Current:Home > ScamsChuck E. Cheese has a 'super-sized' game show in the works amid financial woes -TrueNorth Finance Path
Chuck E. Cheese has a 'super-sized' game show in the works amid financial woes
View
Date:2025-04-13 16:29:47
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! (186)
Related
- Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
- NASCAR at WWTR Gateway 2024: Start time, TV, streaming, lineup for Enjoy Illinois 300
- Hailey Bieber's Pregnancy Style Will Have You Saying Baby, Baby, Baby, Oh
- 'This team takes the cake': Behind Aaron Judge, New York Yankees having monster 2024 start
- Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
- Eiza González defends Jennifer Lopez, takes aim at 'mean' criticism: 'So disturbing'
- South Africa's ANC ruling party that freed country from apartheid loses its 30-year majority
- GameStop leaps in premarket as Roaring Kitty may hold large position
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- More women made the list of top paid CEOs in 2023, but their numbers are still small compared to men
Ranking
- Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund
- NASCAR at WWTR Gateway 2024: Start time, TV, streaming, lineup for Enjoy Illinois 300
- Shiloh Jolie-Pitt wants to drop dad Brad Pitt's last name per legal request, reports state
- 'Pluie, rain': Taylor Swift sings in a downpour on Eras Tour's first night in Lyon, France
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- Costco's $1.50 hot dog price 'is safe,' company's new leadership announces
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Mixed Drink
- Man gets 43-year prison sentence in death of Detroit-area teen whose body is lost in landfill
Recommendation
The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Bi Couples
Mass shooting leaves one dead, 24 hurt in Akron, Ohio; police plead for community help
Orson Merrick: Some American investment concepts that you should understand
A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
Shocking revelations from 'Life & Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson' Lifetime documentary
Few kids are sports prodigies like Andre Agassi, but sometimes we treat them as such
Shocking revelations from 'Life & Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson' Lifetime documentary