AMENIA — The Four Brothers Drive-In quietly opened its 2026 season with a “soft launch,” offering a family-friendly double feature on Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28, while signaling a broader push to keep the experience affordable amid economic uncertainty.
Though the towering movie screen was back in action last weekend, casting a glow over downtown Amenia, the full property — including The Shack, mini golf, and the Hotel Caravana airstreams— will officially open April 17.
“We always want to be affordable and accessible,” owner John Stefanopoulos said. “With everything going on — the economy, the war and changes to the movie business — we decided to lower our prices this year.”
General admission has dropped from $15 to $12 for adults and from $10 to $8 for children.
“It’s a great bargain to watch one or two movies and enjoy an experience that’s communal, exciting and fun for adults, kids and even dogs,” he added.
Founded by four Greek immigrant brothers who arrived in the U.S. in the early 1970s, Four Brothers grew from a single Connecticut pizzeria into a regional chain over the following decades, building a loyal following around family recipes, including its signature pizza and Greek dressing.
The drive-in was added 14 years ago and has continued to evolve beyond movies,leaning into what has become a hallmark of the Stefanopoulos family’s brand — a mix of nostalgia, hospitality and playful reinvention.
“It wouldn’t be us if we didn’t try something new,” Stefanopoulos said.
That experimentation is especially evident in the menu, which manager Tom Stefanopoulos said will take center stage this season.
“The really cool part of the drive-in is our food component, and this year we’re pushing hard on the menu,” he said.
New this year, guests will be able to access rotating, limited-time menu items through a QR code featured on menus. The code links to playful multimedia content revealing surprise offerings — a strategy designed to keep visitors engaged and coming back.
Among the debut items will be a pork katsu sandwich — a crispy fried pork cutlet served on fresh bread with a house-made special mayo and a touch of hoisin sauce, blending Greek and Asian influences in a creative, out-of-the-box offering.
“We’re trying to have fun with it,” Tom said. “It keeps our guests interacting with us, gives them something new each time they come, and keeps everyone surprised.”
“It’s very on brand with who we are,” John said. “We’re always finding different ways to create an experience.”
The drive-in will also bring back its weekly Throwback Thursday programming, often featuring live music and guest appearances, along with returning favorites like lobster rolls — now joined this season by a new spicy truffle variation.
“We joke that we’ve become the lobster kings,” John joked, adding that they find it funny that they set out to offer Greek-style pizza but have become more well-known, at least in the summer months, for their lobster rolls.
A new “Dubai” shake and sundae — featuring pistachio and chocolate flavors inspired by Mediterranean influences — will also be available for the first time.
Beyond the food and film, updates are underway across the property. The Hotel Caravana Airstreams will undergo slight renovations, offering a glamping experience for people wishing to stay on the property. They will feature new furniture and decor to make the space relevant and fresh.
The outdoor dining area will also feature new patio furniture, with a more lounge-like section where adults can hang out for drinks.
As always, movie schedules will be announced on a monthly basis. The Shack will open on April 17, and by May, the venue will be open seven days a week.
“For us, and for our staff, it’s a really special place to work,” John said. “You feel the energy of summer — the movie starting, cars and people pouring in, the music, the whole scene.”
Over the years, the atmosphere has drawn its share of celebrities, including Ethan Hawke, Jason Blum, Liam Neeson and Lin Manuel Miranda.
As the drive-in marks its 14th season — and the restaurant approaches 50 years — the family sees the moment as both a milestone and a continuation.
“With America’s 250th birthday on the horizon, it’s wild to think we’ve been serving our Greek-American style of pizza for about twenty percent of that time,” John said.
Learn more at playeatdrink.com.
Pay Bill for Robin Starr’s service in the Continental Army.Courtesy the Alex Breanne Corporation
John Mills speaking at Quinnipiac University.Courtesy the Alex Breanne Corporation
Stephanie Saetta,with her rescue dog George and Blue (left), a shepherd mix awaiting his forever home.Madi Long
