Chuck E. Cheese, With 32 FL Locations, Files For Bankruptcy

FLORIDA — The fate of Chuck E. Cheese's 32 Florida locations is uncertain after the parent company of the popular children's-themed restaurant filed for bankruptcy on Thursday.

Texas -based CEC Entertainment said it expects to continue operations throughout bankruptcy proceedings as it gradually reopens its restaurants that were closed because of the coronavirus outbreak. Company officials said they planned to have "critical conversations" with financial stakeholders and landlords to craft a long-term plan for the company.

"The Chapter 11 process will allow us to strengthen our financial structure as we recover from what has undoubtedly been the most challenging event in our company's history and get back to the business of delivering memories, entertainment, and pizzas for another 40 years and beyond," David McKillips, CEC Entertainment CEO, said in a news release.

Chuck E. Cheese, which opened in 1977, serves pizza, complemented by arcade games, amusement rides and animatronic displays with a focus on family entertainment.

Chuck E. Cheese is among several companies to forced to declare bankruptcy because of the outbreak. Others include J.C. Penney, J. Crew, Neiman Marcus and Hertz.

Here are Chuck E. Cheese's locations in Florida:

• Altamonte Springs
• Boca Raton
• Boynton Beach
• Bradenton
• Brandon
• Clearwater
• Fort Myers
• Hialeah
• Jacksonville (3)
• Lakeland
• Miami (3)
• Naples
• Ocala
• Orlando (3)
• Pembroke Pines
• Pensacola
• Pompano Beach
• Port Orange
• St. Petersburg
• Stuart
• Sunrise
• Tallahassee
• Tampa
• Wesley Chapel
• West Melbourne
• West Palm Beach

Chuck E. Cheese is part of a growing list of brick-and-mortar establishments that have seen a nosedive in revenue and popularity with the emergence of e-commerce companies such as Amazon and Walmart.

Last month, Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works announced store closures prompted by dwindling revenue amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Also in May, Pier 1 Imports and J.C. Penney both announced the companies would file for bankruptcy. While J.C. Penney plans to close about 240 stores, Pier 1 will close all locations. Earlier this month, luxury department store Neiman Marcus filed for bankruptcy after furloughing 14,000 employees and temporarily closing its 43 stores.

Chains that are shuttering Florida stores include Papyrus, Gap, Motherhood Maternity, Dressbarn and more.

A record 9,300-plus store closings were announced in 2019, and that number could be even higher in 2020, according to a report by Business Insider.

Related:

• Victoria's Secret Closing 250 Stores; See Locations In Florida
• More JCPenney Stores Closing, 9 In Florida To Shut Down
• 4 Gap Clothing Stores In Florida Close
• 7 Florida Pier 1 Stores Marked For Closure
• Lucky's Market Closing All But One Florida Store