Current:Home > MyChuck E. Cheese has a 'super-sized' game show in the works amid financial woes -TradeStation
Chuck E. Cheese has a 'super-sized' game show in the works amid financial woes
View
Date:2025-04-13 18:15:50
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! (2)
Related
- Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
- Bray Wyatt, WWE star who won 2017 championship, dies at 36
- 4 people shot at Oklahoma high school football game where officer also fired a weapon, police say
- Is $4.3 million the new retirement number?
- All That You Wanted to Know About She’s All That
- Talking Tech: Want a piece of $725 million Facebook settlement? How to make a claim
- Bronny James diagnosed with congenital heart defect, family 'confident' he'll play in 'near future'
- Simone Biles should be judged on what she can do, not what other gymnasts can't
- The city of Chicago is ordered to pay nearly $80M for a police chase that killed a 10
- Trey Lance trade fits: Which NFL teams make sense as landing spot for 49ers QB?
Ranking
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- Angels’ Shohei Ohtani batting as designated hitter vs Mets after tearing elbow ligament
- Shortage of common antibiotic used to treat kids' infections frustrates parents
- Kevin Hart in a wheelchair after tearing abdomen: 'I got to be the dumbest man alive'
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Publicist says popular game show host Bob Barker has died
- Lionel Messi, Inter Miami face New York Red Bulls in MLS game: How to watch
- What we know about the plane crash that reportedly killed Russian Wagner chief Prigozhin and 9 others
Recommendation
Tom Holland's New Venture Revealed
Virginia lawmakers say they have deal on ‘major components’ of budget, including rebates, tax cuts
Bradley Cooper, Brad Pitt and More Celebs Who Got Candid About Their Addictions and Sobriety Journeys
The National Zoo in Washington D.C. is returning its beloved pandas to China. Here's when and why.
Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
USWNT drops to historic low in FIFA rankings after World Cup flop, Sweden takes No. 1 spot
'Riverdale' fans slam 'quad' relationship featuring Archie Andrews and Jughead in series finale
Pac-12 college football preview: USC, Utah among favorites in last season before breakup