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Chuck E. Cheese

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Chuck E. Cheese's
Company typePublic company (NYSE: CEC)[1]
IndustryFamily entertainment centers[1]
Founded1977 (San Jose, California)[2]
FounderNolan Bushnell[3]
Headquarters
Irving, Texas
,
United States[1]
Number of locations
524 stores (2009)[4]
Area served
North America, South America
Key people
Nolan Bushnell (Founder)[3]
Michael Magusiak (CEO)[4]
ProductsPizza, video games, kiddie rides, birthday parties[1]
RevenueUS$175,000,000 (4th Q.2008), Decrease 1% from 4th Q.2007[4]
US$8,895,000 (4th Q.2008) Increase from 4th Q.2007[4]
US$56,500,000 (2008) Increase 1% from 2007[4]
Total assetsUS$747,440,000 at 2008-12-28 Increase 1% from year earlier[4]
Total equityUS$747,440,000 at 2008-12-28 Increase 1% from year earlier[4]
SubsidiariesShowbiz Pizza Place & Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza Time Theatre (Merged into Chuck E. Cheese's)[5]
Websitewww.chuckecheese.com
This article is about the restaurant. For the character, see Chuck E. Cheese (character).

Chuck E. Cheese's is a chain of family entertainment centers.[1] The parent company, CEC Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: CEC), is headquartered in Irving, Texas, and as of February 2009, they operate 524 restaurants in the United States, Canada, and other countries.[1][4] The concept is a basic sit-down pizza restaurant, complemented by arcade games, small rides, animatronic characters, and other popular diversions for young children such as climbing equipment, tubes, and slides.[3] Its logo and mascot, Chuck E. Cheese, is an anthropomorphic rat.[3]

Corporate history

Chuck E. Cheese's, formerly referred to as Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza Time Theatre, was launched by Atari founder Nolan Bushnell.[3] Bushnell’s experience in the amusement park industry was influential in the conceptualization of the Pizza Time Theatre concept, as was his fondness of The Walt Disney Company.[7] The concept was labeled as the first family restaurant to integrate food, animated entertainment, and an indoor arcade.[3] The first location opened in 1977 in San Jose, California.[2] In November 1978, Nolan Bushnell left Atari and purchased the original Pizza Time Theatre restaurant and concept from Atari's then-corporate parent, Warner Communications.[8] As the restaurant became increasingly successful, he began franchising; resulting in a co-development agreement between Bushnell and Robert Brock of Topeka Inn Management in 1979. The agreement handed Brock exclusive franchising rights to open Pizza Time Theatres in sixteen states across the southern and midwestern United States;[8] forming a company subdivision; “Pizza Show Biz”, to develop the Pizza Time Theatres.[8]

A Chuck E. Cheese's facility under the now defunct title of "Chuck E Cheese's Pizza".

In November 1979, Brock met Aaron Fechter of Creative Engineering, Inc. Concerned that Fechter’s animatronics work would be too strong a competition for Bushnell’s work, Brock requested that Bushnell release him from the co-development agreement, citing misrepresentation.[8] In December 1979, Brock severed his business relationship with Bushnell;[8] then creating “Showbiz Pizza Place Inc”, a joint company with Fechter.[8][9] Showbiz Pizza Place was conceptually identical to Pizza Time Theatre in all aspects except for animation; which would be provided by Creative Engineering.[8] Showbiz Pizza Place opened its first location on March 3, 1980, in Kansas City, MO.[2]

Upon the opening of Showbiz Pizza Place, Bushnell sued Brock and Topeka Inn Management over breach of contract.[8] Brock immediately issued a counter-suit against Bushnell; citing misrepresentation.[8] The court case began in March 1980, eventually settling out of court; with Showbiz agreeing to pay Pizza Time Theatre a portion of its profits over the following decade.[8] During this period, Topeka Inn Management also changes its name to Brock Hotel Corporation.[8] Both restaurants experienced increased success as the video game industry became more robust;[8] and to maintain competition, both franchises continually modified and diversified their animatronic shows.

