Current:Home > ScamsChuck 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:2025-04-14 13:59:56
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! (67954)
Related
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Fired Google workers ousted over Israeli contract protests file complaint with labor regulators
- Why Brian Kelly's feels LSU is positioned to win national title without Jayden Daniels
- Summer Movies: 5 breakout stars to watch in ‘Sing Sing,’ ‘Quiet Place, ‘Horizon’ and more
- Appeals court scraps Nasdaq boardroom diversity rules in latest DEI setback
- Two giant pandas headed to San Diego Zoo: Get to know Xin Bao, Yun Chuan
- Campaign to build new California city submits signatures to get on November ballot
- Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel's Son Has Inherited His Iconic *NSYNC Curls in New Pic
- Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds
- John Mulaney on his love for Olivia Munn, and how a doctor convinced him to stay in rehab
Ranking
- Spooky or not? Some Choa Chu Kang residents say community garden resembles cemetery
- Amazon reports strong 1Q results driven by its cloud-computing unit and Prime Video ad dollars
- 'New York Undercover' cast to reunite on national tour, stars talk trailblazing '90s cop drama
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, PB&J
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Former 'American Idol' contestants return for Mandisa tribute
- Homeless families face limits on shelter stays as Massachusetts grapples with migrant influx
- Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Details Her Dating Life After Kody Brown Breakup
Recommendation
Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
Melissa McCarthy Responds to Barbra Streisand Asking Her About Using Ozempic
An influencer ran a half marathon without registering. People were not happy.
King Charles is all smiles during public return at cancer treatment center
Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
Bird flu risk prompts warnings against raw milk, unpasteurized dairy products
Organic bulk walnuts sold in natural food stores tied to dangerous E. coli outbreak
House Republicans launch investigation into federal funding for universities amid campus protests