Chuck E. Cheese's Open Status In Michigan: What You Need To Know

Chuck E. Cheese, a popular restaurant and arcade chain, has had a presence in Michigan for many years. With a menu featuring pizza, wings, and salad, as well as a variety of arcade games, it has been a go-to destination for children's birthday parties and family outings. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent closures hit the company hard, leading to bankruptcy filings and permanent closures of several locations. As of 2024, there are still Chuck E. Cheese locations operating in Michigan, with one in Dearborn and another in Sterling Heights.

Locations in Michigan

There are 12 Chuck E. Cheese locations in Michigan. One of these is in Sterling Heights. Another is in Dearborn, at 24399 Michigan Ave, Ste 9-I, Dearborn, MI 48124. This location is in a plaza with Planet Fitness. It offers arcade games for every age and food for the whole family, including pizza, wings, and fresh salad. It also has Dippin' Dots, giant cookies, and cupcakes for dessert. This location is highly rated by some customers, who praise the cleanliness, the size, and the staff. However, other reviews mention rude staff and issues with the ticket-counting machine.

Games and activities

Chuck E. Cheese in Michigan offers a range of games and activities for kids and families. With nearly 500 locations, it is the largest kids' arcade in the world, providing a fun and safe environment for memorable experiences.

For kids, there are arcade games, including basketball games, stand-up arcade games, and interactive games such as the dance floor. There are games suitable for toddlers and teenagers, offering entertainment and early learning. The arcade games allow kids to test their skills, compete for high scores, and win arcade prizes. E-Tickets earned from playing games can be redeemed for prizes at the Gift Shop, with options like the Ticket Blaster experience.

In addition to arcade games, Chuck E. Cheese in Michigan features climb-on rides designed for younger children, such as Chuck E.'s Sketchbook Car. There is also a Trampoline Zone for kids to jump and release their energy, with a height requirement of under 52" for safety.

The venue also offers birthday party packages, including exclusive games and experiences for the birthday VIP. The Super, Mega, and Ultimate Fun packages let the birthday star shine with games, the Ticket Blaster, and a dance with Chuck E. Cheese LIVE in their all-new Live Show.

Chuck E. Cheese provides a fun-filled experience with a variety of games and activities to keep kids entertained and engaged. The combination of arcade games, rides, and interactive experiences creates a unique and enjoyable environment for families in Michigan.

Food and drinks

Chuck E. Cheese in Michigan offers a range of food and drinks to cater to different tastes and preferences. The menu includes various pizzas, such as the Homestyle BBQ Chicken Pizza, Spicy Hawaiian Pizza, Signature Meatball Pizza, and Spicy BBQ Piggy Pizza. Each pizza can be customized with different sizes, crusts, and toppings to suit individual preferences. For those who want a meat-filled option, the Absolute meat satisfaction pizza is a classic loaded with five types of meat, including pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham, and beef. There is also a vegetarian option, featuring a medley of vegetables on a classic cheese pizza.

For those who enjoy spicy flavors, the Spicy Hawaiian Pizza and Spicy BBQ Piggy Pizza are ideal choices, with jalapeños and sweet chili sauce adding a kick. The menu also includes bone-in traditional buffalo wings or oven-baked all-white-meat nuggets with a range of sauces, such as hot buffalo, smoky BBQ, and sweet chili. These wings are served with celery and a choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

For those who want a lighter option, Chuck E. Cheese offers an all-you-can-eat Salad Bar with over 20 items, including toppings, cheese, and fresh sides. They also have a garden salad as an appetizer, which can be paired with one of their pizzas or other main courses.

In addition to their food options, Chuck E. Cheese provides a variety of drinks to accompany the meals. They offer refreshing PEPSI-COLA® products and a selection of premium beers and wines, although the availability of alcoholic beverages may vary depending on the location.

Chuck E. Cheese also has a range of dessert options, including Buddy V's Cake Slice in vanilla rainbow, confetti, and chocolate fudge flavors. They also offer a giant chocolate chip cookie, churros dusted with cotton candy, sour apple, or blue raspberry sugar, and customizable cakes for birthday celebrations.

Birthday parties

Chuck E. Cheese in Michigan is a great place to host your child's birthday party. They offer a range of party packages to suit different budgets and group sizes. The basic package, priced at $99.99, includes 2 hours of unlimited gameplay for 6 children, unlimited soft drinks, upgraded prizes, and the Chuck E. Cheese birthday experience. This includes a live show with Chuck E. Cheese himself, available in English, Spanish, and ASL.

For a more exclusive experience, you can book an Early Access party outside of regular opening hours, giving your group more space and greater access to games. You can also add extra children to any package for $19.99 each.

If you're looking for a more premium experience, the Mega and Ultimate packages offer additional perks such as pizza, a dedicated party host, and upgraded prizes. The Ultimate package, in particular, includes two extra pizzas, Dippin' Dots ice cream, and mind-boggling prize upgrades.

To make your party even more special, you can bring your own birthday cake, favourite ice cream, and table decorations. Chuck E. Cheese also provides free online invitations through their website, which you can customise and send via email or text message.

When booking a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese in Michigan, there is a non-refundable $50 deposit required to secure your reservation. This deposit will be applied to your total bill on the day of the party. It's recommended to book in advance, as they accept reservations up to 60 days in advance, and you can reserve a spot up to 24 hours prior to the party.

COVID-19 closures

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Chuck E. Cheese's operations in Michigan and across the United States. As a direct consequence of the pandemic, many outlets were forced to close for extended periods, and the company that owns the chain, CEC Entertainment, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020. This filing was attributed in part to the prolonged closure of stores due to coronavirus restrictions.

As a result of the bankruptcy proceedings, 34 locations were identified for permanent closure, with 11 of those having already ceased operations before the pandemic. However, it is important to note that these closures were not solely due to the impact of COVID-19, as the company was experiencing financial difficulties prior to the pandemic.

Despite these challenges, Chuck E. Cheese has demonstrated resilience and adapted to the changing circumstances. The company has successfully reopened many of its locations, including those in Michigan, as restrictions have eased. As of 2024, there are 12 Chuck E. Cheese locations in Michigan, with one in Sterling Heights and another in Dearborn. These locations continue to offer in-person dining and entertainment, as well as delivery and takeout options.

The pandemic may have accelerated the financial troubles of the company, but it also provided an opportunity for Chuck E. Cheese to enhance its digital presence and off-premises offerings. The ability to make reservations, order delivery, and utilise takeout services has become increasingly important for families seeking safe entertainment options during the pandemic and beyond.

Frequently asked questions