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Cranford Theater: 100 Years of Resilience
3 Oct
Summary
- Cranford Theater marks its centennial anniversary, celebrating 100 years of operation.
- Owner Doreen Sayegh embraced innovation during the pandemic with a drive-in theater.
- The cinema reopened in November 2025 after a ceiling collapse and seven-month closure.
Doreen Sayegh's Cranford Theater, a fixture in Union County, New Jersey, is set to celebrate its centennial anniversary. The cinema, which first opened its doors on November 29, 1926, with a silent film screening, is honoring its rich history.
Sayegh, who learned the business from her father, has been committed to evolving the theater. She creatively navigated challenges, including launching a successful drive-in theater during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite setbacks like a ceiling collapse in April 2025, which led to a seven-month closure, the 99-year-old theater triumphantly reopened on November 26, 2025. The venue now showcases local film productions, benefiting from New Jersey's production boom.
Sayegh draws parallels between the theater's century of resilience and the spirit of perseverance. She aims to continue her family's legacy, with her young daughter already learning the business within the historic walls.
