Chuck E. Cheese opens 10 new locations across the US... but there's a strict rule to get in

Daily Mail​

2 days ago

Chuck E. Cheese has opened a series of arcades catered to adults... and the internet is divided over the news.
For decades, Chuck E. Cheese has been the go-to place for parents to bring their children for a day of family fun.
The restaurant chain has locations all across the globe that offer arcade games, character meet and greets, and musical shows for its guests.
It is a popular choice for children's birthday parties, and its rat mascot is beloved by youngsters around the world.
But the corporation is trying to shed its reputation for being only for little ones, as it recently launched a new chain of eateries called Chuck's Arcade, which was created for 'adults and lifelong fans who grew up surrounded by the electric glow of arcade screens.'
Chuck's Arcade offers a 'full menu' and a slew of games, and 'each arcade is overseen by an animatronic character such as Chuck E. Cheese or one of the other characters from Munch's Make Believe Band.'
It's described as a 'modern-day love letter to the games and people who made Chuck E. Cheese great.'
'This bold new arcade concept from Chuck E. Cheese combines classic games and the hottest new games alongside iconic animatronic characters,' reads a press release.
'Chuck's Arcade celebrates a legacy of innovation that has defined the arcade and video game experience for generations.
'It's a new destination where nostalgia meets the future, bringing together gamers of all ages and inviting everyone to experience what's next.'
The company shared the news earlier this week, and immediately, people took to social media to discuss it in droves.
The internet seemed split over the announcement, with some sharing their excitement and others admitting they weren't a fan of the idea.
'I'm on my way,' one user replied to an article about the new endeavor.
'Finally, some important news,' someone else joked.
'I'm here for this!' another excited fan wrote.
'Me and who?' asked a different person.
'This sounds cool,' read a fifth tweet. A sixth said, 'I like this. It's a [place] that has wholesome entertainment and socializing and grass touching. We need more of this.'
'So a Dave & Buster's with better pizza?! Sign me up,' gushed another supporter.
'Long [as] they don't bring that rat out,' announced someone else.
'For those of us geeks who grew up in the '80s, it was a lot of fun. This brings back memories,' said a different person.
But others slammed the company's attempts to launch an adult arcade.
'Man the fights from this place will make the fights at Chuck E. Cheese look like child's play. No way this ends well,' one user theorized.
'Absolutely ridiculous. Any adult needing something like this has more than one issue they need to address,' scathed another.
Chuck's Arcade has opened in eight cities across America so far, with more to come.
Its locations so far include in St. Petersburg, Florida, Trumbull, Connecticut, Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma, Victor, New York, Buford, Georgia, El Paso, Texas, Nashua and Salem, New Hampshire, and St. Louis.
The internet seemed split over the announcement, with some sharing their excitement and others admitting they weren't a fan
It has 'state-of-the-art racing simulators and immersive virtual reality to new hits like Jurassic Park, Halo and Connect Four Hoops' and 'features a curated collection of retro legends' like Ms. Pac-Man, Mortal Kombat, Donkey Kong, and Centipede.
'It's a fresh, modern arcade experience, providing what's next in arcade entertainment with just enough nostalgia for anyone looking to relive a classic high-score chase,' the press release adds.
'Every Chuck's Arcade offers a unique environment, with a distinct lineup of today's hottest games and a rotating mix of retro classics. No two locations are exactly alike.
'Select locations also feature exclusive retro-themed merchandise: classic logo apparel, collectible toys, novelty candy and prize redemption items, all celebrating the magic of winning that fans have always loved.'
David McKillips, CEO of Chuck E. Cheese said in a statement, 'Chuck E. Cheese has spent decades mastering the arcade experience - it's in our DNA.
'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.
'Chuck's Arcade is a natural evolution - an opportunity to extend our arcade legacy into new formats that engage both lifelong fans and a new generation through a curated mix of retro classics and cutting-edge experiences.'