(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A birthday party venue with a rodent mascot is retooled and ready to compete in the 2020s.
The animatronic band that used to be the centerpiece of the Chuck E. Cheese birthday celebration has been retired.
The pizza, entertainment, and birthday party venue went on a $300 million renovation spree after it emerged from bankruptcy protection.
The restaurants have app based tickets, video games, and trampolines.
R.J. Hottovy of the foot traffic analysis firm Placer.ai said Chuck E. Cheese is competing with birthday party event spaces like trampoline parks.
He said the new approach is working.
“People are willing to spend for these types of events. And if they can keep the experience consistent with what kids are looking for in this day and age, and I think they've done that,” Hottovy said.
“I think it's really interesting to look at. You know, like I said, our visitation data seems to support that this was a smart move by the company.”