Customers likely didn't notice when Todd Chancey and Mark Althoetmar took over Sept. 14. Movies played that first night and every weekend since.
The Holiday is one of just two drive-ins left in Greater Cincinnati. The other is the Starlite Drive-In in Amelia.

"I'm very happy the new owners will keep the old-time feel," said Jenny Mahoney, of White Oak, who takes her kids to the Holiday Auto Theatre three to four times a year. "We love drive-ins. This is such a great family environment. It's really a hoot to go there."

Chancey and Althoetmar, who each worked in the family entertainment industry, are members of the American Coaster Enthusiasts, the world's largest club of amusement ride lovers. During trips to amusement parks, they also visited drive-ins and decided they wanted their own piece of Americana.

In March, Chancey found about 10 drive-ins for sale nationwide. When he and his partner made a list of things they wanted, "the Holiday just kept hitting that No. 1 spot. It's in the center of Butler County, open for 59 years, recently remodeled, in great shape." Plus, Ohio is home to Cedar Point, and, closer to home, Kings Island, Chancey pointed out.

They were in negotiations when former owner Charles "Fred" Baum suddenly died in June. His partner and co-owner, Gregory Reinhold, took over and continued with the sale. After buying it for more than $600,000, Chancey and Althoetmar said, they'll spend about $20,000 to $30,000 to update the 9-acre drive-in on Old Oxford Road.
Reinhold said he's happy with the new owners but sad to leave the drive-in.
"I think of all the days I've been there, 12 years," he said. "I miss the customers and employees most."

Chancey will handle the day-to-day operations of the theater. An Orlando native and former Disney guest-services manager, he's renting a renovated schoolhouse down the road from the theater. Althoetmar will commute occasionally from Long Beach, Calif.

Not much will change for the drive-in, although Chancey does say they've got "surprises in store." A weekly "Retro Thursday" show starts this week. There will be a triple feature for Halloween.

One thing will change: That classic bus collection at the drive-in's entrance, which belongs to Reinhold, is moving. He said he's keeping two buses, selling one and possibly giving the others to museums.

About the Holiday Auto Theatre
Where: 1816 Old Oxford Road, Hanover Township, 45013
Hours: Open year-round
Tickets: General admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children
Specials: Retro Thursdays start this week with films "Scream" and "The Reanimator." Tickets: $5 for adults and $2 for children

This weekend: A double-feature, "Resident Evil: Extinction" and "Superbad"
Contact: www.holidayautotheatre .com; 513-929-2999.