Huge US chain set to open in Australia next month
It’s official. Another American chain is set to break into the Aussie market, proving we just can’t get enough of the US fast food options.
It’s official, another American chain is set to break into the Australian market — and if you’ve watched any US-based family films in the last decade, you’ll be familiar with this one.
Chuck E. Cheese, which first opened its doors in 1977 in San Jose, California, was one of the first dining establishments where kids could overindulge in pizza, games and marvel at animatronics.
Now, there are more than 570 locations around the world — and Australia is set to get its first store next month.
Chuck E. Cheese will open its doors in Joondalup, in Perth’s north, on September 6.
The family-centric dining establishment is being brought to Australia by Royale Hospitality Group, who also franchises Milky Lane and Planet Royale, in partnership with CEC Entertainment Inc.
The venue, which is 1,622sqm, boasts of an Adventure Zone, which features a massive multi-story indoor playground that is set to have a six-metre interactive rock climbing wall, a ball pit with inflatable boats, a spider climb, a Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course and a giant spiral slide.
There is also a Game Zone boasting of more than 100 arcade games, and VIP party rooms.
Meanwhile, the fast food giant’s menu will have items such as wings, salads, fruit and veggie platters, unicorn churros, Dippin Dots — and, of course, Chuck E. Cheese’s signature pizza.
News.com.au understands that while Chuck E. Cheese is beloved glovally, the experience has been tailored to Australia.
“Everything from the menu to the entertainment offering reflects Aussie tastes, culture, and expectations. It’s not a carbon copy of the U.S. - this is a fresh, fun, and uniquely Australian version of Chuck E. Cheese, designed with local families in mind,” a spokesperson told news.com.au.
It was decided now was the time due to a “real gap” in the market, particularly when ti comes to inclusive family spaces.
Social media users are already abuzz with the news, after content creator @iamadibb spotted a sign for the venue while driving.
“I had to pull over to show you this. What the f*** is that? A f***ing Chuck E. Cheese in Perth,” he said.
He initially expressed his hesitation, asking why so many American businesses were opening in Australia, but said he was excited to try it “for science”.
Fellow social media users were quick to share their response, with many referencing the growing number of American chains cropping up in Australia. In the last 12 months alone, Wendy’s, Wingstop and Auntie Anne’s have all opened their doors on Australia’s East Coast.
“Wendy’s (the actual burger and not ice-cream) is in Queensland, Taco Bell and now this,” one social media user said.
Another said: “I only want Raising Canes, Olive Garden and Starbucks and maybe just Wingstop.”
“God help us, we are being colonised,” another added.
One commented: “Perth gets nothing but they get a Chuck E. Cheese??”
“Close to it too dayum, hopefully opens before I go back to Melbourne,” another added.
One said: “HAHAHAHA yessss the people need to go for science!”
The venue will be open seven days a week, and serving food until 10pm. To celebrate the opening, one Western Australia child will win Unlimited Adventure Play for One Year. Entries close on September 18.
A spokesperson from the brand revealed that currently, the focus is solely on making Perth’s launch a success — and then opportunities for growth will be explored.
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Originally published as Huge US chain set to open in Australia next month