In 1981, Pizza Time Theatre went public; however, the evolving video game industry resulted in significant losses for Pizza Time Theatre; losing $15 million in 1983, and by 1984, Bushnell’s debts were insurmountable, resulting in the filing of Chapter 11 bankruptcy for Pizza Time Theatre Inc. Showbiz then bought the floundering company, recreating itself as Showbiz Pizza Time Inc.[2] After the merger, both restaurants continued operating under the different titles, while major financial restructuring had begun,[2] eventually becoming publicly traded in 1989, with sales increasing by 8.3%.[1][2] During this period, Creative Engineering began to sever ties with Showbiz Pizza Time (they officially left the company in September 1990), eventually resulting in the unification of its mixed characters. By 1992, all restaurants assumed the name of Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza.[5] In 1998, the company renamed itself CEC Entertainment, Inc.,[1][2] and in 1999, bought out competitor Discovery Zone.[10]

Entertainment

Voice cast
The following voice actors performed as animatronic characters from the Chuck E. Cheese show over the years.
  • Chuck E. Cheese
    • John Widlock (1977-1983)
    • Scott Wilson (1983-1993)
    • Duncan Brannan (1993-present)
  • Helen Henny
    • Georgia Denney (1978-1980, 1984-1990)
    • Karisa McKenny (1990-1992 (vocals & voice), 1992-1999 (voice))
    • Annagrey Labasse (1992-2000 (vocals), 2000-present (vocals & voice))
  • Mr. Munch
    • Fritz (1978-1982)
    • Scott Wilson (1982-1990)
    • Duncan Brannan (1994-1998)
    • John Bowen (1999-present)
  • Jasper T. Jowls
    • Scott Paulin (1977-1982)
    • Bob West (1988-1992, 1996-1998)
    • Jeremy Blaido (1992-1996, 1998-present)
  • Pasqually
    • Joe Spano (1977-1983)
    • Steven Lange (1983-1988)
    • Bob West (1988-1994, 1996-1998)
    • Earl Fisher(1998-present)

Animatronic figures

From the time of the company's formation through the mid-1990s, the company's animated characters were a main draw for the stores. More recently, less attention has been placed on animatronics. There are several different styles of animatronic shows in use within the company, depending on when the store opened, whether it was renovated, and other factors.[11]

The first version of the animatronic show, which was used in the San Jose location, was referred to as the "Pizza Time Players", and featured Crusty the Cat, Jasper T. Jowls, Pasqually, and the Warblettes performing with Chuck E. Cheese himself in a "theater" where customers could eat their pizza with the characters in picture frames overhead.[3][12] Later restaurants also added "Cabaret" shows in separate rooms of each restaurant.[3] They also frequently changed out the sole female character, named Helen Henny, in the main show, which involved a cosmetic change to the existing robot as well as change of stage backdrop to match the performer.[13][14]

The company's current show that is installed into all new stores, called "Studio C", consists of a single animated Chuck E. Cheese character alongside large television monitors, lighting effects, and interactive elements.[15] In some markets, the company has also tried a new store concept that omits the animated show.

Costumed shows

  • LIVE! show

The LIVE! show is performed at the front of the stage in the showroom. The costumed Chuck E. Cheese dances with the guests and "sings", while being accompanied by the cast members. A LIVE! Show consists of singing Happy Birthday CEC-Style to the birthday kid.[16][17]

  • Road show

The Road show is a performance by a costumed Chuck E. Cheese character, and is performed outside the normal showroom.[16] Children are gathered via the public announcement system and can dance to win free tickets.[16]

Currency

The brass tokens issued by the company for use in their video game arcades exist in numerous varieties and are collected by exonumia enthusiasts. [18] The company is currently testing a card access method for use with their arcade/skill games; where locations will no longer use tokens, and instead use a refillable card to access credits (tokens) and points (tickets).[19] This concept is currently in the testing phase in Irving, Texas, along with nine other locations in the United States.

