11/06/2026
💡Member Spotlight💡
GQT Oxford 7 Brings New Energy, Connections, and the Golden Bucket to Downtown Oxford
For generations of moviegoers, a trip to the theater has been about more than watching a movie. It is about making memories, spending time with family, and enjoying a little escape from everyday life. At GQT Oxford 7, new manager Richard Forton is working to keep that tradition alive while finding new ways to make the local theater an even bigger part of the Oxford community.
Richard joined the theater in April, taking on the role of bringing fresh attention to the longtime local destination. Since then, he and the team have been working to improve the theater, explore new offerings, and create more reasons for people to stop by, whether they are catching a movie or simply picking up a snack.
One of the newest offerings is the Golden Bucket, a reusable popcorn bucket designed to give customers a reason to return even when they aren't seeing a movie. Launched November 1, the bucket is available for a one-time purchase of $24.95 plus tax. Customers can bring it back throughout the year for discounted refills. Refills are $2.50 through January 1, then $3.00. Rewards members can also enjoy $1 refills during matinee hours. Golden Bucket quantities are limited and expected to sell out quickly.
The idea is simple: make the theater a convenient stop while enjoying everything downtown Oxford has to offer.
Richard hopes to continue expanding the theater's offerings, too. Future plans being explored include adding hot food options, additional entertainment amenities, and eventually updating the building's exterior signage and appearance. Longer-term possibilities include more comfortable seating while maintaining the theater's familiar, hometown atmosphere. "We want everyone to come in and have the full experience and make a memory, rather than just stopping to see a movie because you need something to do," Richard said.
That community-minded approach extends beyond the regular movie schedule. GQT Oxford 7 has partnered with Journey Lutheran Church and Common Ground Cinema on discounted movie events that encourage attendees to gather afterward for conversations about the films and their themes. The theater also offers birthday party packages and private theater rentals, including opportunities for groups to show personal videos, home movies, or locally produced films.
For Richard, seeing families come together is one of the best parts of the job. "My favorite time is when we have a new kids' movie out and you get to see the whole family come at the theater," he said. "It's not just the parents and the kids, they've got aunts and uncles and everybody coming together." Families with younger children can also look forward to the theater's popular summer movie program, which offers $2 movies and an affordable way to get out of the house during summer break.
As the theater looks toward the future, Richard wants residents to know that GQT Oxford 7 is open to more than just movie nights. Whether it's a birthday celebration, a community event, a family outing, or a quick popcorn stop, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the space.
To see current movies, showtimes, and theater information, visit gqtmovies.com/gqt-oxford-7. Keep an eye on the theater's website and social media for upcoming events, seasonal offerings, and future announcements.