Drive-In Romance Becomes Lifelong Business Venture

A millennial couple from Pennsylvania, Lauren McChesney and Matt McClanahan, has taken a bold financial step to preserve a piece of American cinematic history. In 2022, the pair pooled their savings and secured a $1 million loan to purchase Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre in Orefield, Pennsylvania—the world’s oldest operating drive-in. Established in 1934 by Wilson Shankweiler, a local hotel owner and movie enthusiast, the venue marked its historical significance as the nation’s second drive-in theater and Pennsylvania’s first. The couple’s decision came after learning that the theater could be sold for redevelopment, prompting them to pursue ownership to ensure its continued operation.

McClanahan, 35, previously managed another drive-in and launched a mobile movie business during the pandemic, while McChesney, 41, transitioned from a stable corporate career in healthcare to embrace this new entrepreneurial endeavor. Their investment was driven by a blend of nostalgia, passion, and a calculated assessment of the market. According to the United Drive-In Theatre Owners Association, the drive-in industry reached its peak in the late 1950s with over 4,000 theaters nationwide. However, the number dwindled rapidly through the 1970s and 1980s due to competition from other forms of entertainment and rising land values. By 2024, only 283 drive-ins remained, underscoring the niche and increasingly rare nature of the business model.

Despite the risks, the couple has turned their venture into a profitable enterprise. The theater has seen strong attendance, particularly during the summer months, with events like Valentine’s Day movie nights and limited-time screenings of high-profile films such as Wicked. The business operates seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with a reduced schedule during the off-season. Ticket prices are set at $9 for children and $13 for adults, aligning with the relatively low-cost, family-friendly nature of the drive-in experience. Their success is reflected in customer testimonials, with regular attendees expressing appreciation for preserving the venue’s historic charm.

The decision to invest in the theater was not merely financial but also personal. McChesney and McClanahan met at another drive-in in 2018, where their romantic relationship began. Their shared passion for the nostalgia and communal experience of drive-in movies became a central factor in their decision to acquire Shankweiler’s. The couple’s engagement in August 2025 was reportedly influenced by the confidence and stability the business had brought to their lives, highlighting the intertwining of personal and professional fulfillment.

The broader context of the drive-in resurgence offers insight into the couple’s timing. The pandemic-driven decline in traditional cinema attendance led to a renewed interest in drive-ins as a safe, contactless alternative. Temporary drive-in setups, such as Carflix Cinemas in Miami and the Bel-Aire Diner’s operation in New York, demonstrated the viability of the format. While many of these were short-term solutions, the long-term sustainability of drive-ins like Shankweiler’s depends on consistent attendance and the ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences. The couple’s success thus far suggests that there is a viable market for preserving and operating these historic theaters, even in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.

Source:

[1] How romance and a road trip led to the purchase ... (https://www.newsday.com/news/nation/drivein-theater-oldest-couple-owners-e96034)

[2] Drive-In Movies Are Making a Big Comeback in the Age of ... (https://nofilmschool.com/drive-in-movie-theater-coronavirus)