The former AMC theater in Buffalo Township quietly reopened as South Pike Cinemas on Saturday, more than two months after America’s largest movie chain declined to renew its lease.

Before leaving, AMC removed its payment systems, monitors — even its soda fountains — giving owner Nick Mulone plenty to do before reopening the 10-screen, first-run theater under its original name.

“If I got to buy all the FF&E, I might as well open it back up myself,” Mulone said, using a real estate acronym that stands for furniture, fixtures and equipment.

Mulone of Cheswick built the theater in 2002 after razing Cinema 356, the aging multiplex started by his father, Joseph, and mother, Molly, in the 1970s. He leased it to Carmike Cinemas in 2014. When AMC acquired Carmike, the complex became AMC Classic South Pike 10.

The Mulone family also has operated theaters in Cheswick and Harmar, all of which have since closed.

Today, only South Pike Cinemas, GQT Pittsburgh Mills Cinema in Frazer and the MovieScoop theater in The Waterworks near Aspinwall offer first-run movies in the Alle-Kiski Valley.

Business has been slow so far at the rebranded Buffalo Township theater, located at 718 South Pike Road. Mulone attributes that to a lack of advertising, rather than a lack of interest.

“The reason why they didn’t renew it is because they wanted a reduction in rent, and I wouldn’t give it to them,” he said. “It’s not that they weren’t doing any business.”

AMC did not return a request for comment Monday.

There are still a few things to button up in the building, according to Kevin Bertocki, Mulone’s nephew and the theater’s general manager. For example, it’s still uncertain what will become of the game room — other than it won’t have any games — and the facade could use a sign to accompany the fresh blue and gold accent paint.

This is Bertocki’s first time running a cinema, though he does have business experience as the owner of Asay’s News Stand in Tarentum. He also serves on the borough’s council.

Nobody was in the theater’s lobby around 2 p.m. Monday ahead of a matinee showing of “Terrifier 3” and “Venom: The Last Dance,” some of the first-run blockbusters Mulone said customers can expect to see, just like when AMC managed the venue.

There were three employees working the concessions and guest services stands. Most employees were brought back from when AMC ran the theater. The customers, Bertocki said, will return soon enough, too.

“A lot of people are happy because it’s a family business now,” Bertocki recalled of some conversations with movie-goers. “It’s not a corporation.”

For movie times, visit southpikecinemas.com.