Current:Home > InvestChuck E. Cheese has a 'super-sized' game show in the works amid financial woes -BeyondWealth Learning
Chuck E. Cheese has a 'super-sized' game show in the works amid financial woes
View
Date:2025-04-18 16:30:19
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! (97)
Related
- B.A. Parker is learning the banjo
- Guatemala elects progressive Arévalo as president, but efforts afoot to keep him from taking office
- Spain's federation wastes no time giving its players the middle finger after World Cup win
- Tori Spelling Says She Been Hospitalized for Days in Latest Health Update
- Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
- USMNT star Christian Pulisic scores sensational goal in AC Milan debut
- Kate Spade 24-Hour Flash Deal: Get This $300 Crossbody Bag for Just $89
- Knicks sue Raptors, accusing foe of using ex-Knicks employee as ‘mole’ to steal scouting secrets
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- 17 Dorm Essentials Every College Student Should Have
Ranking
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- NFL preseason winners, losers: Questions linger for Bryce Young, other rookie quarterbacks
- Watch Hilary press conference live: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass shares updates on storm
- 3 deaths linked to listeria in milkshakes sold at Washington restaurant
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Life in a rural ambulance desert means sometimes help isn't on the way
- What is BRICS? Group of world leaders that considered making a new currency meet to discuss economy
- 'Star Wars' exclusive: Read a Boba Fett excerpt from new 'Return of the Jedi' collection
Recommendation
Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
Proud purple to angry red: These Florida residents feel unwelcome in 'new' Florida
How long does heat exhaustion last? What to know about the heat-related illness.
Wildfire nears capital of Canada's Northwest Territories as thousands flee
Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
Cambodian Parliament approves longtime leader’s son as prime minister as part of generational change
Voter fatigue edges out optimism as Zimbabwe holds 2nd general election since Mugabe’s ouster
King Charles III carries on legacy of mother Queen Elizabeth II with Balmoral Castle ceremony