Andy Montoya
There is a conspiracy theory that Chuck E. Cheese uses leftover slices to make new pizzas. People have posted pictures of their pizzas that show uneven pizza slices, cut marks that don't line up, and pepperoni halves that disappear. Employees explain that the pizzas are cut with a heavy, bulky pizza slicer that is hard to handle, and as they are cutting, the slices move around on the tray, creating uneven shapes and strange cut marks. However, critics and customers are still suspicious, as some pizza slices look shrunken compared to others, and the crust doesn't line up all the way around.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pizzas are unevenly cut | Slices end up different sizes, cut marks don't line up, and pepperoni halves disappear |
| Pizzas are made from leftover slices | Slices are too short and skinny to have been cut from the same pizza |
| Use of a heavy, bulky pizza slicer | The slicer is hard to handle, and as the pizza is still pliable when cut, the slices move around on the tray creating uneven shapes and strange cut marks |
| Cheap establishment | They will save money where they can |
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What You'll Learn
The use of leftover slices to make new pizzas
There is a conspiracy theory that Chuck E. Cheese uses leftover slices to make new pizzas. Many people have posted pictures of their pizzas that look like they are made of leftover slices. Slices of warm pizza with melted cheese are very malleable, and when shifted, can get "squished" into the center of the pie. When a big rolling slicing knife is used to cut the pizza, it can cause the pizza to not line up anymore. The deep cuts made by the knife can also cause some compression with bad cuts. If the pizza is slid from the cutting board to the serving tray too violently, the slices can compress into each other.
Employees of Chuck E. Cheese explain that the misshapen pizzas are a result of a heavy, bulky pizza slicer that is hard to handle. As they are cutting the pizza, the slices move around on the tray, creating uneven shapes and strange cut marks. However, critics say that this does not explain why some pizza slices look shrunken compared to others, and why the crust doesn't line up all the way around.
While the company has denied the conspiracy theory, releasing an official statement that their "pizzas are made to order and [they] prepare [their] dough fresh in the restaurant, which means that they’re not always perfectly uniform in shape, but always delicious", people are still convinced that the company uses leftover slices to make new pizzas.
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Poorly trained employees cutting pizzas
While Chuck E. Cheese's has denied the theory, some people believe that the pizzas served at the restaurant are made from leftover slices. Employees have explained that the misshapen pizzas are the result of a heavy, bulky pizza slicer that is hard to handle. As they are cutting the pizza, the slices move around on the tray, creating uneven shapes and strange cut marks.
However, critics argue that this does not explain why some pizza slices look shrunken compared to others, nor why the crust doesn't always line up. The pizza is still pliable when it comes out of the oven, and using a large slicing knife can cause compression and uneven cuts, especially if the pizza is not handled smoothly.
Chuck E. Cheese's is a cheap establishment, and it is plausible that they would reuse leftover slices to save money. However, as a large national chain, it seems unlikely that they could keep such a secret for long. The company has stated that their pizzas are made to order with fresh dough, which is why they are not always perfectly uniform.
Poorly trained employees may struggle to use the bulky pizza slicer effectively, leading to uneven and poorly cut slices. They may also be more likely to handle the pizza violently, causing slices to compress into each other. In their haste, employees may also only cut one slice before serving, leading to the strange appearance of the pizza.
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Cheap, bulky pizza slicers
While there is no clear consensus on why Chuck E. Cheese pizzas are so badly cut, one theory suggests that the pizza cutters used are cheap, dull, or poorly designed, resulting in incomplete slices, stuck or crushed toppings, or uneven cuts. This is supported by the observation that warm, pliable pizzas with melted cheese are more prone to shifting and "squishing" when cut with a large, rolling knife, which can lead to uneven slices.
When it comes to pizza slicers, there are a variety of options available, ranging from inexpensive to high-end. If you're looking for a cheap and bulky option, you might consider the following:
Pizza Rocker:
The Pizza Rocker is a good choice if you want to feel like a gourmet pizzeria chef. It can cut an entire personal pie in one motion, but it's heavy and not ideal for large pies or cutting smaller pieces for children. It's also bulky and awkward to store due to its large, sharp blade, and it must be cleaned with one hand, which can be cumbersome. The Checkered Chef Rocker Blade Pizza Cutter is a top pick in this category, with a comfortable ergonomic handle and a sharp, half-inch stainless-steel blade.
Wheel-with-Handle Models:
These are smaller and more compact than the Pizza Rocker, and they are more suitable for cutting smaller pizzas or personal pies. OXO offers a range of sizes, including a 3.5-inch and a 4-inch version, with a comfortable grip and smooth slicing action. The larger size is preferred for better performance, but the smaller size might be more manageable for those with smaller hands.
