Current:Home > MyChuck E. Cheese has a 'super-sized' game show in the works amid financial woes -Financium
Chuck E. Cheese has a 'super-sized' game show in the works amid financial woes
View
Date:2025-04-18 05:29:18
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! (1)
Related
- Former Danish minister for Greenland discusses Trump's push to acquire island
- Key witness in trial of FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried seeks no prison time at upcoming sentencing
- Attorney for police officer involved in Tyreek Hill case speaks out
- Pregnant Margot Robbie’s Pal Shares How She’ll Be as a Mom
- Megan Fox's ex Brian Austin Green tells Machine Gun Kelly to 'grow up'
- 'Don't need luck': NIU mantra sparks Notre Dame upset that even New York Yankees manager noticed
- Free People’s Sale Is Too Good To Be True—Snag Boho Styles Starting at $29 & More Finds up to 70% Off
- BMW braking system recall of 1.5M cars contributes to auto maker’s decision to cut back 2024 outlook
- Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
- Dave Grohl announces he fathered a child outside of 21-year marriage, seeks 'forgiveness'
Ranking
- Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
- Taylor Swift and Brittany Mahomes hugged. Then the backlash. Here's what it says about us.
- How fast was Tyreek Hill going when Miami police pulled him? Citation says about 60 mph
- How Fox News, CNN reacted to wild Trump-Harris debate: 'He took the bait'
- The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
- When does 'Survivor' Season 47 start? Premiere date, cast, where to watch and stream
- BOYNEXTDOOR members talk growth on '19.99' release: 'It's like embarking on our adulthood'
- Extreme heat takes a toll on animals and plants. What their keepers do to protect them
Recommendation
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
Hoping to win $800M from the Mega Millions? Here's exactly how to purchase a ticket.
Fantasy football quarterback rankings for Week 2: Looking for redemption
What to know about the panic buttons used by staff members at Apalachee High School
Meet the volunteers risking their lives to deliver Christmas gifts to children in Haiti
The Bachelor’s Kelsey Anderson Shares Update on Her and Joey Graziadei’s Roommate Situation
USMNT attendance woes continue vs. New Zealand
Watch as Sebastian Stan embodies young Donald Trump in new 'Apprentice' biopic trailer