A Fond Farewell To The Chuck E Cheese In Arlington Texas

[@azzuruth386]

My Dad worked at this store and said that when they just did the 88 remodel the sign was actually “Showbiz Pizza with Chuck E.” then a short while later they changed it to the standard “Showbiz Pizza” Besides that its very sad this store closed, my whole family has been to this store from the 1980s, my first memory EVER was at this location, and I went here so much!

[@SetsStreetsEats]

Thats a very cool historical note, I wish a picture existed of that sign, it would be one of a kind!

[@mightyrocky12345]

​@@SetsStreetsEats hi Chris bower

[@randibornstein-sb1mp]

(87)

[@christianhartmann24]

I grew up at a CEC with a Road Stage, and man I LOVED watching those shows as a kid! Chuck E Cheese was the place to go. I hope someday CEC or some other restaurant can give families the same awesome fun memories we had growing up.

[@SearsAndPennys1981]

You had one of the best runs Arlington, may your legacy live on
Rest in Peace 1980-2024

[@ThomasAndTheTankRailway.I.N.C]

Such disappointing news to hear about the location’s closure. It seems that the Fargo ND location has also closed. It also seems that all of these 2.0 remodels aren’t helping, nor fixing the store’s financially, as it costs even more money to install 2.0, rather than keeping up with the animatronic show stages. Maybe this will show CEC that these 2.0 remodels aren’t needed, and certainly aren’t helping their stores.

[@phantomhourglass13]

Monroeville, PA has also closed with Bridgewater, NJ on the way (the last store with the Studio C Interactive Console) in April.

[@SetsStreetsEats]

@@phantomhourglass13 Do you happen to know the date of the Bridgewater closing? I'm planning on finally visiting the store in April and hope I'm not to late.

[@kierstenseethaler941]

@@phantomhourglass13 The Monroeville PA location doesn’t close down until March 30th.

[@phantomhourglass13]

@@SetsStreetsEats Not sure of the exact date, but it is closing sometime in April, hopefully you can make it.

[@Cheezbat]

@@SetsStreetsEatsits supposedly closing in the first week or so of April.

[@orangeviper138]

This was my store, I'll never forget my 5th and 6th birthday parties here in the early 2000s. Such a disappointing loss.
As I see it, the reason for this closure is just the increased maintenance cost of operating this location. The shopping center is aging and I'm sure that although on the surface the store is very well maintained, there's some structural issues lying Behind the historic Walls.

[@CyberamicChuck.E]

It made me shed a tear to see a very old location *sigh* close its doors
R.I.P Arlington TX 1980-3.24.2024
Thanks to all the crew members!!

[@robertbachelder1555]

It is so sad to see such a big part of cec history close R.I.P Arlington TX cec

[@AkamexAris1023]

40+ Years of Family Fun just gone. It's truly heartbreaking and makes you realize 2.0 is just leading them towards another potential bankruptcy... there are so many stores suddenly closing out of no where and not just normal small locations but, historically loved and iconic stores! RIP Arlington CEC. Truly saddening to hear right before my Wife's birthday
#savepineville3stage #savepineville

[@user-mh7uu9bf6d]

#savevirginascircleoflightstage

[@CECGuy_]

I never went to this location because I never expected it to close. I’ve been to the DFW area so many times, yet I’ve never stopped by. I wanted to go back in 2022 when I went to go watch the Texans and Cowboys play. But we had to get home because we didn’t have another night at our hotel. Then I was thinking of going last December when my editor’s high school football team made it to state. But I decided to just stay home and watch the game. I regret all of it. This store has so much history to it. Can’t believe it’s actually gone. R.I.P Arlington, TX PTT/SPP/CEC October 1980-March 17, 2024. Gone but most certainly never forgotten

[@querty.uihopt]

Went twice back in 2018 and 19. It had such a great stage and so much history. rip Arlington 1980-2024

[@mr.tomraypaz6085]

I guess the only PTT remnants, besides the front area layout, are the ceiling at different levels and the big round diffuser vents.

[@Mega3362_]

Thank you Sets Streets and Eats, I didn't know about this store but omg the history and the layout made me fall in love with this store. I'm going the add Chuck E. University to my Minecraft Chuck E. Cheese. Thanks for showing me!

