Chuck E. Cheese confirms UK as 'key target market'

US restaurant chain Chuck E. Cheese has confirmed it is eyeing expansion in the UK.

The group, known for its mouse mascot, was founded in California in 1997 and hosts half a million children’s birthday parties a year.

Alongside its franchisees, the company operates nearly 600 “fun centres” in 16 countries worldwide, offering pizza, arcade games, lives shows and trampolines.

Now the chain is reportedly looking to open in the UK, with target locations including Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Milton Keynes and Bristol, according to Completely Retail News. 

A Chuck E. Cheese spokesperson told The Caterer: “We are actively expanding the Chuck E. Cheese brand internationally, with Europe, including the UK, as a key target market.

“While there is nothing specific to announce currently, we are excited to see our intellectual property resonate globally as we continue to gauge interest from potential franchise partners worldwide.”

The chain is reportedly targeting shopping centres, retail parks, and leisure parks with car park frontage.

It joins a growing number of US restaurant chains planning UK expansion, with Dave’s Hot Chicken making its UK debut this month and Chick-fil-A set to make a second attempt to launch nationwide next year.

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