Cinergy Entertainment Group has announced the promotion of Rich Schwarte to chief executive officer and president as it continues to expand its portfolio of luxury cinema and entertainment centers nationwide. Schwarte succeeds Jeff Benson, who will step down from the CEO role and continue serving as chief strategist, co-founder, and director. Jamie and Jeff Benson will remain actively involved in guiding Cinergy’s long-term development and innovation strategy. Schwarte will lead Cinergy’s strategic vision, operational excellence, and continued innovation in guest experience across its expanding footprint, while working closely with the Benson co-founders and executive leadership team.
Schwarte brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience across the entertainment and restaurant sectors. Since joining Cinergy in 2021, he has played a critical role in strengthening enterprise operations, professionalizing shared services, and supporting the company’s evolution into a scalable, guest-focused organization. Most recently, he served as president and chief financial officer, overseeing enterprise strategy, operations, and financial performance. Schwarte is based at Cinergy’s Dallas headquarters and will continue working closely with leadership teams across all locations.
Cinergy’s leadership transition arrives following the company’s recent opening of Cinergy Midland Tall City, a next-generation flagship entertainment center spanning approximately 100,000 square feet. The venue features luxury dine-in cinemas with 4K laser projection and Dolby Atmos, a massive 70-foot sports-bar screen, boutique bowling, immersive escape rooms, and more than 80 arcade games, with Cinergy Speedway Extreme Karting scheduled to open in Spring 2026.
Building on that success, Cinergy has also acquired 5.125 acres in Odessa for a major expansion. The project includes a 13,000-square-foot building addition featuring seven Home Run Dugout bays, a new kitchen and bar, expanded amenities, and 45 additional arcade games. Outdoor plans include turf seating areas with fire pits, a large patio, and an 18-hole bunkers-style mini-golf course designed to create a dynamic destination for families, groups, and corporate events.
“In the beginning, Jamie and I were carrying the full weight of Cinergy’s operations and home-office functions,” said Jeff Benson, chief strategist, co-founder, and director of Cinergy Entertainment Group. “Today, under Rich’s leadership, Cinergy has transformed into a high-performing professional services organization that supports our theaters and entertainment centers at every level. Our team truly embodies our MAGICAL values, and I couldn’t be more confident in Rich as we enter our next chapter of growth.”
“Cinergy is the best at what we do, and that starts with our people,” said Schwarte. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our home-office teams, our managers and staff, and the millions of guests who choose Cinergy each year. We have an incredibly strong leadership team across the company, and together we’ll continue to deliver the MAGICAL standard our guests expect.”
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