Brandon Fl is getting remodeled

[bzier]

It's official guys...This summer Brandon is going under the knife...Phase IV is finally hitting Brandon.

Good news is they're getting an all-new games package, bad news is, all their old artwork and misc. items are going bye bye. Word on the street is their Munch Band may also be on the way out. :(

[CEC3066]

that kinda makes sense that they'd want to get Studio C since they already have a blue screen stage. (Is brandon the only existing stage location that also has a blue screen?

[dook97]

We have a studio C with a blue screen

[Harmony Howlette]

We have a studio C with a blue screen
He means an existing stage, not a Studio C. As in, a store with an MMBB setup AND a blue screen.

[dook]

I think so. that petty neat

I wonder if you could buy the old show from them. Since clappy slappy seems to know every thing about this stuff you could probily ask him the value. i'd also get some pics before they get rid of it.

[jonathansullivan]

That is a shame.

Wonder what they will do with all the unused square footage that used to be the district offices, etc....

Guess its time to make a last visit before they turn it into a cookie cutter store.

[The Ratman]

If they do anything to it like they did to the Mira Mesa store they won't get Studio C, they'll simply move the show onto a 1 ft tall stage after which it will get destroyed by guests.

[bzier]

The plans , from what I've heard are to EXPAND into the unused back areas and to combine the Studio"B" blue screen room with the main showroom. The gameroom is obviously going to be expanded, and it's pretty solid that Studio C may find a new home at Brandon. Don't worry though guys, I'm going to do my best to get in there and get what I can...so it all won't go to waste. That includes the show ;)

[CEC3066]

it seems another location is getting the same treatment as Brandon A store in Houston is getting Studio C as well/ (sigh) there goes another 3 stage

[captslappy]

I think so. that petty neat

I wonder if you could buy the old show from them. Since clappy slappy seems to know every thing about this stuff you could probily ask him the value. i'd also get some pics before they get rid of it.

Who?

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PS- For the love of god will you please quit asking about buying shows?

[496]

Patchogue, NY will also be remodeled. Hopefully by the summer, October the latest.

[Rockafirefan]

Does Jenn know about this? This is one of the locations she went to as a child.:cec_smile:

[dheineCECfan]

Is this the same Brandon, Florida location that was originally opened in 1980-1981 with a CECPTT Ice Cream Emporium that has been remodeled a few times over the years and S.H.J. used to visit?

[jonathansullivan]

Yes... this is SHJ store and the icecream emporium.
Went over today...show was in BAD shape :-(
Chuck E's left arm was falling off, Helen's arm was bent the wrong way, and few mouths were working :-(

Bzier - Hope you are able to get in there and rescue some treasures.

Its funny, so much legacy hidden there still...the bathroom door sign,
the rat in a circle:
1198
the elevated stage (Even the original cyberamic control panel still on the House left side of the stage.)

I would love to walk around the closed off areas again before demo begins...doubt that will happen though.

Hey Jenn, if you are reading this...(or someone else that knows) - I would love to see a sketch of the oriignal floorplan of that store in its PTT form. As much as I remember from my childhood is that the icecream parlor had its own enterance from the outside, and was in the front door to the left (?). This store also had Dolly, and the King didn't they? I know someone told me that neither were back where "Studio B" is now, but it sure seems like that space had to be something... So back to my original request...anyone able to sketch the original store?

One final thought to leave you with...photos from the store


http://inlinethumb32.webshots.com/26015/2310670020103137190S200x200Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2310670020103137190ChtmSG) http://inlinethumb46.webshots.com/40877/2312756150103137190S200x200Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2312756150103137190MtyOQG)

[/URL]http://inlinethumb08.webshots.com/44103/2453001200103137190S200x200Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2453001200103137190UmZHbY) http://inlinethumb55.webshots.com/39926/2679216040103137190S200x200Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2679216040103137190ewpmTJ)

In case anyone stumbles across this thread - other pictures from Jenn of this store can be viewed here: [URL]http://www.showbizpizza.com/photos/ptt/fl_brandon/index.html

Those pictures attribute the Beagles & Artie as being at that store...is that right??? Jenn???

[bzier]

Yeah...the show's been in rough shape for a long time. It's so sad to see it like that. If you wnat to see a good MMBB 2-stage, head over to Tampa Carrollwood. Last time I was there everything was working except for one of Jasper's arms.

I'll do the best i can to get some of those old gems out of that place before the remodel. Lucky for me, I've got connections that are willing to let me parouse through the store....so we'll see what i find! I'll let you guys know what I'm able to get my hands on.