[@vingonzalez3199]

Came here so much as a kid. Was sad to see it shut down but even sadder now that I know how historical it was

[@lewiscrow]

We had at least one of my kids' b-days there and attended the parties of some of their friends there as well. Sad to see it close.

[@BearOfTheBeach]

Such a pity. But it goes to show how badly Chuck E. Cheese is doing financially if stores are being closed altogether instead of following through with remodels. Hoping that the employees that worked at this store aren’t hit too hard financially by this. Thank you for documenting as usual Chris. ❤

[@lennonblack]

Funny as a kid, I remember this place being HUGE. So sad to see it stripped of all it's magic. It's sad to see this place go. So many memories with family and friends.

[@Fazbearandfriendsadventures]

Hey, Buddy is been a long while and your right Chuck E cheese has gone through a lot of history, as someone who lives in Texas it's sad to see it close ☹️

[@Tedbrick]

Well done! This video will serve as a great memory for those who worked at this location.

[@fleababy11]

This was my boys favorite location! I loved it because it was a little smaller and I could keep an eye on them without running all over the place. My babies 5th birthday is tomorrow and I was just calling them when I saw it was permanently closed. I’m quite sad about it! So many memories!

[@thecechstoryguy]

I'm so sorry you had to go through this 😢

[@AngelCastle-fb7jf]

18:08 the chuck behind he...

[@RoscerWildDog]

That’s iconic😂

[@AngelCastle-fb7jf]

I meant to say him.

[@garfieldforneedslasagna]

He look so cursed

[@AngelCastle-fb7jf]

@@garfieldforneedslasagna yeah..

[@winhui1610]

很感恩自己仍保留著出奇老鼠和mr.munch的玩具和公仔，我是香港人！香港的出奇老鼠都結業超過30年了，想不到現在外國分店也經營不了，可惜。

[@shadowwolf32]

In that add the Chuck was playing a billy bob guitar

[@SetsStreetsEats]

I thought that was interesting myself

[@shadowwolf32]

@@SetsStreetsEats yeah it was quite weird since it wasn’t a showbiz

[@JawsChannelTv]

Sad to see another CEC close. One of my local CEC's just announced it's closing two days ago. It's located in Monroeville Pennsylvania. It has been a staple there, before I was even born.

[@HaydenAndConnor]

You can tell he is trying not to cry because so much history happened in that store it became a Showbiz and had a rock afire explosion and Chuck E,s Awesome Adventure Machine was in there and Chuck E Cheese Unversity now it’s all gone it’s just depressing :(

[@Cec_Jazper2024]

That was Dallas this is Arlington

[@AnonymousPersonWithNoChannel]

Hey there Chris! I’ll buy that picture you took! Such a big fan!

[@SetsStreetsEats]

Im gonna hang onto it for now but I appreciate the offer!

[@AnonymousPersonWithNoChannel]

@@SetsStreetsEats no problem! Thanks for getting back to me

[@AshtonHutchinson]

Sometimes these stores have to close because of the property. Lynnwood WA only went away because they property manager sold the land. It doesn't always necessarily mean it was an underperforming store. They might open another store close to that location there soon. Its too bad though, lots of history there. Long live Chuck.

[@animallovers2335]

It doesn't matter where we have to wait 2 days. I'm just really excited to see this🎉

[@TheMightyManhog1010]

This sucks that one of the best CEC locations and a nostalgic one (not for me but for millions of people) has to shut down which has the same energy as throwing out a original portrait show jasper just because it was wet.

[@CECHialeah1991]

I wish i had the chance to visit this legendary store :/

[@jonthegamerboy]

It was such a beautiful store, so disappointed it closed

[@CECuploads]

I like you visiting locations that are special to the Chuck E. Cheese history

[@xxgostapua2107]

Not saying Arlington closing was a good thing but now this means the Military dr. location in San Antonio is now the oldest one in Texas and might also be the biggest one in Texas now. Nice to know my childhood location has some significance in the community again.

