One of Senatobia’s most beloved and oldest businesses has been recognized on a statewide level.
Tobie Cinemas is one of Mississippi’s six most iconic theaters, according to Best Things Mississippi. The website bestthingsms.com typically ranks everything from the finest bars and restaurants in the state to the top entertainment spots, businesses, and recreational activities.
Best Things Mississippi said the following about Tobie Cinemas: “Tobie Cinemas offers an intimate and comfortable movie experience, while still keeping prices reasonable. This is the kind of local business has stood the test of time, and prides itself from being of the boutique, independently owned variety. Come enjoy a movie the way it was meant to be seen.”
The locally owned and operated four-screen theater has provided entertainment for generations of families in Tate County and surrounding areas and continues to take pride in providing a memorable experience for patrons visiting the historic venue today.
Tobie Cinemas celebrated its 50th anniversary at its current location at 226 East Main Street in November 2020, but the theater’s roots run much deeper. The origins of Tobie Cinemas began in 1956 when Paul and Skeeter Maxey moved from Indianola to Senatobia to run The Gloria, a downtown movie house located on Center Street.
The Gloria was one of many theaters the Maxey’s operated throughout Mississippi, Tennessee and Arkansas along with two other partners.
After 10 years, they were forced to say goodbye to The Gloria when Peoples Bank purchased the property in 1966 to construct a drive-through. Senatobia was left without a movie theater for four and half years until a new shopping center opened on Main Street in 1970. That’s when Tobie Cinemas, or what was simply known then as The Tobie, was born.
Tobie Cinemas has remained a family business. The Maxeys’ grandson, Keith Schexnayder, was manager for several years before taking full ownership in 2007.
Best Things in Mississippi provided the following introduction on its website for the list:
“Travel back in time and explore the rich history of Mississippi as you take a journey through some of the state's six most iconic theaters. From grandiose designs to historic cinemas, Mississippi's theaters offer an experience that is both captivating and memorable.”
The other five theaters recognized were Malco Grandview Cinema & IMAX in Madison, Southwest Theaters Turtle Creek 9 in Hattiesburg, Strand Theatre in Vicksburg, Elkin Theatre Inc. in Aberdeen, and Marion Theater in Columbia.
