Chuck E. Cheese has long been a go-to for family fun. From birthday parties to days off school, the combination of arcade games, pizza, and prizes has a pull on kids and their families. Chuck E. Cheese is looking to keep that fun going in the modern world. Since 2017, the entertainment center chain has been working on a remodel project that customers are starting to see roll out.
By the end of 2019, more than 80 locations will have been remodeled around the United States, according to People. The refresh will see locations getting updated games that are more engaging to today's children, light-up dance floors, and much more. We'll see the end of some of our favorite parts of the Chuck E. Cheese experience, however. Tokens are being phased out in favor of play passes and wristbands. The iconic animatronic band will also see its end, making way for kid-friendly remakes of radio hits.
For over 40 years, Chuck E. Cheese has been a place for a fun-filled family experience. The entertainment chain has been home to countless birthday parties and special occasions. Now it's getting a revamp.
In 2017, the chain announced that it would be modernizing its existing locations with some big changes. Those changes are now starting to be seen in locations around the country. A representative for Chuck E. Cheese told People that more than 80 locations will have completed remodels by the end of this year.
With the modernization of games and restaurant decor comes the departure of some favorites, however. There's a new logo, new signage, brighter lighting, and an interactive dance floor. Tokens will be phased out in favor of "All You Can Play" passes and wristbands.
These passes will allow kids to play as many games as they want within a certain time period. That eliminates the constant begging for more tokens, making for an easier visit for parents. More games lead to more tickets and more prizes for kiddos.
One of the most shocking things that will be leaving the chain is Munch’s Make Believe Band. The animatronic band will be phased out in favor of interactive dance floors. Kids can dance to family-friendly renditions of radio hits as the dance floor lights up their footsteps.
Musician John Tillman, who also goes by Father John Misty, eulogized the band. "He [Chuck] had a style, and style cannot be taught; something we tend to forget in this era of manufactured pop stars. Max Martin would’ve had nothing to do with Cheese. He was a little thick around the waste, and certainly refused to change with protean fads in the culture," he shared on Facebook.
At locations that have not been remodeled, there's no strict end date for the features. That means customers there will be able to enjoy tokens and animatronics until their update time comes. Fans might like to take advantage of that while it lasts.
"Our animatronics are certainly legendary and they bring up fond childhood memories for millions of adults and fans across the country," Tom Leverton, entertainment chief executive, told CBS in 2017. "As we move forward, we believe our live Chuck E. experience provides the best entertainment value for kids, who have higher expectations of realism and special effects."
There's a possibility that the band might be replaced by live performers in the future. Customers of remodeled locations have reported live Chucks coming out at birthday parties. It may be a way to test that option out.
Chuck E. Cheese is also looking to bring its special brand of fun into children's homes. Kids will be able to play certain games and enjoy the chain's pizza with the new pizza delivery box launched last month. The pizza box transforms into a DIY, at-home version of the signature Alley Roller game.
The fun and interactive boxes are starting to roll out. They're available via Grub Hub, Uber Eats, and DoorDash. It will be interesting to see how fans of the chain will react to the at-home experience.
Chuck E. Cheese has also been looking to step up its food and beverage offerings. Updated locations will also get broader menus, including healthy eating options. A salad bar, cauliflower-crust pizza, and portions of pasta are some of the new offerings.
There are also some fun menu additions. BBQ chicken pizza puts a spin on the chain's classic pizzas. Unicorn churros will also be available with sugar-coated pink, green, and blue churros that are flavored like cotton candy, sour green apple, and blue raspberry, respectively.
These new offerings will definitely change the Chuck. E Cheese experience. It's a good way for the chain to revitalize its brand. It also offers a ton of new possibilities for a fun family day out (or in)!
