 98' x 60' Selby screen. Just two years later, a fire forced the closure of the concession building on September 8th, 1973. Yet, Macy Cohen's unwavering resolve echoed through the community: "The show will go on!"

The most significant challenges, however, emerged in the 1980s and 90s with the rise of cable television, pay-per-view, video rentals, and modern multiplexes, threatening to relegate drive-ins to the annals of history.

Three generations of the Cohen Family have owned the Transit Drive in. Macy, Mary, and Rick Cohen

Despite these headwinds, the Cohen family's deep roots in the business continued. Macy's oldest son, David, managed the drive-in from 1979 to 1983, and his daughter, Linda, oversaw the snack bar from 1984 to 1986. Even extended family, like Jacqueline's son Rodney, spent summers getting "a taste of the family business experience." In 2006, David's son, Aaron, became the fourth generation of Cohens to work at the drive-in, ensuring the legacy lived on.

The true revitalization of the Transit Drive-In can largely be attributed to Macy's youngest son, Rick Cohen, who took over management in 1987. At just 19, Rick faced skepticism, recalling amusement at being told "the drive-in was a dinosaur, a thing of the past, and that we'd never see the nights with over 1,000 admissions again."

Undeterred, Rick embarked on an aggressive campaign to modernize and invigorate the experience. He converted the theater to FM stereo sound, installed a platter film system for superior projection quality, repainted all the original speaker poles, and meticulously rebuilt the iconic 1950s neon marquee, even handling his neon repairs.

Beyond technical upgrades, Rick injected a burst of excitement with a slew of special events: car shows, dusk 'til dawn movie marathons, movie premieres, even velcro wall jumping, hay rides, pony rides, concerts, and contests. This renewed dedication to quality and entertainment paid off. Crowds began to return, and in 1991, the Transit Drive-In welcomed over 2,000 admissions for a single showing of "Die Hard 2."

Buy a ticket to the Transit Drive-in, and see a beautiful sunset, no extra charge!

The vision for growth continued. In 1994, a second outdoor screen was added, followed by "The Greens Under The Screen," a 19-hole miniature golf course, in 1995. A third screen tower was erected in 1996, and on June 29, 2001, the Transit Drive-In cemented its status as the largest drive-in theater in New York State with the opening of its fourth screen.

Today, as the Transit Drive-In celebrates its 56th summer of "Movies and Fun Under the Stars," nights with over 1,000 admissions are virtually a weekend standard. Patrons are advised to arrive up to an hour early to secure prime spots, enjoy the playground, play miniature golf, dine at the refreshment stand, or soak in a beautiful sunset – an added bonus at no extra charge.

Rick Cohen, now in his 21st season managing the drive-in, remains dedicated to the unique magic of outdoor cinema. He light-heartedly dismisses the notion of an end to his tenure, quipping about being put "away in a white room with padded walls.

" His favorite sayings reflect his passion: "The world doesn't need any more doctors, lawyers, or accountants. What it needs are more dedicated, loyal drive-in theater managers." And, of course, the classic "Would you like butter topping on that?", "Vans park in the back rows!!", and "Please don't let it rain this weekend!"

Irving Cohen with wife Mary and son Macy, breaking ground for the new Steuben Theatre in Hornell, New York, in 1937.

The Cohen family's legacy with the Transit Drive-In is more than just a business story; it's a testament to enduring vision, adaptability, and the timeless appeal of a shared cinematic experience under the open sky. As the warmer weather beckons and the allure of classic outdoor entertainment grows, the beloved Transit Drive-In has released its updated ticket pricing, a comprehensive list of rules, and answers to frequently asked questions, aiming to ensure a stellar and seamless experience for all moviegoers this season.

Ticket Pricing for Every Film Fan:

The Transit Drive-In continues to offer an affordable evening of entertainment for families and individuals alike. General admission for adults (12 and older) is $12.00. Children aged 5-11 can enjoy the double feature for $8.00, while the youngest movie buffs, ages four and under, receive FREE admission.