Zyliss Pizza Wheel:
The Zyliss pizza wheel is known for its safety, as most of the blade is covered. It slices well, even through thick crusts. However, the cover makes it more bulky and may not be ideal if you're short on drawer space.
When choosing a pizza slicer, it's important to consider your specific needs, such as the size of the pizzas you'll be cutting and your storage space. Additionally, factors like comfort, ease of use, and durability should be taken into account.
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Plating pizzas sloppily
Additionally, the skill of the person cutting the pizza comes into play. Inexperience or a lack of attention to detail can lead to uneven slices, and the heavy, bulky pizza slicers used in establishments like Chuck E. Cheese can be challenging to handle, resulting in misshapen pizzas. This can also cause inconsistencies in slice sizes, with some appearing noticeably smaller or skinnier than others.
The nature of the pizza itself can also be a factor. For instance, a pizza with a thicker crust or an uneven distribution of toppings may be more challenging to cut neatly. In the case of Chuck E. Cheese, their pizzas are made-to-order with freshly prepared dough, which the company states can result in pizzas that are "not always perfectly uniform in shape." This variability in shape, combined with the challenges of cutting soft, pliable pizza, could contribute to the perception of sloppily plated pizzas.
Furthermore, the high volume and fast-paced nature of pizza service in places like Chuck E. Cheese can increase the likelihood of plating inconsistencies. When focusing on speed and efficiency, the precision of slicing may suffer. While this may not be a deliberate cost-saving strategy, as some have speculated, it can contribute to the overall plating sloppiness.
To avoid sloppily plated pizzas, one could consider using a different type of cutter, such as a roller or a thinner blade, which may reduce the compression and distortion of slices. Additionally, allowing the pizza to cool slightly before cutting can make it firmer and less prone to shifting during the cutting process. Proper training on cutting techniques and the handling of bulky pizza slicers can also help improve plating consistency.
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Pizzas are made-to-order, so they're not uniform
There are several theories as to why Chuck E. Cheese pizzas are often perceived as being badly cut. One popular theory is that the pizzas are made from leftover slices, with the uneven cuts and misshapen slices being seen as evidence of this. This theory has gained traction online, with many people sharing pictures of their oddly cut pizzas from the restaurant. However, Chuck E. Cheese has officially denied these claims, stating that their pizzas are made-to-order and prepared with fresh dough in-restaurant, which results in pizzas that are not always perfectly uniform in shape.
The company's explanation for the uneven pizzas is that the dough is prepared fresh and may not always result in a perfectly uniform shape. Additionally, the bulkiness of the pizza slicer used can make it difficult to handle, causing the slices to move around on the tray and creating uneven shapes and strange cut marks. Employees have also stated that the pizzas are often cut with a large, rolling slicing knife, which can cause deep and complete cuts, affecting the overall shape of the pizza.
Furthermore, the way the pizza is transferred from the cutting board to the serving tray can also impact its appearance. If done too quickly or violently, the slices can compress into each other, resulting in uneven shapes. The thickness of the blade can also contribute to the compression of the slices. However, some critics argue that this explanation does not fully account for the significant size differences between slices or why the crusts don't always line up.
While some customers continue to question the company's explanation, it is important to consider that Chuck E. Cheese is a large, established chain with hundreds of locations and thousands of employees worldwide. It seems unlikely that they would be able to keep a secret like this for long, especially over an extended period. Additionally, as a cheap establishment, it is in their interest to save money where they can, and reusing leftover pizza slices would be one way to reduce costs.
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Frequently asked questions
Chuck E. Cheese has released an official statement denying the theory that they use leftover slices to make new pizzas, stating that their pizzas are "made to order" and that the dough is "prepared fresh in the restaurant", which means that they are "not always perfectly uniform in shape". Employees have also explained that the misshapen pizzas are a result of a heavy, bulky pizza slicer that is hard to handle, and as they are cutting the pizza, the slices move around on the tray, creating uneven shapes and strange cut marks.
Slices of warm pizza with melted cheese are very malleable, and when a large rolling slicing knife is used to cut it, it can cause compression and uneven cuts. If the pizza is slid from the cutting board to the serving tray too violently, the slices can also compress into each other.
People have posted pictures of their pizzas from Chuck E. Cheese, showing uneven slices, cut marks that don't line up, and pepperoni halves that disappear. They believe that the company may be using leftover slices to create new pizzas to save money, as it is a rather cheap establishment.