[@AxtonRailFan924]

Can you please pay your visit to the Chattanooga Tennessee location? A former showbiz pizza place that used to have a three stage and a studio C

[@edn199]

The Seawolf you show in your video and discuss how it’s been there between all the changes is incorrect. The one you are showing is a 2008 updated redo of the game, complete with video screen, LEDs, and is Solid State electronics inside. The original Seawolf came out in 1976, Electro Mechanical and while the name and the theme are the same, they are definitely very different games. If you look at the pictures you put up while you are discussing , the pictures are of the 1976 version, while the one you are standing next to is the 2008 version. I definitely recommend trying both versions out, as they are both really fun and addictive games that are happy to gobble up your quarters or tokens! 😊 16:58

[@edn199]

@@SetsStreetsEatsnormally, for something like the newer sea wolf, a company would have to discuss it with the original company, pay licensing fee, get the lie blessing, etc etc. knowing it uses the same name and a lot of things that are nods to the original game, this wasn’t a fly by night rip off. It’s actually pretty normal for a company to make a game, and then they license it to other company for other things, such as board games, t-shirts , ports to home consoles, hand held versions, remakes, etc etc. Often they are all done by different companies and licensing agreements. I hope you didn’t take my comment as negative or anything. I just figured you might want to know. Love your content!

[@edn199]

@@SetsStreetsEatsthe new Manufacturer is Coastal Amusements Inc.
in their advertisements and descriptions , they even say it’s a “Remake of Midway’s 1976 arcade classic Sea Wolf” . Just an updated way for people of today to enjoy this title again , without it feeling ancient

[@b1ak3]

I had no idea this store closed! I was literally about to go drive out to Arlington the other day to go visit this store but I guess I was too late, man thats sad lol

[@emc2862]

So sad, we had the birthday parties there last year and had plans to go back... 😢

[@rosapayne5660]

Sad to hear it's closed. I'm just still glad that the one closest to me in Roanoke, VA is still open.

[@RushJaydan999]

Havnt been to a CEC in forever, where I live the place shut down during COVID and hasn’t been open since…..

[@hfebay1713]

I didn't grow up going to that one. My hometown has a Showbiz that closed around the time of the merger. This would have been my daughter's CEC as her elementary school was very close and they did do fundraising nights up into that conversion. Kids didn't like it. There was a great dollar tree next door as well and I see that is also gone.

[@dustiibunnii]

I feel so sad I’m too late to visit the CEC restaurants/stores as it seems many are closing left and right. There’s only one I used to visit but it’s so far from where I live and I think it got renovated before I could go back and take some photos of the animatronics. Thank you for doing this video log of all the locations you visit

[@Chichimee]

This video is the definition of ‘bittersweet’

[@Toadbupp]

I actually used to live by the Rockford location, it's sad to think how such amazing stages are removed for a maintenance nightmare of a dance floor. I hope CEC changes the future for the better.

[@arlingtontrains7]

Rocker stage was where that big screen tv was, I’m pretty sure, I grew up in the 90’s and this location was down the road from my home, still is to this very day, sadly it’s now closed
My apologies I thought you were referring to the standard animatronic band, anywho I remember the animatronic band setup where that big screen tv is

[@cecshowsman2006]

This was the very first location to ever receive the rocker stage and it was the first version, we should all a pay tribute to it!

[@QwertyCruz]

It sucks it was Arlington that had to go. It had great history and was the oldest CEC in Texas opened in 1980 as a PTT. It feels like CEC is getting closer and closer to the verge of another bankruptcy and because of it they had to close down this and Fargo, ND. Along with I think Metairie, LA? This is one of the worst fears for a CEC fan. The 2 newest 2.0 remodels, Pico Rivera, and El Paso didn’t even get the video wall. This is getting worse and worse over time.

[@IrelandRBX]

I agree with that.

[@veronancyy]

Hey Chris, I know you have probably seen the recent survey floating around, but I wanted to share my idea for the "50th Anniversary" mentioned in the survey.
i said they should make San Jose, CA a retro store and reinstall animatronics from storage (if they were actually saving them at the warehouse) to take advantage of the multiple floors and many unused rooms. this is one of the oldest CECs still around, and is one of the biggest.

[@OdensMovieMagic]

Imma miss this location :( Thank You!

[@Spacegear-n2z]

Sets do you know Arlington had the 1990s Helen cosmetics, and Jasper cosmetics

[@ChuckyandHelenshow]

That was my favorite location because it was the first Chuck E. Cheese I ever went to

[@itz.bbhrains2]

The rocker stage was where the large tv was if I'm correct and behind the rocker stage / balcony there was two little entry ways and that's where the ball pit and play area was it was removed around the late 80s or early 90s i think to make more room for the showroom. The beagles were in that little dug out spot beside the kitchen and bathroom and Dolli was in an area near the arcade when you walk in. Its really is a shame for a store like this with so much history to go.

