Current:Home > MarketsChuck E. Cheese has a 'super-sized' game show in the works amid financial woes -Excel Wealth Summit
Chuck E. Cheese has a 'super-sized' game show in the works amid financial woes
View
Date:2025-04-27 22:49:16
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! (1554)
Related
- Trump's 'stop
- Cleveland Browns to sign QB Joe Flacco after losing Deshaun Watson for year, per reports
- Sharon Osbourne says she 'lost 42 pounds' since Ozempic, can't gain weight: 'I'm too gaunt'
- Israel says second hostage Noa Marciano found dead near Gaza's Al-Shifa Hospital
- Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
- Taylor Swift Returns to Eras Tour Stage With Moving Performance After Death of Fan
- Microsoft hires OpenAI founders to lead AI research team after ChatGPT maker’s shakeup
- The Albanian opposition disrupts a Parliament vote on the budget with flares and piled-up chairs
- NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
- 'Lawmen: Bass Reeves' tells the unknown tale of a Western hero. But is it the Lone Ranger?
Ranking
- Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
- Memphis Police say suspect in shooting of 5 women found dead in his car
- Pregnant Jessie James Decker Appears to Hint at Sex of Baby No. 4 in Sweet Family Photo
- Congo’s presidential candidates kick off campaigning a month before election
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Palestinians in the West Bank say Israeli settlers attack them, seize their land amid the war with Hamas
- Did police refuse to investigate a serial rapist? Inside the case rocking a Tennessee city
- Investigators probe for motive behind shooting at New Hampshire psychiatric hospital
Recommendation
Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
Catholic priest sentenced to life for sex trafficking boys, manipulating opioid addictions
Right-wing populist Milei set to take Argentina down uncharted path: ‘No room for lukewarm measures’
This is how far behind the world is on controlling planet-warming pollution
Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
Investigators probe for motive behind shooting at New Hampshire psychiatric hospital
Los Angeles freeway is fully reopened after arson fire, just in time for Monday morning’s rush hour
Fantasy Football: 5 players to pick up on the waiver wire ahead of Week 12