How Chuck E. Cheese Went from Bankruptcy to a $350M Reinvention

Chuck E. Cheese isn’t just a childhood memory—it’s a brand that faced bankruptcy, a pandemic, and a struggling reputation. But instead of fading into nostalgia, it pulled off one of the boldest brand transformations in entertainment history. In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with David McKillips, President & CEO of CEC Entertainment, to unpack the $350 million reinvention of Chuck E. Cheese. From wiping out $700M in debt to revamping every location in the U.S., McKillips shares how the company evolved to stay relevant for a new generation. How did they pivot from crisis to comeback? Why did they ditch the animatronics? And what’s next for Chuck E. Cheese as a global entertainment brand? Find out in this deep dive with Ben Kaplan on Branded!