I've always wondered the original layout of this place too...I know Dolli was basically in the center of the store in her little cabaret...where the skytubes/kids area now stands. And from what I remember from Jenn telling me, the Ice Cream Emporium did indeed have a separate door just to the left of the entry.

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

HI Guys....sorry for the delay in my response. I am not here much these days, and until recently was having some issues posting since the Forum changed over to a knew server. Now that i can actually see the text of the letters while i am typing ( thanks to NetScape) i can finally post something longer then two sentences!

Brandon. ah yes. The layout of the building is permently burned into my brain. It was further refreshed when i was able to visit my ol' Store this past September ( thanks to my road trip friends, and Ben!). I have talked SO much about this Store over they years...but always up for refreshing the topic.

The layout from when it first opened in 81' was this - Enter and you are in a dark short hallwall ( common in most PTTs of the time). To your left you first come upon The Lounge, with The Bealges. Walk a short distance further and you enter the main hub with the cash area. A seperate walk around Salad Bar ( unique at the time) was in the center of the brick tiled floor. To the left of this was the entrance to The Caberet, where Dolli Dimples performed. Directly across from this was the cash area ( same as today). Before cash i remember the restrooms, as well as a fairly blank walled area ( future Ice Cream Emporioum) along the right hand wall ( now the kiddie area/additonal seating).

Straight ahead, as with todays layout, was the Showroom. The Kitchen was always where it was, and the famous early era 'double outside window' where Guests would 'Pick Up Food Here'. The Showroom had the show in the same place, but of course it was the original Classic Balcony. To the left was Munch Madhouse ( i have talked a lot about this already...) and the right hand side was the Costume Room ( gold star on door..). If you exited the Showroom towards the Kitchen and turned right, you could enter the Sports Room. This was a 'adults only' type of seating area with no games or animatronics...just a very large early period big screen tv. The idea was parents could have a place to sit away from all the crowds and 'noise' while the kids were off having fun.

The Game Room ( 'Fantasty Forest Game Preserve' as it was known then..) was pretty much where it is today, just more narrow in length. It originally extended BEHIND the Showroom and included a small understage Cheese Maze ( NOT visable from the Showroom, unlike other locations). Against the wall right as you exited the Showroom to the Game Room was 'Jaspers General Store' ( Prize/Merch counter). There were also a lot of seating 'islands' outside of the Showroom ( common for early PTT at that time) with various 'cocktail table' versions of popular video games. It was a very tight but extremely efficent layout for what was originally the flagship Store of the East Coast.

Later on in 82' the Ice Cream Emporium was added to the Brandon layout...and a additonal entrance door was added. So their were originally TWO entrances ( unless you count the small 'Kid Sized' entrance door...). The Ice Cream Emporium was a seperate entitly ( or at least treated as such). The Barbershop Quartet entertained in thie beautifully themed old time Emporium ( complete with mirrored decor and authentic looking old time tableware of counters). Think retro ice cream counter and you get the idea ( DisneyLand anyone?). You could enter from the sidewalk outside, or from inside the Brandon PTT as well with a special added side entrance. I used to have a menu from this place, but sadly it did not survive my many moves as a child. The ice cream was FANTASTIC and i beleive custom made/mixed. A lot of the lighter flavors had almost a thick cheesecake-like flavor to them. This was only one of a small handfull of Ice Cream Emporiums to be opened at a PTT. Brandon was a well known 'test location' back in that early period and i was able to sample some of the rarer happenings thanks to that. It would be interesting to learn if they ever had the famous 'Cheese Factory' installed there as a test like we did here at the Danvers, MA location. We were only one of 15 stores i beleive who actually had this PTT themed Fun House in our 'Fantasty Forest' Game Room.

I left FL and moved to MA in July of 83'....thus ended my tenture at Brandon. I never saw them install a ball pit into the place, and the last 'new' additon the Store received that i saw was the removal of The Beagles in early 82' to be replaced with The King. The first Promo Cup was tested here in 1982 ( yellow plastic 'beer mug' with the then new front view 'Mouse' head image) as well as numerous promos ( the wooden CEC Christmas Ornament offer with a Lrg Pizza springs to mind...). Most of this stuff did not go national until a couple of years later...some never did!

I am glad to hear the place is getting the remodel. It secures the Locations' future as a CEC...that is how i am looking at it. Last year it was very uncertain if this CEC was even going to remain open. I would rather see it updated with the 'Purple Overlay' then shuttered outright from being a CEC.

Brandon will always be 'my' special Location.