[@Zombiexm]

Lets face it.. It already left once it was sterilized with 2.0... let alone the remodels in the late 90s/00s that just made it bland and bright lol.

[@phantomhourglass13]

The Kroger and little plaza actually used to be a Kmart, you can still see the Kmart wall texture on the side of CEC.

[@phantomhourglass13]

Also, the little area with the "High Five" poster on the right of the Showroom was the Lounge area where The King was.

[@nicholaskania9106]

Hi Chris, I’m not sure if you’ll be able to see this but apparently CEC has a survey that has been sent out to fans regarding keeping animatronics, retro locations, and something about a fan club. I filled out the survey. I don’t think I’d be able to link the survey to the comments section. However, if you can find it, I’d encourage you to post it on your community page or make a video about it. It could very much help our chances of preserving Pineville-Matthew’s Rd. I personally put down Springfield IL because it’s the last of its kind and it’s in the middle of the country and I also said Pineville NC because it’s on the east coast and talked about the nostalgic aspect. If you can please find it and talk about it, it would be helpful given the amount of people your voice reaches on RUclips. Thanks!

[@SetsStreetsEats]

Yeah, I filled that out just a little bit ago myself. But that's a good idea about making a video about it. I think I might just do that, thanks for the tip!

[@bluegold1026]

What a great tribute!

[@HeyTommyMain]

Somebody get me a tissue. 😢

[@timbopete18]

So sad to hear this. Did several tech trainings there and worked on the stage a few times. Great memories

[@AngelCastle-fb7jf]

R.I.P Chuck E. Cheese's in Arlington Tx (1980-2024)

[@AwesomeDrawer2017]

19:41 I didn’t even know for the longest time there were different variants of Jet Rider, I always thought they made it in purple only

[@user-mh7uu9bf6d]

I guess the robots are more popular than the dance floor, it would have lasted for more years if they did not remodel that location. But don't worry, you can still go to windchester, Virginia location, it has a circle of light stage, it opend in the late 1980s or early 1990s.

[@blairwheeler-nh1nc]

This permiers on my b day but I’m sad for location to close down

[@EviIKid]

“I guess I'll just have to sit and wait for the future, I only hope that I'm not too late for the future.”

[@TheFrogChannel]

I'm hoping that the costs to renovate each store didn't burn a bigger hole in CEC's bank account than they initially anticipated. Who knows, this could be a primer for CEC putting anything on the table, even recently 2.0'd stores, as a candidate for closure. There could be a time 10, maybe even 5 or less, years from now that the average family would need to drive multiple hours to visit a CEC. It's absolutely wild to renovate a store, only to shut it down two years later.

[@thechillydogtrain4718]

I’m very very upset that the store close in my opinion it is very very nice to 2.0 remodel

[@Justabird-rv6fy]

Can you please go to the Naples Florida CEC location next? Its the very last studio c in all of florida. and it is also 1 of 2 remaining stages left in Florida.
Please make sure to read this

[@Cheezbat]

It’s not a studio c. It’s a circles of lights show with a 32 movement bot.

[@Justabird-rv6fy]

I know dummy col is a studio c, just with a.a bit of a weird setup @@Cheezbat

[@Cheezbat]

@@Justabird-rv6fyno it’s not. It ran off a completely different system. The only thing that was the same was the bot. And no need for the name calling.

[@Justabird-rv6fy]

Yea but it’s still one of the last bots in Florida..@@Cheezbat

[@bigkev7582]

@SetsStreetsEats can you do monroeville pa next? They are closing on the 30th this month

[@SetsStreetsEats]

Sadly Ill be there 2 weeks 2 late :(

[@bigkev7582]

Aw man

[@16yroldCHOSENONEProphet_]

Dang why would they leave all those cool games inside take them out the floor and put em in another building with other games at a new fun place so it'll be extra fun❤❤😂😂

[@beatlemyn]

Lived right down the street. Time marches on I guess.

[@rbonnie9092]

Such a Legendary Store With Stupid Stickers And Colors

[@ILikeParties-mq3bl]

I never knew that helen was sitting down on the rocker stage and replaced it with a 1/2 stage to look newer on the last rocker stage locations. I feel sorry for the people that live near this location.

