Popcorn and a movie | Chris Kuenzel, Nasim Kuenzel and their daughter Camrin in the lobby of the Cameo. Treats | The Cameo sells concessions not found in most theaters, including beer and wine.
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50 | Winter • 2010/2011
“There are two types of films: Films that make money and films that are good, when you bring those two together, jackpot!” joked Nasim.
Some might argue that the look of the Cameo was instrumental to it’s early success, especially at a time when most businesses downtown were content with neon signs and Norman Rockwell-esque wall art. The theater’s refined-yet-hip aesthetic was the product of it’s owners architectural backgrounds. “Everyone feels good and likes it when they walk in. They often say, ‘Wow, this is different.’ We implemented the best parts of other theaters into the design of the Cameo,” said Nasim. “Revitalizing an old building is usually the perfect shot in the arm for a struggling downtown,” added Chris.
Downtown Fayetteville was indeed struggling in late 2000. The Cameo arrived
at a time when downtown Fayetteville was mostly populated with antique stores and family restaurants and the nightlife was all but non-existent. “It was pretty much deserted back then,” recalled Chris. Today, most downtown business owners will quickly admit that the theater opened the floodgates for other progressively minded establishments in the area. In
