Hilltop Drive-in Theater reveals new owners

CHESTER, W.Va. (WTRF) — New changes are being made at Hilltop Drive-in as Katie Beaver, former owner of Hilltop Drive-in, passes the baton to new owner Roy Pittenger.

The drive-in movie theater was founded in 1950 by Roy Pittenger’s father. In 1988 Katie Beaver ran the theater with her father until she took it over completely in 2013.

Katie says its heartwarming to turn this place over to someone who will take care of it but heartbreaking to give it up. She says this place is made of memories, that’s what makes it so special.

“Memories are the people, that’s what memories are all about.”

Katie Beaver, Former owner of Hilltop Drive-in

“I can’t imagine walking in his same footsteps, imagine him tearing down trees, building the screen and everything. This describes us pretty good, from the 1950’s comes back full circle to myself and his granddaughter.”

Roy Pittenger, Advisor and new member of the ownership team

Roy says he is excited to run the theater with his daughter Hannah and bring this place back to its original 1950’s look.

The Hilltop Drive-in will be opening back up on Memorial Day weekend and will be running Wednesday through Sunday. Live music and local bands will be featured throughout the summer.

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