Current:Home > FinanceChuck E. Cheese has a 'super-sized' game show in the works amid financial woes -Capitatum
Chuck E. Cheese has a 'super-sized' game show in the works amid financial woes
View
Date:2025-04-14 11:07:04
A game show series is in the works for "big kid" adults still fond of Chuck E. Cheese, the iconic pizza place that doubles as an arcade and entertainment center.
The series, being produced by Magical Elves ("Top Chef," "Brain Games" and "Nailed It!") will focus on the brand's arcade experience, the company announced Tuesday.
Paired-off contestants will compete over "supersized arcade games," including pinball, air hockey, alley roller and the human claw, according to the company. The duo with the most tickets will exchange them for a much cooler version of the Chuck E. Cheese prize wall.
"We are thrilled to be working with Magical Elves, whose deep expertise in unscripted content make them the perfect partner to capture the wholesome competitive spirit tied to childhood memories and transform the Chuck E. Cheese experience for television," Melissa McLeanas, VP of global licensing, media, and branded entertainment development for Chuck E. Cheese, said in a statement.
"Chuck E. Cheese is THE place where a kid can be a kid – but as grown adults, we still have dreams of ruling the arcade, taking on the iconic games we love," Magical Elves co-CEOs Jo Sharon and Casey Kriley added. "We're excited to celebrate these legendary arcade games plus the best of today, all with a super-sized twist."
The Irving, Texas-based company did not share timing details.
The show is over:Munch's Make Believe band closes at all Chuck E. Cheese locations but one
Gameshow series comes amid company struggles
This is the company's latest attempt to expand its brand presence outside its four walls.
Wildly popular in the 1990s, Chuck E. Cheese has steadily been on the decline since 2012, according to a timeline reported by Business Insider, but it really took a hit with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since Chuck E. Cheese is known more for its entertainment than its food, sales tanked 21% in the first quarter alone, with families being isolated at home. The company tried to pivot by rebranding around a delivery service that would also bring the company's mascot around for in-person meet-ups, but it didn't prove to be successful.
Lying under a mountain of debt, Chuck E. Cheese is exploring a buyout, according to reporting by Reuters. The company is working with Goldman Sachs to restructure to "attract potential buyers, including private equity firms and other entertainment companies, like Dave & Busters."
veryGood! (9)
Related
- Illinois governor calls for resignation of sheriff whose deputy fatally shot Black woman in her home
- Georgia resident dies from rare brain-eating amoeba, likely infected while swimming in a lake or pond
- Horoscopes Today, July 30, 2023
- 'A money making machine': Is Nashville's iconic Lower Broadway losing its music soul?
- NCAA President Charlie Baker would be 'shocked' if women's tournament revenue units isn't passed
- Kate Spade 24-Hour Flash Deal: This $360 Backpack Is on Sale for $89 and It Comes in 6 Colors
- French embassy in Niger is attacked as protesters waving Russian flags march through capital
- US needs win to ensure Americans avoid elimination in group play for first time in Women’s World Cup
- Small twin
- DeSantis faces rugged comeback against Trump, increased AI surveillance: 5 Things podcast
Ranking
- US auto safety agency seeks information from Tesla on fatal Cybertruck crash and fire in Texas
- Islanders, Here’s Where to Shop Everything in the Love Island USA Villa Right Now
- West Virginia University President E. Gordon Gee given contract extension
- Deal Alert: Save Up to 86% On Designer Jewelry & Belts Right Now
- Daughter of Utah death row inmate navigates complicated dance of grief and healing before execution
- Ed Sheeran serves hot dogs in Chicago as employees hurl insults: 'I loved it'
- San Francisco investigates Twitter's 'X' sign. Musk responds with a laughing emoji
- Mar-a-Lago worker charged in Trump’s classified documents case to make first court appearance
Recommendation
Jamaica's Kishane Thompson more motivated after thrilling 100m finish against Noah Lyles
California juvenile hall on lockdown after disturbance of youth assaulting staff
Ukraine again reported bringing war deep into Russia with attacks on Moscow and border region
Deal Alert: Save Up to 86% On Designer Jewelry & Belts Right Now
A Georgia governor’s latest work after politics: a children’s book on his cats ‘Veto’ and ‘Bill’
Pitt coach Randy Waldrum directs Nigeria to World Cup Round of 16 amid pay scandal
Rare glimpse inside neighborhood at the center of Haiti's gang war
SUV hits 6 migrant workers in N.C. Walmart parking lot, apparently on purpose, then flees, police say