Chuck E. Cheese's Workforce: A Large Number Of Employees

Chuck E. Cheese is an American entertainment restaurant chain that was founded in 1977 by Nolan Bushnell, the co-founder of Atari, Inc. The chain is headquartered in Irving, Texas, and offers arcade games, amusement rides, and musical shows, in addition to serving pizza and other food items. As of 2024, CEC Entertainment, the parent company of Chuck E. Cheese, owns and operates approximately 465 locations in the United States and Canada, with 96 franchised locations worldwide. The company employs thousands of people across its locations, with positions ranging from cashiers and customer service associates to restaurant managers and technicians.

Chuck E. Cheese employee benefits

Chuck E. Cheese, the American entertainment and restaurant chain, offers a range of benefits to its employees. The company, with its headquarters in Irving, Texas, and locations across the world, provides benefits to support the health and well-being of its eligible employees. Here is an overview of the benefits and perks that Chuck E. Cheese employees can access:

Health and Well-being Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans are offered to employees, ensuring they have access to quality healthcare.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are available, allowing employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage is provided to support employees in case of illness or injury.
• Life insurance options are available for employees and their spouses and children, offering financial protection for loved ones.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is offered to support employees' mental health and provide resources for personal or work-related challenges.

Time-Off Benefits:

Paid holidays, vacation days, and sick days ensure employees can take time off to relax, recharge, or address illness without losing income.

Financial Benefits and Perks:

• Access to earned wages is provided through the "Work Today, Get Paid Tomorrow" program, eliminating the need to wait between paychecks.
• A 40% tuition discount is offered at the University of Arizona Global Campus for employees and their immediate family members, supporting their continued education.
• A partnership with Google Career Certificate Program provides employees with opportunities to enhance their skills and qualifications.
• Employee meal discounts are available, making dining at Chuck E. Cheese more affordable for staff.
• A perks and discounts program is offered, providing employees with exclusive deals and savings.
• Pet insurance discounts are provided, helping employees save on veterinary care and pet-related expenses.
• The CEC Cares Scholarship Program and the CEC Cares Employee Financial Relief Fund offer financial assistance to employees in need.

Work-Life Balance Initiatives:

Flexible scheduling is mentioned in employee reviews, indicating that Chuck E. Cheese works with employees to accommodate their scheduling needs, particularly for part-time workers and students.

It is important to note that the availability of these benefits may vary based on employment status and location. Overall, Chuck E. Cheese aims to provide a competitive benefits package that supports the well-being and professional development of its employees.

Chuck E. Cheese employee reviews

Chuck E. Cheese has received thousands of employee reviews on sites like Indeed and Glassdoor. The reviews are mixed, with an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Indeed and 3.6 out of 5 on Glassdoor.

Many employees mention the cheerful and fun environment, friendly coworkers, and the joy of working with children. The food is also mentioned as a positive, with employees receiving discounts and sometimes free food. Some reviews mention that the job is a great first job or a good source of pocket money for students.

However, a common complaint in the reviews is poor management. Employees also report low pay, long hours, and an unpleasant work environment. The work itself is often described as stressful, repetitive, and physically demanding. There are also mentions of unsanitary conditions and a lack of respect from customers and managers.

"When I worked there, everyone I worked with was really friendly and helpful, and the laughing kids running around can give you an infectious smile throughout the workday. Knowing that you're helping make the kids have a better day makes you feel good inside." —Former Game Room Attendant, Virginia Beach, VA

"I was one of many people that resigned from my position due to poor management. Many employees left or were fired, leading the Dillingham location to be understaffed. Although the scheduling is flexible, workdays at Chuck E. Cheese are not enjoyable. Initially, when you first start, it seems fun and joyful, but after a while, everything is repetitive. Customers and managers do not respect you." —Former Red Shirt, Honolulu, HI

"I worked kitchen and would constantly be left alone to handle the job of 3-4 people. I would have to beg for help and most of the time wouldn't get it. Management was really bad; they wouldn't schedule people to help out." —Current Kitchen Staff/Game Room Attendant, Victorville, CA

"If you like getting paid to dress up and dance, this is the place. It was the most fun I have ever had working for a company. That said, I have worked for myself ever since." —Former Employee, Fairfax, VA

"Good starting job. Uniform provided. If you like dealing with screaming kids of all ages, you've come to the right place. A good job to get some pocket money as a student." —Former Customer Service, Kent, WA

"I dreaded my job. [...] The immense amount of noise, pressure to get things done super quickly, and often times working 12 hours to make up for personnel calling in sick was just a lot of stress. You have seconds to throw together pizzas at times, and peak hours were absolute hell. Kids also smelled terrible and too many were abusive. Food would sometimes arrive pretty late due to the peak hours, and parents wanted to start fights with staff over waiting 30-45 minutes." —Former Employee, Brookfield, WI

Chuck E. Cheese hiring process

The hiring process at Chuck E. Cheese varies depending on the position being applied for. The process for restaurant operations managers and corporate and regional support staff is similar and more formal, while the process for restaurant crew level positions is more informal.

