Lights, Camera, Revenue: How One Drive-In Turned Empty Space into Extra Income
TL;DR: Park Place Drive-in in Marion, VA, earned $20K+ in additional revenue by partnering with Harvest Hosts. Since 2023, the drive-in has hosted more than 400 RVers, gaining free marketing, attracting out-of-town visitors, and benefiting from positive word of mouth—all with no upfront costs or commitments.
Drive-in theaters hold a special place in American nostalgia, but in today’s economy, keeping them profitable can be a challenge. What if your parking lot could generate revenue—even when no movies are playing? That’s exactly what Park Place Drive-in did by partnering with Harvest Hosts, and the results speak for themselves.
A Smart Way to Bring in More Customers
Park Place Drive-in, a beloved spot in Marion, VA, has been attracting RV travelers through Harvest Hosts, a unique program that connects small businesses with self-contained RVers looking for overnight stays. By simply opening up their lot, they’ve welcomed over 400 RV guests and generated an estimated $20K+ in additional revenue.
“I thought I might get a little extra foot traffic, but didn’t realize I would get almost 400 of them” said Jerry, the drive-in’s owner.
Why Harvest Hosts?
Harvest Hosts is a cost-free marketing platform that introduces your business to new customers. With more than 250,000 RV Members, the program helps small businesses like drive-ins increase foot traffic and sales without any additional costs.
For Park Place Drive-in, the benefits were immediate:
- Hundreds of new visitors—many of whom had never been to the drive-in before.
- Minimal effort required—RVers park themselves, leaving the space clean and ready for the next guests.
- Positive word of mouth—Harvest Hosts Members rave about drive-in experiences, leading to even more interest and visits.
The Bottom Line
Since joining Harvest Hosts in 2023, Park Place Drive-in has hosted more than 400 RVers interested in supporting their location. With Members spending an average of $30-$50 per visit, the potential revenue for North American drive-ins is undeniable.
“People are coming from all over the U.S. to my little drive-in. It’s truly a win-win situation!” Jerry shared.
Could your drive-in benefit from extra revenue? Download the full case study to see how Harvest Hosts can help.
Get Started Today
Interested in learning more about how Harvest Hosts can drive additional revenue for your theater? Visit the website and complete the form to get in touch with our drive-in specialist.
