If you’ve lived around Butler County for a while, you probably still call it the Cobb movie theater Liberty Township. Honestly, it’s just one of those names that stuck, like how some people still call Macy’s "Lazarus." But if you drive up to Liberty Center today, you’re not going to see that red-and-white Cobb logo staring back at you. Things have changed. A lot.
The story of this theater is basically a timeline of the modern cinema industry’s wild ride. It started as a high-end dream by Cobb Theatres, got swallowed up by a global giant, survived a literal pandemic that almost killed the "dinner and a movie" concept, and as of January 2026, it’s entering a brand-new era under B&B Theatres.
It’s kinda crazy how much has happened in that one building.
The Identity Crisis of Cobb Liberty Luxury 15
When the theater first opened at Liberty Center, it was a massive deal. It wasn't just a place to see a movie; it was a "luxury" experience. You had the Cobb Liberty Luxury 15 on one side and the CinéBistro on the other.
The CinéBistro side was the fancy one—strictly 21 and over after a certain time, with full-service dining right at your seat. You could order a Wagyu burger and a glass of Cabernet while watching a blockbuster. The "Luxury 15" side was for families, but even then, it had the leather recliners that made your living room couch look like a park bench.
Then came the first big shift. In 2017, CMX Cinemas (a subsidiary of the Mexican giant Cinemex) bought out Cobb Theatres. Suddenly, the name on the building changed to CMX, though most of us kept calling it Cobb.
Why the "Cobb" Name Won't Die
People still search for the Cobb movie theater Liberty Township because that brand represented the peak of the Liberty Center "honeymoon phase." It was the anchor. When the theater struggled during the 2020 bankruptcies—CMX actually filed for Chapter 11—locals were genuinely worried.
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But it stayed open. It rebranded. It evolved.
The Big 2026 Switch: B&B Theatres Takes the Wheel
If you try to go see a movie this week, you might notice some construction tape. B&B Theatres officially took over the lease from CMX in early January 2026. This isn't just a name change on the letterhead; they are ripping things out and starting over.
B&B is currently the fifth-largest theater chain in the country, and they are bringing tech to Liberty Township that wasn't there before. Honestly, the CMX era felt a little stagnant toward the end. The screens were fine, but the "wow" factor had dipped.
Here is what is actually changing right now:
- ScreenX is coming. This is that 270-degree wraparound screen where the movie literally bleeds onto the side walls. It's immersive, and kinda disorienting if you aren't ready for it.
- 4DX Motion. They are installing seats that move, vibrate, and even spray a little mist or scent depending on what’s happening on screen.
- The "screenPlay" area. This is a massive win for parents. It’s a dedicated theater for kids with a full playground inside the auditorium. You let them burn off energy for 20 minutes before the movie starts.
- Grand Screen. Their version of IMAX or Dolby—basically just a giant, wall-to-wall PLF (Premium Large Format) screen.
The theater actually shut down for a "dark period" in early January 2026 for staff training and system swaps, but it’s reopening in phases. If you head there today, you’ll see the B&B branding, but the full renovations won't be "finished-finished" until summer 2026.
Is the "Dinner-in-Theater" Vibe Still There?
This is the question everyone asks. "Can I still get my burger?"
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Yes, but it looks different. B&B is known for their Sterling’s or Johnnie’s restaurant concepts. They’ve traditionally kept the "dine-in" spirit alive, but they tend to be a bit more streamlined than the old CinéBistro model.
The old CMX Liberty Luxury 15 setup had a massive bar and grill that you could eat at even if you weren't seeing a movie. B&B is keeping that "public-facing" restaurant energy. You’ll still be able to grab a drink and take it into the theater, but the days of the formal, white-tablecloth-style CinéBistro service are mostly transitioning into a more modern, high-end "Concession Plus" experience.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Location
One of the biggest misconceptions is that the theater is "failing" because the name keeps changing.
That's not really the case. The movie theater at Liberty Center is actually one of the higher-performing suburban theaters in the Cincinnati-Dayton corridor. The changes are more about corporate consolidation. Cobb was bought by CMX because CMX wanted to expand in the US. CMX moved on from the Liberty Center location because B&B Theatres offered a more aggressive renovation plan that the mall owners (Centennial) felt matched the current "entertainment-first" vibe of the center.
It’s a business chess match.
Parking and Logistics (The Real Pain Points)
Look, if you're going to the movie theater Liberty Township, you know the parking situation is... an adventure.
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Pro tip: Don't even try to park on the street in front of the theater unless it’s a Tuesday morning. It’s a trap.
Your best bet is the Taylor Garage or the surface lots behind the AC Hotel. If you’re going to the theater, the garage is the way to go because it has a direct walkway. Just remember which floor you parked on. I’ve seen way too many people wandering around with their key fobs clicking at nothing after a 3-hour Marvel movie.
What to Expect Next
If you are planning a visit in early 2026, keep these things in mind:
- Check the app. Don't rely on old Fandango links. Download the B&B Theatres app. Since the transition is fresh, some third-party sites are still showing "CMX" showtimes that might not be accurate.
- The Rewards Program. If you had a CMX reward balance, it’s likely gone. You’ll want to sign up for Backstage Pass (B&B’s loyalty program). They usually give you some decent perks for signing up during a grand reopening phase.
- Pardon the Dust. Expect some auditoriums to be closed for the 4DX and ScreenX installs. The "full" experience won't be ready until the summer blockbuster season kicks off.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
- For Families: Wait for the screenPlay auditorium to open. It’s a game-changer for kids who can't sit still for two hours.
- For Date Night: The recliners are still there and they are still top-tier. Even during the renovation, the comfort level is miles ahead of the older theaters in the area.
- Foodie Tip: If the theater kitchen is backed up during the transition, hit the Liberty Collective food hall just a short walk away. You can grab anything from teppanyaki to street tacos there before your show.
The "Cobb" era is officially in the rearview mirror, but the theater itself isn't going anywhere. It’s just getting a massive, 2026-style glow-up.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
Before you head out, verify the current theater status on the Liberty Center official website to ensure the specific auditorium you want (like the new 4DX) isn't closed for its phased installation. If you're a regular, download the B&B Theatres app now to claim your new loyalty account before your first visit under the new management.