Coffee Culture partner Chris Petersen said his business has recorded its busiest day ever on the weekend, thanks to a combination of Easter trade and the cinema upgrade.

"We had a massive Friday and Saturday," said Mr Petersen. "The cinema has been really good for us."

Mr Petersen said after a tough time while the cinema was extended over the adjoining car park, business at Coffee Culture had increased immediately when the two new cinemas re-opened.

Coffee Culture is capitalising on the popularity of the Empire Cinema by offering meal and ticket deals.

Elephant Boy owner Claudia Le Duc said it was hard to judge the impact of the cinema at this stage.

However, because the cafe was open until 6pm, Elephant Boy had a "little trade happening" from late afternoon cinema patrons, she said.