Chuck E. Cheese opens arcades 'created for adults' in 8 states
(NEXSTAR) – Too old to throw your next birthday party at a Chuck E. Cheese? How about a “Chuck’s Arcade,” instead?
Chuck’s Arcade, a new arcade chain from the folks behind Chuck E. Cheese, is looking to become a destination for older gamers and other “lifelong” Chuck E. Cheese fans searching for a place to play “Ms. Pac Man” or “Mortal Kombat” in a mall-based setting.
The arcades, said to be "created for adults,” are described as a “natural evolution” of the Chuck E. Cheese brand, according to a press release.
“Chuck E. Cheese has spent decades mastering the arcade experience — it’s in our DNA,” said David McKillips, CEO of Chuck E. Cheese, in a statement included with the release. “Thanks to the expertise of our talented technicians and the successful transformation of almost 500 fun centers worldwide, we’ve built the operational and creative foundation to take our brand beyond our traditional four walls.”
Guests at Chuck’s Arcade can find a selection of classic video games — such as “Donkey Kong,” “Galaga,” “Centipede,” etc. — alongside newer offerings including “state-of-the-art racing simulators” and immersive virtual reality games, the release says.
One location, in Kansas City, Missouri, also offers pizza, but that does not appear to be the case at all Chuck’s Arcades. An employee at the Chuck’s Arcade in Trumbull, Connecticut — which had previously operated as a Fun Spot Arcade — told Nexstar there were no food or drink options available. (Fun Spot Arcades were also owned by CEC Entertainment, the parent company of Chuck E. Cheese. A spokesperson told USA Today that six Fun Spot Arcades were rebranded as Chuck's Arcades.)
A representative for Chuck E. Cheese was not available to provide additional details.
“No two locations are exactly alike,” reads the Chuck’s Arcade press release.
The release indicated that Chuck’s Arcades have already opened in malls in the following cities:
Connecticut
- Trumbull
Florida
- St. Petersburg
Georgia
- Buford
Missouri
- Kansas City
- St. Louis
New Hampshire
- Nashua
- Salem
New York
- Victor
Oklahoma
- Oklahoma City
- Tulsa
Texas
- El Paso
A location in Brea, California, is also listed on the Chuck’s Arcade website as “coming soon.” More locations are also “on the horizon,” according to the press release.
Despite being designed for adults, Chuck’s Arcade is said to be a destination for gamers of “all ages.” To that end, perhaps, characters from Munch’s Make Believe Band — i.e., the band comprised of Chuck E. Cheese and his costumed friends, which is often seen at Chuck E. Cheese locations — will also make appearances at Chuck’s Arcade, albeit in a less active capacity.
“Adding to the experience, each arcade is overseen by an animatronic character such as Chuck E. Cheese or one of the other characters from the largely retired Munch’s Make Believe Band — historic figures from the brand’s past, now standing watch as a nostalgic nod rather than performing,” reads the release.
A video on the official Chuck’s Arcade website also shows a Chuck E. Cheese costume in a glass display case, situated amid the video game cabinets.
Further information about Chuck’s Arcades can be found at the chain’s official site.