OUR HISTORY
Celebrating nearly 50 years of fun!
How we started
Chuck E. Cheese began in the late 70s as a groundbreaking & innovative concept bringing pizza, games and entertainment all under one roof. Founded, by Nolan Bushnell, the co-founder of Atari, first known as Chuck E. Cheese Pizza Time Theatre, was the first interactive entertainment restaurant for families. While our name has changed to Chuck E. Cheese and our experience looks a bit different, we still provide the best family entertainment with arcade games and pizza to this day.
1977
First location opens
The first Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza Time Theatre opened on May 17, 1977 in San Jose, California. The 5,000 square foot location was the first restaurant of its kind for kids and families that offered pizza, animatronic entertainment, and an indoor arcade.
1980
First live appearance
The iconic and beloved face of Chuck E. Cheese makes his first live appearance in stores.
1986
First international location opens
Chuck E. Cheese becomes a global sensation by expanding to the first international location in Guatemala City.
1994
A fresh new look
Chuck E. Cheese receives a fresh new look appealing to families of all ages.
2011
Last ball pit removed
Ball pits are no longer a part of the Chuck E. Cheese experience and instead new games and attractions are added.
2016
Play pass is introduced
Play Pass & Play Bands take the place of traditional tokens. The tap-to-play game card system provides an easier, more convenient, and cleaner way to play.
2018
All you can play is born
All You Can Play provides guests the ability to play as many arcade games as possible on a timecard.
2019
New fun center renovations
A fresh, vibrant, and contemporary look that is appealing to kids and kids at heart with new games, attractions and more!
2020
E-tickets places paper tickets
E-Tickets are introduced as a contactless, eco-friendly, easy and convenient alternative to paper tickets that are tracked and saved on a Playpass or Playband.
2021
First Chuck E. Cheese mobile app launches
The mobile app allows guests to plan their entire visit before they enter our venue, take advantage of member-only perks and gives them access to customized promotions and offers.
2023
Newer better now
We’ve just spent over $300 million to remodel our Fun Centers! We also have new games, new food, new prizes, new birthday parties, and much more!* Chuck E. Cheese is better than ever.