Pizza quality/Going in without kids question

[J E Smith]

Hey guys.

I haven't been into a CEC in FOREVER, and I'm thinking of stopping in to the Greensboro store so I can simply report the quality of the place for you guys. They haven't gotten Phase IV yet, and still have the old PTT-style logo out front. I just want to stop in and peek and see what else from the early-90s CEC era they still have in there.(They actually still had a Billy Bob ride five years after CU happened, but I have a feeling that's not there anymore because they added SkyTubes and changed the stuff in the gameroom)

I'm a little nervous since I don't have kids with me, so I just want to know if I'll have any trouble in them letting me in and eating there.


That being said, does the pizza quality vary from store-to-store? Greensboro used to have pretty decent pizza back in the day I went there, even after CU. I'm wondering if they held on to the old receipe or if Corprate makes them switch to the modern, not-so-good one.

[kaittttt]

I know some people've had a bit of trouble going to a store because they look "suspicious"- AKA, they're adult men going to Chuck E. Cheese alone. Though I don't think they can legally tell you you're not allowed to eat there if you haven't done anything wrong. But, if I were you, I'd probably want to bring a few friends along. Like..if you have a girlfriend, go with her. Being alone definitely makes you stand out.

[pasqually82]

Yes, going there would some friends is a very good suggestions. It sucks how a person can be misjudged sometimes, but the fact of the matter is this is a kids place and there are concerned parents with the way the world is now. When I go to my local CEC in Rockford, I always bring my friend, who happens to be a guy, and we never get any weired looks or anything. We usually go around 8:30 - 9:00 when it's a little less crowded.

[J E Smith]

Maybe that's why they made the pizza bland...to keep adult guys without kids from actually wanting to just eat there!

That said, this is why I haven't had a desire to go to any of the CECs around me and report on their quality, since it seems no one else here has visited either the Winston-Salem(Opened in 2000) or Greensboro store(Used to be a Showbiz, still has their Munch Band). However, since Greensboro hasn't gotten Phase IV I thought I'd better check it out before they do. I'm doing it mainly for you guys.

...you don't think they'd find me suspicious if I asked the manager when they were getting Phase IV or not?

[ChuckEZone]

That being said, does the pizza quality vary from store-to-store?

Although it's supposed to be the same product company-wide, it definitely can vary. As for seeming "suspicious", it might be best to check in with a manager once you arrive. Ask the kid check person if there's a manager around, then you can ask your questions and make yourself known to them- before anyone makes assumptions. You could also mention that you used to visit, and wanted to see what's changed since.

Good luck, though.. some stores are more strict than others about letting people in.

[J E Smith]

Yeah, maybe I'll hold off trying until after the 26th to try it. See, I'm autstic(But independent), so maybe I can have my landlord/case worker vouch for me and simply tell them we're looking for places that are easily accesiable from the bus for me to get to(The Greensboro store happens to be right be by a bus stop for the route).

My landlord also goes there regularly with her 4-year old daughter, and she told me that the pizza at the Greensboro store is actually good, its clean, and the staff is great. So it sounds like I got a good location near me. All I have to do is see how the 3-Stage is (Though she said "They have the same stage show as always. They need a new one."...which probably means it's probably like almost every other 3-Stage out there). She goes on vacation on Thursday and her day to aid me(If I need it) is on Monday, so it won't be till Thaksgiving till she'll be able to help me with that. So hopefully I can work it that I can regularly eat there.(And since the pizza's good, I probably will)

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Hi there G.E......nice to see you back here!

In response to your original set of questions in the first post: YES, the pizza quality does indeed vary from location to location, at least that has been the case in my experiences. 9 times out of 10 you will recieve a pizza that is not made to specs....but when you DO get one, it is very good and dee-licious.

Every District tends to have one Store that always delivers a pie to Standard every time. There are also Stores that tend not to make as good a pie. I would say the biggest difference in quality is the dough preperation.....i find most pizzas are"un-proofed" and taste gummy. It's no better then a frozen $2.99 pizza from your grocerers' freezer.
A good pie made correctly will have great crust that tastes "light" and yummy. You can tell the instant the pizza arrives at your table if it is a "good" one...look for a ROUNDED crust! If you get anything else, send it back!
So yeah, it can vary, as much as CEC tries to standardize everything so every CEC makes exactly the same pizza. People cut corners..get lazy...and the product suffers.

As far as having problems going in without kids, i would not worry about that too much. Again, it varies from location to location. Some Stores tend to have tighter policies regarding single males and teens entering. Again, in most cases you should be okay. One way to avoid scrutiny and come in with the least amount of hassle is to visit on a weekend. Most will assume you are with a party.....if they even bother to ask.

Again, it varies by location....i would say try it out and have fun! Looking forward to your review.