Who We Are
Experience the unparalleled theater experience built on over a century of dedication, now powering positive change in the San Antonio community through every purchase.
THE SANTIKOS STORY
For over 100 years, the Santikos family has produced an unparalleled theater experience. But
you won’t find their greatest story listed on the marquee. It lies within the Santikos name,
their passion for helping others, and is rooted in San Antonio.
By the age of 19, Louis Santikos had left his home in Athens, Greece for central Texas. In
the moments between stocking shelves and bagging canned goods at a local grocery store,
Louis noticed something – lines of people waiting outside the Rex Theatre across the street.
Realizing the potential, he worked to save whatever he could. And in 1911, Louis purchased
that same theater, launching a legacy that would last for generations.
As all our tenants and moviegoers know, the origin story is only the beginning of the epic
journey and over the next few decades, the founder’s son, John L. Santikos, would expand the
business into over a dozen locations. By merging leading-edge technology with a comfortable
atmosphere, John established Santikos as the premiere theatrical experience in the area.
As John L. Santikos grew the theater business John also recognized the importance of creating value through real estate investment and development. Santikos Real Estate consists of retail, office, multi-family, industrial, theater, land, and hotel assets in the San Antonio and national markets. Focused on outstanding service to its tenants and growth, Santikos Real Estate is committed to maximizing value of its real estate holdings.
During his living years, John made significant donations to local organizations and developed consistent partnerships with local arts organizations and charitable groups. But it was in his passing that John’s legacy would truly be realized. John would gift the bulk of his estate to the San Antonio Area Foundation. Now, Santikos Entertainment – and its more than 1,500 employees – functions solely for the benefit of the San Antonio community.
Under the guidance of the Area Foundation, profits from every purchase made at a Santikos location go directly to fund area nonprofits that benefit people in need, education, arts and culture, and medical research.
For 87 years, it was John’s passion for entertaining that built Santikos Entertainment. But
it is because of his commitment to giving and the patronage of moviegoers like you that it
lives on.
Thank you for helping us write our story.
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