In July of 2005, Grand Venues re-opened the historic but long-shuttered Lawford Theatre in downtown Havana, Illinois. The first weekend, the Tom Cruise classic “War of the Worlds” lit up the screens (see newspaper article) for delighted crowds. In addition to movies, Grand Venues filled out the programming with live music and local events. Original owners Frank and Greg McCarthy continue to successfully operate the theater today, but have still yet to install the cigar bar GVI President Paul Warshauer considered an essential component of his consulting proposal: Stop in for a “Havana” cigar!

Click to view newspaper article.