Where a kid can be an…adult?
Famed animatronic restaurant chain Chuck E. Cheese is launching a spin-off dubbed “Chuck’s Arcade” complete with arcades for adults as “a modern-day love letter” to their fans — and aging consumers.
The grown-up version of the kiddie arcade will be complete with retro arcade games, including Galaga alongside more violent ones left out of the tykes’ terrain like Mortal Kombat and Halo, according to a press release.
So far, 10 have opened in malls across the United States in New York, Connecticut, Florida, Oklahoma, Georgia, Texas, New Hampshire and Missouri. The New York spot is located in Victor, about 22 miles southeast of Rochester.
Each location is “overseen by an animatronic character” from the company’s lineup, ranging from Chuck E. Cheese himself to lesser-known icons from Munch’s Make Believe Band that were discontinued at all locations in 2023 except one in California.
The adult arcades will be complete with a prize counter including “old-school merch” for big ticket earners alongside the expected mountain of candy. Others will include food — and alcohol catered to their now-legal base.
David McKillips, CEO of Chuck E. Cheese, figured expanding was a “natural evolution” the company needed after a sweeping remodel of all 500 locations worldwide.
“Chuck E. Cheese has spent decades mastering the arcade experience — it’s in our DNA,” McKillips assured.
Five years ago, the parent company for Chuck E. Cheese filed for bankruptcy after being beaten and battered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, it poured $350 million into remodels and rolled out a new pricing tier system to cater to families with stricter budgets.
In 2023, the company was exploring auction options with investment banking powerhouse Goldman Sachs for up to $1 billion.
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