Editor’s Note: This story was published in February 2024.
Opened in the wake of World War II, the little Mars Hill movie house — with its white brick facade whose shape echoes the mountains in the distance — was a destination for locals. “Back in the 1950s and ’60s, when I was growing up, the Mars Theatre was about all there was here,” says Ronnie Wallin, a retired teacher who has spent his whole life in Madison County. When Wallin and his wife started dating as teenagers, they spent most weekends sharing popcorn and a double feature. Eventually, though, the rough and winding roads between Mars Hill and Asheville were replaced with highways, and folks started heading into the nearby city for fun. The Mars Theatre closed a decade ago.
The Scuba Juice IPA is one of Mars Theatre Brewing Company’s flagship beers. photograph by Derek Diluzio
But just like a classic film, the old cinema has gotten a reboot. Three siblings from New Jersey — brothers Scott and Rick Spruill and their sister, Susan Echarte — now run the space as Mars Theatre Brewing Company. Along one wall, a gleaming seven-barrel system turns American hops and North Carolina grains into the brewery’s flagship hazy IPA, called Scuba Juice, and other seasonal pours.
The space still feels and functions like a theater, though. Heavy curtains frame the stage, and many of the original seats remain. The balcony serves as a lounge with antique sofas and screen-printed posters of Fiddler on the Roof and Billy Jack.
Wallin is planning a night out with his wife at the brewery, more than 60 years after their first dates here. For the Wallins and others who find their way to this old haunt, Mars Theatre Brewing Company is one remake that might be even better than the original.
Mars Theatre Brewing Company
70 West Main Street
Mars Hill, NC 28754
(828) 680-1284
facebook.com/marstheatrebrewco
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