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January 20, 2023

Historic Bijou Theatre gets new owner

PHOTO | CONTRIBUTED The Bijou Theatre in Bridgeport.
By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich

The Bijou Theatre, a mainstay in Bridgeport since 1909, was recently purchased by a Stratford businessman who plans to expand on the venue’s entertainment offerings.

Louie Zayas, owner of Star Factory in Stratford, a kids’ dancing and birthday party venue, recently purchased the Bijou Theatre at 275 Fairfield Ave. for an undisclosed amount. 

Zayas, a Bridgeport native, said he saw the opportunity to bring a new level of activity to the theater’s already vibrant live music and event offerings.

"I am thrilled to be able to preserve such an important piece of Bridgeport's history and to add to the amazing job that previous owner Gary Peterson has done over the past five and a half years,” Zayas said. “I look forward to bringing new opportunities for entertainment to the community.”

PHOTO | CONTRIBUTED

According to Zayas, the theater will continue to host live music, comedy shows and film screenings, but will now also offer a theater program for all ages, expanded Star Factory kids' dance parties and more.

Former Bijou owner Gary Peterson is confident the theater will continue its successful run under Zayas’ direction.

“I could not be happier knowing that this special place will live on in good hands,” Peterson said. “I’m extremely proud of how the business grew during my time here and I’m thrilled that Louie will be taking over the reins. He is the perfect fit and truly loves the theater as much as I do.” 

“Most importantly, he is that rarest of businessmen whose heart is in the right place,” he added. ”I’m eager to watch the Bijou thrive as he brings a new level of excitement to downtown Bridgeport.”

Peterson plans to stay onboard for several months to assist with the transition of the business.

According to its website, the Bijou Theatre is the oldest building in America that opened as a movie and live performance space and is still operating as a movie theater and live entertainment venue. The theater underwent several name changes through the years, including The Rivoli, Downtown Cinema and Downtown Family Cinema, but returned to its original “Bijou” name in 2003, where it remains a 200-seat capacity theater that stages live music, film series, cabarets, weddings and more.

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