For those looking to catch just the tail end of the cinematic action, a "Second Feature Only" ticket is available for $9.00, valid 30 minutes before the start of the second movie. Please note that ticket prices and showtimes are subject to change without notice, particularly for special engagements where discounts may not be applicable.

Rules of the Road for a Smooth Experience:

To maintain a safe, fun, and respectful environment for all patrons, the Transit Drive-In has outlined clear rules of conduct. Upon entering, guests agree to abide by these guidelines, with non-compliance potentially resulting in forfeiture of their right to remain on the premises. Key rules include:

• Proof of Admission: Guests must prominently display their Box Office Handout Sheet on their vehicle's dashboard and retain their admission receipt at all times. Failure to produce a receipt when requested will lead to immediate departure without a refund.

  
  

• Screen Specificity: Tickets are valid ONLY for the movies shown on the designated screen. Switching screens or attempting to view a film without the proper ticket is strictly prohibited and will result in ejection.

  
  

• Parking Protocol: Follow all instructions from parking lot attendants. Larger vans and trucks may be directed to designated areas, and raised hatches must be tied down to the roof level. Vehicles are allowed one parking spot, and drivers are advised to park carefully near the poles to prevent damage, as the Drive-In is not responsible for vehicle damage caused by parking poles.

  
  

• Speed Limit & Conduct: A strict 10 MPH speed limit is enforced for everyone's safety. Obscene language, laser pointers, and disruptive behavior (loud voices, horns, radios) are not tolerated and may lead to ejection without a refund.

  
  

• Prohibited Activities: Cooking, grilling, or any other form of food preparation on the property is strictly prohibited. Vehicle lighting (headlights, parking lights, interior lights) must remain off during the movie showing without exception.

  
  

• Re-entry & Refunds: No same-night re-entry is permitted. Patrons leaving the drive-in will be charged the full admission price to re-enter. Cash refunds and rain checks are not issued, with the sole exception being cancellations due to dense fog that obscures the screen (passes are given only with ticket stubs).

  
  

• Smoking Policy: For the health and comfort of all, smoking is strictly prohibited in all parking areas (including inside vehicles), walkways, the playground, and within 25 feet of any building. Designated smoking areas are located on the grass along the outside perimeter of the parking area.

  
  

• Walk, Don't Drive: Guests are required to walk to the refreshment stand or restrooms unless they are handicapped.

  
  

Frequently Asked Questions - Planner's Guide:

For a hassle-free visit, the Drive-In addresses common inquiries:

• Movie Lineup: The movie schedule is typically finalized by Monday or Tuesday afternoon, preceding the upcoming weekend, based on previous attendance and negotiations with film studios. The confirmed lineup is emailed to newsletter subscribers on Wednesdays.

  
  

• Movie Pairing: The Drive-In strives to pair complementary films, usually a first-run feature with a more affordable second feature, often from the same studio, to offer a cost-effective double feature.

  
  

• Pets: Well-behaved, leashed pets are allowed, but owners are responsible for cleaning up after them. Unruly or menacing pets may result in the owner being asked to leave the premises.

  
  

• Arrival Time: On busy weekends (especially Friday and Saturday with good weather), arriving early is highly recommended. The ticket office opens at 7:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 8:00 PM on Sundays through Thursdays. During peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day), the Drive-In can sell out as early as 45 minutes before showtime.

  
  

• Rain Policy: Movies are shown rain or shine, and no refunds or rain checks are issued due to inclement weather. The only exception is dense fog that makes viewing impossible.

  
  

• Sound: The Drive-In utilizes state-of-the-art FM stereo broadcasts. Guests tune their car's FM radio to the designated frequency. Portable, battery-operated FM radios can also be used.

  
  

By understanding these guidelines and preparing accordingly, moviegoers can look forward to another memorable season at the Transit Drive-In. The management encourages patrons to visit their official website or subscribe to their newsletter for the latest movie lineups and any updates. Get ready to dim the lights, tune in, and enjoy cinematic magic under the night sky!