How Cinema Works:
Ok this is how cinema works in Ireland...
The Omnis/Savoy/Screens of this country are owned by the Ward Anderson Group (who also release some films). The rest (including Ster/UGC/UCI) are all classed as "Independents".
Ward Anderson currently account for about 70% of sinema screens (note "screens" not cinemas) in Ireland.
The distributor - fox/warner/uip etc rent the film to the exhibitor for a percentage of the take & a small fixed fee.
This is called a "nut". The nut varies per film, so for example, a star wars movie would have a higher nut than the latest sandra bullock movie (because it's going to take more).
The nut starts out at about (in the event of a starwars) 80%. That is, 80% goes to the distributor in week 1 & 2. This then falls to 70% in week 3 & so on. The nut varies per release so by week four of a film, the distributor may only be taking 5% - 10% with the rest going to the exhibitor. moreoften than not, there is an agreed timeframe for the exhibition of a film. so they might have agreed a 6 week showing. If this is the case & there is a rash of movies to be released a film will be pulled early & then refunds on the nut will be made.
Regarding food, cinemas make their fixed running costs on these products, they're what pay the rent, staff & utilities. The nut is what provides the profit.
Any other questions ?