Independent movie theaters struggle to stay afloat during coronavirus pandemic

Most of Southwestern Pennsylvania is set to see some coronavirus-related restrictions eased as it moves Friday into the yellow phase of reopening. But many businesses that rely on gatherings of people, such as movie theaters and concert venues, are ordered to remain closed.

Brian Mendelssohn, owner of Row House Cinema and Bierport in Lawrenceville, explains how his business has adapted in a new way and discusses the unknown challenges ahead for independent theaters.

Shane Dunlap is a TribLive photographer covering Westmoreland and Allegheny counties. He grew up in the Ohio Valley near Pittsburgh and has worked for newspapers as far away as Fayetteville, N.C., where he covered the U.S. Army at Fort Liberty. He can be reached at sdunlap@triblive.com.