Current:Home > InvestChuck E. Cheese has a 'super-sized' game show in the works amid financial woes -FutureWise Finance
Chuck E. Cheese has a 'super-sized' game show in the works amid financial woes
View
Date:2025-04-17 10:20:18
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! (1938)
Related
- Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
- 'Survivor' Season 47: Idols, advantages, arguments, oh my! Who went home on Episode 4?
- Meet TikToker Lt. Dan: The Man Riding Out Hurricane Milton on His Boat
- Sabrina Ionescu brought back her floater. It’s taken the Liberty to the WNBA Finals
- $73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
- Harris faces new urgency to explain how her potential presidency would be different from Biden’s
- Mandy Moore, choreographer of Eras Tour, helps revamp Vegas show
- Boost Your Forex Trading Success with Forex Broker Reviews (reviews-broker.com)
- Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
- 'Survivor' Season 47: Idols, advantages, arguments, oh my! Who went home on Episode 4?
Ranking
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Hurricane Milton hitting near the sixth anniversary of Hurricane Michael
- 'God's got my back': Some Floridians defy evacuation orders as Hurricane Milton nears
- Lisa Marie Presley Shares She Had Abortion While Dating Danny Keough Before Having Daughter Riley Keough
- The company planning a successor to Concorde makes its first supersonic test
- Photos show conditions deteriorating as Hurricane Milton hits Florida
- Opinion: LSU's Brian Kelly spits quarterback truth before facing Mississippi, Lane Kiffin
- Airheads 'treats feet' with new cherry scented foot spray ahead of Halloween
Recommendation
NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
When will Malik Nabers return? Latest injury updates on Giants WR
Last Chance for Prime Day 2024: The Top 26 Last-Minute Deals You Should Add to Your Cart Now
Netflix's 'Heartstopper' tackled teen sex. It sparked an important conversation.
NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
Prime Day Final Hours: This Trending Showerhead Installs in Just 1 Minute and Shoppers Are Obsessed
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal announces he will retire after Davis Cup Finals
Minnesota Twins announce plans for sale after 40 years in the Pohlad family