Classic Cinemas, based in Downers Grove, Illinois, is a family-owned business, run by Willis, Shirley and Chris Johnson.

It was started in 1978 with the operation of the Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove. Willis always says he got in the movie business by default when the largest tenant in the Tivoli Building closed the theatre for "remodeling". He had been a partner in a printing business for over 20 years and was ready for a new challenge -- the rest as they say is history.

Always on the hunt for a new opportunity, Willis has added nearly a theatre a year and the company today operates 12 theatres in 11 communities. Shirley did her share of theatre cleaning and painting and can still shovel popcorn almost as fast as some of the kids.

After 17 years in marketing with Miles Laboratories, she became a part of the Classic Cinemas team responsible for advertising. She also handles special events and together with Chris and their film booker selects films each week.