Culinary Khancepts is thrilled to announce Robert Saucedo as the Artistic Director of River Oaks Theatre. Saucedo has spent the last 13 years working for the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, first as Programming Director for local franchise operator Triple Tap Ventures and, most recently, as a Senior Film Buyer for the company’s national programming and events team.

As Artistic Director, Saucedo will oversee the daily film and programming schedule for the soon-to-be-reopened River Oaks Theatre. He will ensure Houston’s historic arthouse theater will feature programming 365 days a year, including upscale arthouse films and independent cinema from around the world, repertory screenings of classic and cult favorite movies, live events, and filmmaker appearances.

During Saucedo’s time as a film programmer at Alamo Drafthouse, he was responsible for bringing exclusive runs of some of the last decade’s best films to the Houston area. A few career highlights include a Q&A screening of Rushmore with Jason Schwarzman in conjunction with the Houston Film Commission, hosting a weekly independent and foreign cinema series in Katy for the last nine years, and arranging live alligators to be at a screening of the 1980 cult favorite Alligator. In 2019, Saucedo launched the horror film festival, Graveyard Fest. .

“It’s been my honor to help make so many movie memories for Houston film fans through my work at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema for the last 13 years,” said Saucedo. “I feel fortunate to start my next chapter in the beautifully restored River Oaks Theatre and help Houstonians create some incredible new experiences in this space. River Oaks Theatre is a huge part of the city’s unique culture and history; and I am honored to support Culinary Khancepts with bringing new life into the location and make so many Houston film fans happy.”

“We are thrilled to have Robert join our team and lead the efforts in programming this historic venue,” said Jason Ostrow, Vice President of Development for Culinary Khancepts. “His wealth of knowledge and experience in cinema, especially here in Houston, is top tier and the perfect fit for our group and this historic project.”

The River Oaks Theatre, located at 2009 W. Gray Street, opened in 1939 and was acquired by Culinary Khancepts in 2022. When the theatre re-opens in early fall 2024, it will feature three auditoriums, all new theatrical lighting, projection and sound systems, a private screening room, newly installed luxury seating, and in-theater dining. Guests will enjoy an enhanced cinema experience focusing on unmatched hospitality, high-quality food and beverage service, flawless presentation, and other innovative theater amenities.

In the months leading up to River Oaks Theatre’s reopening, Saucedo will begin reaching out to the local community and establishing partnerships to help elevate the city’s arts scene. In addition to screening films, River Oaks Theatre will be a go-to venue for local and national theatre companies, musicians, stand-up comedians, podcasters, and cultural organizations looking to host a presentation or lecture.

Organizations or artists interested in learning more about hosting an event at the theater can reach Robert Saucedo at rsaucedo@theriveroakstheatre.com.

About Culinary Khancepts
Culinary Khancepts is a locally owned and operated hospitality group highly focused on creating memorable experiences through entertainment, food, and beverage. Current brands include State Fare Kitchen & Bar, Liberty Kitchen, Star Cinema Grill, Hollywood Palms Cinema, Reel Luxury Cinemas, Audrey Restaurant & Bar, River Oaks Theatre, and Leo’s River Oaks. For more information, visit culinarykhancepts.com

About River Oaks Theatre
River Oaks Theatre, originally opened in 1939, is Houston’s oldest and only Art House Cinema. Reopening in fall 2024 after a significant historical restoration and preservation project by Culinary Khancepts, River Oaks Theatre will once again become the premiere destination for independent cinema, cultural arts enrichment, and live theatrical performances. The theatre will now offer premium seating and seat-side food and beverage service.