[@hannahwmoon]

Holy smokes, I live in the area and I wasn’t told this Chuck E. Cheese closed!! I’ve only been inside once but my parents (more of my dad) has told me about its history and I found information on the web. I’m so upset, I love driving by it and just seeing the place 😭 unfortunately the shopping center is dying and Arlington is becoming an unsafe area to live in. But man I’ll miss seeing this 😔

[@hannahwmoon]

I also was here before they remodeled it as it was when it was still open

[@WillWatchAnything]

Cool to have one store go through so much evolution over the years. But it also seems a bit of a waste that they did the 2.0 remodel only to close not even two years later. Unfortunately that’s the way of modern business.

[@pizzatimestudio]

Where you able to see CEC university

[@thecechstoryguy]

I wanna cry 😢

[@sillyolryan]

19:21 new channel logo right there!

[@SetsStreetsEats]

Its not a bad idea to do a CEC Sketch logo actually

[@Yo-po8jt]

With the game pass i spent one day a week there all summer 2023 to stay out of the heat, never gonna forget those times, rip ole rat

[@NotZachPlaysAN]

Wait this one shut down :(( my childhood is gone

[@zsomborgo4563]

hi chris this video is so good. yesterday was my birthday. hi chris have a grat day.

[@SetsStreetsEats]

Happy birthday!

[@zsomborgo4563]

Thank you

[@TheIncredible_Panda2214]

Its a real loss for chuck e cheese fans to lose another one. It hurts even more as it was the first opened in texas. Im from texas and both showbiz and chuck e cheese have come and gone

[@AnimatronicShowcase]

I went to arlington back in the 1998

[@t2rb0zap]

No you didn’t, ur not even in the 3rd grade

[@AnimatronicShowcase]

@@t2rb0zap i did bro

[@t2rb0zap]

@@AnimatronicShowcase how old are you

[@jonthegamerboy]

I went in 2022

[@t2rb0zap]

@@AnimatronicShowcase u legit make Roblox videos on mobile I’m not falling for that

[@CECWashingtonTheCECFan]

What drone do you use the film the aerial shots of Every CEC you visited?

[@SetsStreetsEats]

I use a dji mini pro 3 and no, I've only done a few in the past but I may do more in the future.

[@avila11206]

Time flies.... :(

[@Dave_Williams200]

Have You Been To The One In Burbank California?

[@SetsStreetsEats]

Yep

[@Oscar.Productions]

Why dose this 2.0 have the phase 3 booths

[@thisthatandwhy5249]

This sucks😭😭😭 Bring them back!!!

[@jarvis13k]

We lost another 🫡🫡🫡

[@Chuck-AfireFan]

Good

[@UP1722snoopnose]

Wow this is sad how they get rid of the historic robots and then like 5 months later they close forever

[@lucaleiva6021]

Rip. A corporate store. 😢

[@CEC_AG]

We’re losing more and more as time goes on, this is very sad.

[@AnimatronicShowcase]

It was so sad that its a farewell

[@JayofallTrades]

So sad, why even bother having a remodel if just end up closing it within a couple of years. I still saw these large restaurants should be turned into CEC university museums and charge admission. But tis our society would rather tear down then preserve. Everything end up in a landfill.

[@MystiqEevee]

Hopefully this shows CEC that 2.0 isnt the answer to their problems and is more of a financial drain than it is helping them i honestly think this company hasnt turned a profit in years and im shocked how theyve managed to somehow go in and out of bankruptcy like 6 times since their opening it just amazes me that they've somehow stayed afloat but i feel like that is slowly coming to a end i would not be surprised if by 2030 CEC doesnt exist at all anymore and it's a shame really cause then everyone will have to resort to dave and busters which is NOT for kids it is for tweens teens and adults as they serve liquor have more adult games and prizes and dont have kiddie rides or kiddie music/animatronics i feel like theres still a target audience for animatronics they just dont keep up with maintenance well enough and thats why people lost interest if they were to put all new shows in every store and upkeep them well to keep them running good and update the technology to like modern Disney animatronic style i think they'd have a big hit honestly

[@amy7092]

Sawa

[@JawsChannelTv]

Just goes to show, that the 2.0 remodel was not the answer.

[@KFam006]

How many of you took your girlfriend on a date at Chuck E. Cheese’s? That’s what I did with mine in 2021

[@laurawhite1679]

So sad to hear

[@sonic975]

Such a big lost for cec community and cec