Established in 1906, Wehrenberg Theatres is one of the oldest family owned and operated theatre circuits in the United States. In 1904, Fred Wehrenberg explored the St. Louis World s Fair and saw a film clip of passengers riding a train while scenery rushed by in the background. The film inspired Wehrenberg to rent a former bakery next to his saloon and launch the Cherokee Theatre. His saloon doubled as the theatre s de-facto concession stand, and many customers frequented both buildings. Wehrenberg soon opened The Airdome, which was one of St. Louis first open-air venues. The 1960s and 1970s saw a surge in the movie industry and Wehrenberg s Cinema Four Center was one of the first multiplexes in the St. Louis area, with megaplexes following the in 1980s and 1990s. Wehrenberg Theatres has nearly 15 locations in St. Louis, Springfield, Osage Beach and Cape Girardeau, Mo.; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Fairview Heights, Ill.