FORNEY, TX (January 21, 2026) — EVO Entertainment has officially broken ground in Forney, marking the start of construction on a major new entertainment destination. The January 20 groundbreaking celebration brought together community leaders, development partners, and local stakeholders to commemorate the milestone. Slated to open this Fall, the 82,000-square-foot venue will bring movies, dining, and interactive attractions together under one roof, creating a new gathering place for Forney and surrounding communities.

The new EVO Entertainment Forney location will feature 9 theaters, including 1 IMAX® auditorium and 2 EVX® auditoriums, alongside a full-service bar and restaurant, event and conference spaces, and an upper-level lounge area. Beyond the big screen, guests can expect 22 bowling lanes, 125+ arcade games, rock climbing walls, a multi-level ropes course, bumper cars, and laser tag, with additional experiences planned.

Forney City Council member Zahnd Schlensker emphasized the deeper meaning behind the project and its connection to the community. In Forney, she noted, the phrase “Forney Family” represents a shared belief in togetherness and legacy—values she sees reflected in EVO Entertainment.

“In Forney, we talk a lot about ‘Forney Family,’ and that spirit truly matters here,” said Schlensker. “EVO embodies that same sense of family—not just for the Mitchell family, but for the entire Forney community. With deep roots tied to this town, it means so much that those roots have led EVO to choose Forney. This project is about honoring the past while creating a place where new memories will be made for generations to come.”

For EVO Entertainment, the Forney location is both a strategic expansion and a personal one. CEO Mitchell Roberts highlighted the significance of bringing the brand to a community deeply connected to the company’s history. The Forney venue honors the legacy of Lee Roy Mitchell, Founder and Former Chairman of the board of Cinemark and Robert’s grandfather, a proud Forney native who helped shape the modern cinema industry—making EVO’s return to the city a meaningful full-circle moment.

“Forney holds a special place in our story, and bringing EVO to this community is incredibly meaningful,” Roberts said. “This venue represents everything we believe in—creating spaces where people can connect, celebrate, and make lasting memories together. We’re honored to invest in Forney and can’t wait to welcome the community later this fall.”

The development is part of The Village at Gateway, where bringing premier entertainment options to Forney has long been a priority. Brian Murphy of Edge Realty Partners shared enthusiasm for EVO joining the project, noting that the addition aligns perfectly with the vision for the area.

“Delivering premier entertainment options to the Forney community has been a key objective for The Village at Gateway,” said Murphy. “We’re excited to announce that EVO Entertainment will be joining the project.”

The January 20 groundbreaking event marked the official start of construction and celebrated the future of entertainment in Forney alongside city leaders, development partners, and community members.

For more information about EVO Entertainment and upcoming announcements, visit www.evo.co and follow EVO Entertainment on social media.

About EVO Entertainment
Austin-based Elevate Entertainment Group creates boundary-pushing entertainment destinations that connect people through the power of shared experiences. The Elevate Entertainment Group portfolio of brands includes EVO Cinemas, EVO Entertainment, and Elevate Rewards. The organization offers a broad slate of activities including movies, bowling, games, and private event hosting. Guests can enjoy refined food and beverages from their scratch kitchens and bars while immersing themselves in a variety of entertainment options for everyday fun.


For additional information please contact:
Felicia Curits, Elevate Entertainment Group
fcurtis@elevategroup.com