Health concerns

After a co-worker claimed to have gotten ringworm from Chuck E. Cheese's, Momlogic.com and germ expert Dr. Charles P. Gerba swabbed three Chuck E. Cheese locations in California and had the samples tested for bacteria.[20][21] Testing revealed contamination with several types of bacteria, with one swab finding the presence of Serratia rubidaea, a rare cause of respiratory tract, wound, and blood infections.[22] A Chuck E. Cheese's spokesperson claims that the restaurant cleans and disinfects the tables and games every evening.[20]

Parodies

Chuck E. Cheese's has been parodied on numerous films and television shows:

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "Investor Information" (PHP). Chuck E. Cheese's Official Site. CEC Entertainment, Inc. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "Company History" (PHP). Chuck E. Cheese's Official Site. CEC Entertainment, Inc. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Packer, Linda (1979-10), "Catering To Kids" (PDF), Food Service Marketing, pp. 46–47 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h "CEC Entertainment Reports Results for Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year-End 2008; Revises Previously Scheduled Date for Investor Conference Call" (Press release). Business Wire. 2009-02-16. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  5. ^ a b Prewitt, Milford (1990-09-10), "ShowBiz Parent Merges Concepts Into One Big Pie" (PDF), Nation's Restaurant News, pp. 12–13{{citation}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  6. ^ "CEC Entertainment, Inc. Stock Information". Google Finance. Google Inc. Retrieved 2009-03-04.
  7. ^ "Pizza Time's Vaudeville Theatre" (PDF), Western Foodservice, 1979-03 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Kinkead, Gwen (1982-07), "High Profits from a Weird Pizza Combination" (PDF), Fortune, pp. 62–66 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  9. ^ "Rock-afire Explosion Brochure" (PDF) (Press release). Creative Engineering, Inc. 1980. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  10. ^ Zuber, Amy (1999-07-05), "Chuck E. Cheese's 'traps' Discovery Zone", Nation's Restaurant News{{citation}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  11. ^ S., Travis. "Pizza Time Theatre: Stage Shows" (CSS). Showbiz Pizza.com. Retrieved 2009-03-03. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)
  12. ^ "Pizza Time Theatre Program" (PDF) (Press release). ATARI, Inc. 1977. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  13. ^ "Pizza Time Theatre Balcony Show Photograph #1". 1981. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  14. ^ "Pizza Time Theatre Balcony Show Photograph #2". 1980s. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  15. ^ "Chuck E.'s New Look" (PDF) (Press release). Garner Holt Productions. 1998. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  16. ^ a b c "Birthday Parties at Chuck E. Cheese's". Birthday Party Locations. 2008-12-07. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  17. ^ "Birthday Parties" (PHP). Chuck E. Cheese's Official Site. CEC Entertainment, Inc. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  18. ^ "Chuck E. Cheese Tokens". Forrest's Token Page. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  19. ^ S., Travis. "CEC Token Cards" (CSS). Showbiz Pizza.com. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  20. ^ a b "Testing Chuck E. Cheese Restaurants For Bacteria Will Probably Give You Nightmares". The Consumerist. 04 December 2008. Retrieved 2008-12-31. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  21. ^ "Is Chuck E. Cheese's Really Chuck E. Diseases?". Momlogic.com. 2008-12-05. Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  22. ^ "Chuck E. Cheese's Investigation". Momlogic.com. 2008-12-05. pp. 3/14. Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  23. ^ "Piggy's Pizza Place". Rugrats. Season 4. Episode 87. 1998-04-25. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |episodelink= (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  24. ^ "Chubby Cheese". Dexter's Laboratory. Season 2. Episode 15. 1997-06-13. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  25. ^ "Pinky's Plan". Pinky and the Brain. Season 3. Episode 34. 1997-09-17. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  26. ^ "Plastic Buffet". Robot Chicken. Season 1. Episode 4. 2005-03-13. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  27. ^ "Chitty Chitty Death Bang". Family Guy. Season 1. Episode 3. 1999-04-18. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  28. ^ "Bloaty's Pizza Hog". Invader Zim. Season 1. Episode 10. 2001-09-07. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |episodelink= (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  29. ^ "Birthday Wish!". The Fairly OddParents. Season 4. Episode 64. 2005-05-09. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  30. ^ "Radio Bart". The Simpsons. Season 3. Episode 48. 1992-01-09. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  31. ^ "Child Abduction Is Not Funny". South Park. Season 6. Episode 90. 2002-07-24. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  32. ^ "Esteemsters". Daria. Season 1. Episode 1. 1997-03-03. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  33. ^ "Coach Possible". Kim Possible. Season 1. Episode 11. 2002-08-23. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  34. ^ "Penny Hearts Joey". The Mighty B!. Season 1. Episode 9. 2008-06-26. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |episodelink= (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  35. ^ "Noir Gang". Duckman. Season 3. Episode 23. 1996-01-16. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)


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