A popular attraction in Shediac is reopening this spring under new ownership, officials announced Friday.

Sébastien Després and his spouse, Heather Wright, have taken over the Neptune Drive-In Theatre.

The local landmark, which first opened its doors in the 1960s, has been shut down since mid-summer 2022.

“When we saw it being shut down in 2022, we were really disappointed, but then we saw it as an opportunity and that opportunity has come up,” Després said in an interview on Friday.

The drive-in theatre will be part of Shediac Wonderland, which also includes Bistro Le Moque-Tortue, Le Griffon B&B, and Adorable Chocolat.

Després said there has been a lot of excitement in the community, adding they have big plans for the drive-in.

In addition to the usual popcorn and concession treats — a lot of which will now be made from scratch — the couple also plans to open a Texas-style smokehouse called Morse et Marteaux.

“Hopefully people will come before the show and have a real supper,” said Després.

Després said they plan to have the typical doubleheader format like other drive-ins do.

Neptune will have different types of films each weekend so they can cater to as many people as possible.

“Our approach is to have a family-friendly weekend, followed a kids weekend, followed by an adult weekend with action films, et cetera,” said Després.

The grand opening will take place on the Victoria Day weekend in May, though Després said they are planning a soft launch the weekend before on May 10.

Després said they plan to hire around 10 full-time and five part-time staff.