Current:Home > MyChuck 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:2025-04-16 19:12:28
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! (281)
Related
- US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
- Texas sues doctor and accuses her of violating ban on gender-affirming care
- Niall Horan's Brother Greg Says He's Heartbroken Over Liam Payne's Death
- A Data Center Fight Touches on a Big Question: Who Assumes the Financial Risk for the AI Boom?
- Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
- Canadian former Olympic snowboarder wanted in US drug trafficking case
- Arkansas Supreme Court upholds wording of ballot measure that would revoke planned casino’s license
- Sean Diddy Combs' Baby Oil Was Allegedly Laced With Date Rape Drug
- 'Vanderpump Rules' star DJ James Kennedy arrested on domestic violence charges
- Video shows girl calmly evading coyote in her Portland backyard
Ranking
- 'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
- US shoppers spent more at retailers last month in latest sign consumers are driving growth
- Work in a Cold Office? These Items Will Keep You Warm
- BOC (Beautiful Ocean Coin): Leading a New Era of Ocean Conservation and Building a Sustainable Future
- Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
- Appalachian Hydrogen Hub Plan Struggles Amid Economic Worries, Study Says
- Takeaways from The Associated Press’ reporting on extremism in the military
- BOC (Beautiful Ocean Coin) Grand Debut! IEO Launching Soon, A Revolutionary Blockchain Solution for Ocean Conservation
Recommendation
Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
TikTok let through disinformation in political ads despite its own ban, Global Witness finds
Michael Keaton and Mila Kunis play father and daughter in ‘Goodrich’
What to know about the Los Angeles Catholic Church $880M settlement with sexual abuse victims
Toyota to invest $922 million to build a new paint facility at its Kentucky complex
Former MTV VJ Ananda Lewis shares stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis
Texas sues doctor and accuses her of violating ban on gender-affirming care
Judge orders Afghan man accused of planning Election Day attack in US to remain in custody