Current:Home > reviewsChuck E. Cheese has a 'super-sized' game show in the works amid financial woes -Triumph Financial Guides
Chuck E. Cheese has a 'super-sized' game show in the works amid financial woes
View
Date:2025-04-15 20:48:27
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! (2644)
Related
- Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
- California dog walker injured by mountain lion trying to attack small pet
- Pope orders Vatican to reopen case of priest ousted from Jesuits after claims of adult abuse
- Activists slam Malaysia’s solidarity program for Palestinians after children seen toting toy guns
- All That You Wanted to Know About She’s All That
- Daughter of divisive former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin named head of political party linked to him
- Israel-Hamas war drives thousands from their homes as front-line Israeli towns try to defend themselves
- Giving birth amid Gaza's devastation is traumatic, but babies continue to be born
- Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
- The strike has dimmed the spotlight on the fall’s best performances. Here’s 13 you shouldn’t miss
Ranking
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- Probe finds ‘serious failings’ in way British politician Nigel Farage had his bank account closed
- Disney says DeSantis-appointed district is dragging feet in providing documents for lawsuit
- How a South Dakota priest inspired 125 years of direct democracy — and the fight to preserve it
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- Many Americans say they're spending more than they earn, dimming their financial outlooks, poll shows
- Malaysia picks powerful ruler of Johor state as country’s new king under rotation system
- Taylor Swift Slams Sexualization of Her Female Friendships in 1989 (Taylor's Version) Prologue
Recommendation
DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
Q&A: Rich and Poor Nations Have One More Chance to Come to Terms Over a Climate Change ‘Loss and Damage’ Fund
Catalytic converter theft claims fell in first half of year, first time in 3 years, State Farm says
How the Hunger Games Prequel Costumes Connect to Katniss Everdeen
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Americans face still-persistent inflation yet keep spending despite Federal Reserve’s rate hikes
The sudden death of China’s former No. 2 leader Li Keqiang has shocked many
5 Things podcast: Sexual assault nurses are in short supply, leaving victims without care