Moyers purchase Kanopolis Drive-In

KANOPOLIS — Family movie nights at the historic Kanopolis Drive-In will take on a new meaning for the Moyer family in 2025. Tyson Moyer and his wife, Jessica Eagle-Moyer, will open the summer season as the venue’s new owners.

“We’d spent a lot of evenings at the drive-in and were really struck by the joy it brought to families who gathered there,” Jessica said. “It was a place where people of all ages could come together, and seeing our little one light up each time we went made it feel even more special.

“There’s something timeless about the drive-in experience — the nostalgia, the sense of community and the simple fun of watching a movie under the stars.”

“For me, I have memories of going to the Kanopolis Drive-In as a kid,” Tyson added. “This past summer, we got the chance to relive those memories with our daughter, and it was just as special seeing families create those same experiences together.”

“Tyson and I both found ourselves saying, ‘Wouldn’t it be amazing to own a place like this?’” Jessica said. “Then, as if it were meant to be, we learned the drive-in would soon be for sale, and we knew it was an opportunity we didn’t want to miss.”

She said Grow Ellsworth County was instrumental in helping the dream become a reality.

While the couple called Johnson County home for the last 11 years, Tyson was born in Ellsworth County.

“When we started spending more time at the farm, it just felt like the right decision to buy it from my uncle,” he said. “There are no farm operations currently, but we look forward to creating a place where we can have animals and a garden. It’s a special place where we enjoy spending time with family and making new memories.”

In addition to making new memories, the couple was looking for ways to invest in the community.

“Tyson and I have a wealth of experience across various businesses. Between us, we’ve owned and operated businesses for over 20 years,” Jessica said. “Building exceptional customer service experiences and businesses is something we’ve both taken pride in developing. Alongside that, we have experience in marketing and real estate ventures, which have helped shape our approach to running businesses successfully.”

A Leavenworth County native, Jessica grew up attending the Skylark Drive-In theater.

“Sadly, it was demolished in the 1990s,” she said.

While the couple has fond memories of drive-in experi- ences, this is their first foray into the entertainment industry.

“Both Josh and Amanda (Webb, previous owners) have been instrumental in teaching us the ropes when it comes to the theater industry,” Jessica said.

“They’ve been invaluable guides, connecting us to the right resources and helping us navigate this exciting new venture.”

Amanda Webb said they loved owning and operating the drive-in, but with full-time jobs and kids growing up, life was full.

“It was meant to be, I think,” she said. “Stuff fell in place at the right time and the right people came along.

“Jess and Tyson are very excited, adding their flair to it. They are able to do that. We’re really excited to see where they go with it.”

While the Webbs transitioned the theater to a digital projector, the Eagles will make other tweaks, perhaps more visible.

“Lots of updates are on the way, and yes, bathroom improvements are definitely part of the plan!” Tyson said. “We’re excited to enhance the experience for everyone, and we’ll be sharing updates along the way.”

Will the signature sarcasm remain on the drive-in’s social media posts?

“To be continued,” Jessica said.

The Webbs are no longer the owners, but have provided support for the Eagles as they go through the learning curve.

“Josh connected us with a resource specifically for other drive-in owners, and it’s been absolutely amazing,” Jessica said. “The community of drive-in owners is incredibly supportive and willing to share their knowledge, which has been a huge help as we navigate this journey.

“It’s been a pleasant surprise to see how collaborative this industry is, and we’re grateful for the guidance we’ve received.”

Amanda said regulars will see the Webbs at the theater in 2025.

“You’ll see us helping them through certain things, showing them the ropes,” she said. “We’ll still be going (to the drive-in), but we’ll get to sit down and watch the movies now.”

The support isn’t limited to industry peers and the theater’s most recent owners, though.

“The community’s response has been incredibly positive and supportive. People are genuinely excited about what’s ahead, and we’ve loved hearing the memories and stories they’ve shared,” Jessica said. “It’s inspiring to see how much the drive-in means to everyone, and we’re honored to carry on that tradition for years to come.”

The traditional opening of the drive-in often coincides with Memorial Day, but Jessica said plans aren’t firmed up yet.

As the couple continues to look to the future, they are working to gather information about the drive-in’s past.

“We’d love to find out if anyone in the community has any photos or memorabilia from the drive-in,” Tyson said. “If so, it would be amazing if they could message it to us through our Facebook page. These memories are such a special part of the drive-in’s history, and we’d be honored to share them with the community.”

“The community’s response has been incredibly positive and supportive. People are genuinely excited about what’s ahead, and we’ve loved hearing the memories and stories they’ve shared.”

Jessica Eagle-Moyer

Kanopolis Drive-In Owner