The crunchy saltiness of popcorn and the sweet taste of a soft drink, matched with the pleasure of seeing a movie on the big screen: it's a treat not enjoyed in Greenville for more than two decades.

Now movie lovers have no less than eight screens to choose from, courtesy of NAOS Entertainment and The Edge Theater, the city's first theater since the closure of the Ritz downtown. The new multiplex opened its doors on July 4.

Thursday night, more than 550 area business owners, city and county leaders and their guests flocked to the multiplex for an invitation-only grand opening.

Free soft drinks, popcorn and a variety of appetizers provided by Nanny's Fine Dining, were offered to attendees. An official ribbon cutting and enthusiastic speeches were topped off with a special treat: complimentary admission to the movie of one's choice.

Circuit Clerk Allen Stephenson was eager to enjoy The Edge movie-going experience with his family on Thursday night.

&#8220I came by myself the first time and went to one of the digital movies. The picture was so clear - and the seating is great, super-comfortable,” Stephenson said.

Glinda Chancellor of Merle Norman Studio was eager to see her first movie at the new theater.

&#8220This is just what Greenville has needed for the longest time,” she said with a nod.

Theater owner Marty Felts described The Edge as the culmination of a dream.

Felts' words were echoed by Mayor Dexter McLendon, who said, &#8220It'll take days to wipe this smile from my face.”

The mayor added, &#8220This is indeed a dream come true. People have been asking for a theater in Greenville for 20 years. Now, not only do we have a theater, we have the best theaterŠit has taken seven years of work, but we've got something mighty fine here.”

On Friday, Felts said he and manager Michael Nimmer were &#8220extremely pleased” with Thursday night's turnout and with the overall traffic at the theater during its first week of operation.

&#8220I'd say we've probably exceeded our expectations,” Felts said.

&#8220We feel like things are off to a great start.”

The Edge, which is open seven days a week for matinee and evening showings, offers an automated movie hotline at 371-4200.