Victor, New York — Chuck E. Cheese is growing up — literally. In a nostalgic nod to its first-generation fans, the beloved children’s arcade chain is launching an adult-focused spin-off called “Chuck’s Arcade”, and one of its first 10 locations has opened in Victor, New York, just 22 miles southeast of Rochester.
Retro Games, Booze & Big-Kid Prizes
Designed as a “modern-day love letter” to its millennial and Gen X fans, Chuck’s Arcade brings back retro hits like Galaga alongside grown-up favorites like Mortal Kombat and Halo — titles once too edgy for the kids’ arcade floors.
To complete the experience, the new arcade spots come with food, alcohol, and a prize counter featuring “old-school merch” for high-scoring guests — plus, of course, candy mountains for nostalgia’s sake.
Old Mascots Return, Animatronics Revived
Each Chuck’s Arcade is “overseen” by a vintage animatronic character from the franchise’s archives — including figures from Munch’s Make Believe Band, which were phased out in 2023 from nearly all Chuck E. Cheese locations except one in California.
Now, they’re getting a new life — and a more grown-up audience.
Nationwide Rollout Across 8 States
In addition to New York, Chuck’s Arcades have popped up in Connecticut, Florida, Oklahoma, Georgia, Texas, New Hampshire, and Missouri, mostly inside malls.
The move follows the chain’s $350 million renovation initiative and comes just five years after the brand filed for bankruptcy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
David McKillips, CEO of Chuck E. Cheese, called the spin-off “a natural evolution.”
“Chuck E. Cheese has spent decades mastering the arcade experience — it’s in our DNA,” McKillips said in a press release.
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A Comeback in the Making?
The company, now bouncing back financially, even explored a potential $1 billion auction last year with Goldman Sachs as part of a broader strategic reinvention.
Chuck’s Arcade is clearly a bet that grown-ups — especially those craving an ‘80s or ‘90s throwback — are ready to hit the game floor again.
Have you visited Chuck’s Arcade yet?
What’s your favorite throwback game? Would you trade your Friday night bar plans for Pac-Man and prizes Share your take and discover more local stories at ridgecrestpact.org.
