Instead of turning movie theaters into restaurants which degrade both functions it would be nice to have theaters with no eating with all the accompanying rattle of wrappers and dropping of empty cups. Perhaps some theaters could be designated as non-eating although this might disturb profits. Maybe there could be restaurants with a large screen to permit patrons to eat and view in reataurant atmosphere with decent food. Film viewers carrying huge trays of food to their seats strikes me as not a good place to go.

Here in NYC, I've been to independent movie theaters where upscale snacks of the variety you mention are sold. Instead of soda they'll have bottled, unsweetened teas (specifically Barry's Honest Tea), fresh mainsteam-gourmet sandwiches, and frozen fruit bars in lieu of ice cream.

I'm not so sure about the $5 surcharge to bring in one's own food. Patrons are noisy enough already and the idea of those people unpacking their picnic baskets while others are trying to follow dialogue is painful. ("MOM I WANT THE CHEETOS NOT THE DORITOS!")

Or, they could offer popcorn that is unsalted and unbuttered. I know there would be few takers for this, but it might be economically feasible in a large theater. I understand why theaters prohibit customers from bringing in their own food, but it's a pain in the neck. People get hungry during movies unless they go to movies right after meals, and many people don't want to eat ANY of the foods that are offered by theaters. IMO movie theater popcorn is one of the worst foods you can eat.

Back home and in the surrounding area there is a group of movie theater which serve restaurant style food (ie pizza, salad, etc). It is pretty successful.