I think their secret is being run by people who are actually into movies, instead of people who are only into money

Their "secret" is a liquor license.

Ha, AMC has a liquor license around here, but since re-opening I've still had:

1. A movie start 30 minutes late as they had forgotten about the showing

2. 30 minutes worth of ads after the supposed start time of the film

3. God awful food whose quality rivals Circle K at quadruple the prices

4. Alcoholic beverages that are several times more expensive than the plastic bottle their liquors come from

Not to say all theaters are this way, but certainly the only theaters I have access to around me are. Decided to give up after the third horrible repeat. I do miss the old independent theater from down in Tucson, they suffered from none of these issues; unfortunately nothing like that where I am now. Can't speak to Alamo.

AMC is the counterargument I was thinking of too. Total shitshow of a cinema chain. Cinemark is the bare minimum experience IMO.

There are several movie theaters that serve alcohol. The Alamo Drafthouse is the only place that tries to make the movie going experience a genuine blast.