Restaurant Operations Managers and Corporate and Regional Support Staff

For these positions, there is an average of 2 interviews: one with the Talent Acquisition Manager (phone), and the second with the District Manager and General Manager, usually at the same time. A hiring decision is usually communicated within 24-72 hours.

Restaurant Crew Level Positions

For these positions, candidates can complete a quick profile online or go to a restaurant to complete an application. It is also recommended that candidates call the store to follow up on their application. Many times, candidates can interview and get a job offer on the same day.

General Tips

Some general tips for applicants include:

• Calling the store to follow up on applications.
• Going to the store to check on applications in person.
• Filling out a physical application at the store instead of applying online.
• Being prepared for basic interview questions about availability and willingness to wear the Chuckie suit.
• Being prepared for a quick hiring process, with some candidates reporting being hired on the spot or within 24-72 hours.

Dress Code

The dress code for employees requires a blue, black, or red polo shirt (with no logos) and dark jeans or pants. Nonslip shoes are also required, and employees with long hair must tie it up.

Work Culture

Former and current employees report a range of experiences working at Chuck E. Cheese. Some employees report a fun and cheerful work environment with friendly coworkers and the joy of bringing smiles to children's faces. Other employees report negative experiences with poor management, disorganization, low pay, and a poor work environment.

Chuck E. Cheese employee pay

A former employee from Honolulu, HI, expresses dissatisfaction with the pay, describing it as "minimum wage" and not a good work environment. Similarly, a former employee from York, PA, mentions that the pay is "absolute butt" and not worth the stress of dealing with rude customers and poor management.

A former employee from Bossier City, LA, confirms that the pay is minimum wage but appreciates the opportunity to learn good work ethics. Another former employee from Charlotte, NC, describes the job as "alright" and mentions that it is a good starting job for students, as you get to wear the mouse suit and there is free food.

A former employee from Boca Raton, FL, mentions that the pay is too low for them, while a current employee from Victorville, CA does not mention their pay but expresses frustration with being left alone to handle multiple positions.

Overall, there seem to be mixed reviews about the pay at Chuck E. Cheese, with some employees feeling that they are not paid fairly, while others find the pay acceptable, especially for students or first jobs. The pay also varies depending on the specific role and location.

In terms of the number of employees, Chuck E. Cheese is a large company with approximately 465 locations in the United States and Canada as of October 2024. The total number of employees across all these locations is not specified, but it can be assumed that each location employs several individuals to handle various roles such as kitchen staff, game room attendants, cashiers, and management positions.

Chuck E. Cheese employee experience

Overview

Chuck E. Cheese is an American entertainment and restaurant chain, with each location featuring arcade games, rides, musical shows, and food. The chain employs thousands of people across its hundreds of locations, offering a range of roles and experiences for its employees.

Work Environment

The work environment at Chuck E. Cheese is often described as fun, fast-paced, and cheerful, with employees interacting with children and families. The atmosphere is generally positive, with employees reporting that they enjoy seeing happy children and creating memorable experiences for them. However, the noise level and fast pace can also be challenging and overwhelming for some.

Job Roles

Chuck E. Cheese offers a variety of job roles, including game room attendants, cashiers, kitchen staff, party hosts, technical management, and restaurant management. Employees may be cross-trained to handle multiple positions, such as kitchen, game room, kid check, and prize counter duties.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation for employees varies depending on the role and location. Hourly wages are typically close to or slightly above minimum wage, with some employees reporting wages of $13 per hour. The company offers competitive benefits, free or discounted meals, and flexible scheduling, which can be advantageous for students and those in school.

Management

Reviews of management at Chuck E. Cheese are mixed. Some employees praise their managers for being friendly, helpful, and supportive, while others criticise them for poor organisation, disrespect, and favouritism. There are also reports of high turnover rates and a lack of support from upper management.

Work-Life Balance

Employees at Chuck E. Cheese generally report a decent work-life balance, with flexible scheduling accommodating students and those in school. However, some roles may require working on weekends. The work can be repetitive, and employees may be required to work long hours during peak times or to cover for staff shortages.

Overall Experience

Overall, working at Chuck E. Cheese can be a positive experience, especially for teenagers and young adults looking for a fun and flexible first job. The work environment is often enjoyable, and employees can take pride in creating happy memories for children and families. However, the job can also be demanding, with employees reporting challenges such as dealing with rude customers, handling multiple responsibilities, and working with inadequate management support.

The employee experience at Chuck E. Cheese varies depending on the individual's role, location, and personal circumstances. While some employees enjoy the fun and interactive nature of the work, others may find the demands and challenges of the job outweigh the benefits. It is important for prospective employees to carefully consider their own priorities and expectations when considering a career at Chuck E. Cheese.

Frequently asked questions