No drive-in this season.

Drive-in provided 46 years of memories to families

SYDNEY — After 46 years, Cape Breton Drive-in Theatre is closing and the business is up for sale.

On the drive-in theatre’s Facebook page an announcement was posted July 19, announcing after a difficult season last year and with the current environment, the theatre will not be opening for the 2021 season.

“At this time we are placing the drive-in up for sale in the hopes someone would carry on the business for all those loyal supporters as the owner will be retiring,” the posting read, with an apology for not informing the public sooner.

The response on the Facebook page was huge and sad.

“Thank you for so many great memories,” posted

Ali Macdougall. “Hopefully someone will buy it but happy retirement. Enjoy.”

Jeremy Oakes commented he had been looking forward to visiting the drive-in soon.

“Sad but wishing the owner well on retirement!” he wrote.

The drive-in was opened July 10, 1975, by James and Toula Sifnakis.

In a story in the Post last year, son Angelo Sifnakis, now co-owner but the main face behind the drive-in in more recent years, said the business was in his blood and

that he loved entertaining people.

Although the theatre did open for the season last year during the pandemic with public health protocols of social distancing and safe practices in place, Sifnakis did confirm at that time they were selling the business. He stated after 45 years of missed weddings and parties people love to attend, he was approaching 65 years and was at a point where he wanted to enjoy life.

However, Sifnakis said he also wanted to ensure the drive-in remains an entity and when it sells, it was important to him to sell to the right people who can carry on as a theatre and carry on the legacy.

“We’ve been entertaining people in the food and entertainment business all our lives and want to keep that tradition going,” he had commented.

Meanwhile many comments followed the announcement, sad about the theatre not opening this year, but appreciative for the years it was there to entertain families.

“So sad, but best of luck, your family and Dad made a lot of great memories,” wrote Belinda Krszwda.

Julie Dzaich also wished the owners a happy retirement.

“I enjoyed going to the drive in,” she posted. “It’s so unique in the modern world to have a drive in. I hope it’s not the end of an era.”

The Post reached out to Sifnakis but have been unable to connect with him to date.