The Capri Theatre, Highball Lanes Open in Fondren

Jason Watkins and David Pharr have opened a dynamic entertainment project, including the revival of The Capri Theatre alongside a restaurant with bowling, a tiki bar, pizza spot and outdoor space.

A sunset photo and in the foreground, a neon lit strip center. The largest building says "Capri"
The Pearl, Highball Lanes and the Capri, the newest development in Fondren. Image: David Pharr

The storied Capri Theatre, with a state-of-the-art projection system, reclining seats, food service, and a full bar, provides the city of Jackson with its only movie screen.

The reimagined Capri will offer first-run and classic movies as well as alternative content, such as live music. Adjacent to the Capri is restaurant Highball Lanes which features ten lanes of bowling, a classic tiki bar, The Pearl, The Station - a wood fired pizza eatery, and Fondren Yard, an outdoor space with lawn games and a giant screen for showing movies or sports.

The development, 14 years in the making, includes:

• A refurbishment of the historic Capri, offering a 178-seat luxury theater with a 40-foot screen for movie viewing as well as live entertainment capabilities. The facility is ADA accessible.

• Highball Lanes, offering a full-service restaurant and cocktail bar featuring a 10-lane bowling alley and boutique games (once Seabrook Paints).

• The Pearl, an upscale tiki bar featuring classic tiki cocktails and small plates, once home to Blaylock Fine Art Photography.

With help from the City of Jackson and the Mississippi Development Authority, the project qualified for the Mississippi Tourism Incentive Program, which is designed to promote tourism and entertainment destinations throughout the State. The developers have also worked extensively with the Mississippi Department of Archives & History to complete the necessary restoration work.

Construction began in 2020 and was thrown behind due to supply chain issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Wier Boerner Allin served as architect, and Anders Corp served as general contractors.

Developers estimate that the $13 million project will result in 80 full-time jobs and 45 part-time jobs across the four businesses.

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