Current:Home > NewsChuck E. Cheese has a 'super-sized' game show in the works amid financial woes -FundGuru
Chuck E. Cheese has a 'super-sized' game show in the works amid financial woes
Surpassing Quant Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-04-07 23:00:53
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! (788)
Related
- Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
- Sophia Grace Is Pregnant, Expecting Baby No. 2
- Mississippi ex-deputy seeks shorter sentence in racist torture of 2 Black men
- Mega Millions winning numbers for August 23 drawing; Jackpot soars to $575 million
- How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
- Kamala Harris’ Favorability Is Sky High Among Young Voters in Battleground States
- When is Labor Day 2024? What to know about history of holiday and why it's celebrated
- Lando Norris outruns Max Verstappen to win F1 Dutch Grand Prix
- Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
- NASCAR driver Josh Berry OK after scary, upside down collision with wall during Daytona race
Ranking
- Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
- 10-foot python found during San Francisco Bay Area sideshow bust
- New Lake Okeechobee Plan Aims for More Water for the Everglades, Less Toxic Algae
- Watch live: NASA set to reveal how Boeing Starliner astronauts will return to Earth
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Aaron Judge becomes MLB's first player this season to hit 50 homers
- Lake Mary, Florida, rallies to beat Taiwan 2-1 in 8 innings to win Little League World Series title
- Schools are competing with cell phones. Here’s how they think they could win
Recommendation
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow owns a $3 million Batmobile Tumbler
Seattle Tacoma Airport hit with potential cyberattack, flights delayed
Massachusetts towns warn about rare, lethal mosquito-borne virus: 'Take extra precautions'
18-year-old fatally struck by boat propeller in New Jersey, police say
Average rate on 30
How many points did Caitlin Clark score today? Fever rookie finally loses in Minnesota
Kamala Harris’ Favorability Is Sky High Among Young Voters in Battleground States
'The Crow' original soundtrack was iconic. This new one could be, too.