[bzier]

Brandon, though an old location that's become sort of run down in the past few years, is still indeed a gem. It's too bad they've had so many problems with bad clientele and issues with the landlord, and becoming sort of run down and neglected over the past ten years...but luckily that's all finally been cleared up and their lease has been renewed...at least for a few more years...and now the remodel supposedly has been approved.

I'm still hoping to see some new and exciting innovations added to this place, thanks to it's rich history.

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

That would totally ROCK...seeing something 'exclusive' be put in there...but alas, Brandon lost it's 'Flagship Store' status some time ago.

From it's opening up until PTT folded and we saw the switchover to just 'CEC's' this Store was a glorious CASTLE! It had it ALL...and then some. It had all the classic hallmarks of a Golden Era PTT, but it also included a lot of nice 'one offs' that were tested. The games were a nice mix too...and the merch being offered was some of the best themed stuff from this time period i ever saw. I remember back when i was still in touch with Gene Landrum he would talk warmly of this location, and how important it was back in the day.

When i finally visited again last year it gave me the impression of being a bit smaller then i remember. This is probably because of the different layout and the fact all the seperate rooms /walls were all knocked down years ago. Even though it is one huge room now...it still looked much smaller then i remember...but man it was easy to see where original attractions originally were.

[bzier]

Brandon is still a top sales store in our region, despite being so old and lacking a remodel. That place brings in the money...with a remodel, I guarantee it'll bring in even more!

The place is still occasionally a test store for new stuff...they try different things out there now and then...

[bzier]

So news update on Brandon:

They are getting a news games package tomorrow. 31 new games. This will bring their game total back up to 99 games. The remodel has been pushed back into September or October, since the busy summer season is now upon us. Good idea!
The show is going bye bye for sure, all the booths are being replaced, the restrooms are being relocated, the carpet is being redone, and all the walls and old artwork is also going bye bye. The showroom will be extending further back, which will also extend the gameroom. They will be adding a SECOND new games package after the remodel is finished. Rumor has it another 25-40 games will be added in the fall bringing their games total to well over 100. Brandon is getting some BIG love from the company this year! I'm guessing Brandon is going to look like a completely different place when finished.

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Absolutely AWESOME Ben...thanks for this update. Guess i picked a good day to visit the Forum!

Sad that the walls have to go ...if they could only talk....

The new games package sounds promising. Back in the early 80s they had a impressive Game Room too...with the most games i ever saw at a PTT. Seems they are remembering their past ( finally...pfft!) and packin' in the money makers. Sweeett..

I just might have to go over and take a look when i come back to FL in September then....if the remodel is even completed by then ( Mid Sept)

[cec080]

bzier are they getting the test stage by chance? or just plain studio c beta? get some pics when the wrecking ball hits ok!

[bzier]

Not sure what type show they will be recieving. We're all hoping to see something different than the current Studio C setup, since it's really kind of a tired setup now.

I'll be sure to take tons of pics for all to see when the remodel goes through.

[puppetmaster29]

Don't get your hopes up. I can guarantee that location will be getting a inclination of studio c and NOT the "test stage." The are still some kinks to be worked out . It will be at least 6 to 12 months before any decision is made to either roll it out or 86 it.

[bzier]

Makes sense to me....

But the guys in Brandon sure are gonna be depressed when they hear they're getting good 'ol Studio C.

Hopefully the testing proves positive and corporate approves going through with the new stage setup. As far as I'm concerned, the current show setups WITH the ticket blasters is an absolute nightmare in many locations. The shows aren't designed to acomodate that thing, and most stores don't have much or any space for these things. The new show setup is a wonderful way to incorporate the Blaster.

What if the concept is abandoned? Will we see another show concept then? Or will we have to wait a few more years down the road for something new?

[puppetmaster29]

What if the concept is abandoned? Will we see another show concept then? Or will we have to wait a few more years down the road for something new?

At this point, the answers to those questions are unknown. It's too early in the game to give any definate answers.

[GalacticGames]

Maybe when the remodel begins in the late fall, late September or early October, from what I have heard. As with the new game package they recently got I hear it pretty good. Haven't seen it yet, but one of them is a machine that makes Cotton Candy for just inserting a token.

[Partyhog]

Ive seen one of those machines at a mall once. Not the best cotton candy if I can remeber though...

[jonathansullivan]

Haven't seen it yet, but one of them is a machine that makes Cotton Candy for just inserting a token.

Actually it makes a poor imitation of cotton candy for just inserting TWO Dollars. (So...instead of 150 tickets ~ $1.50 for great cotton candy - your get yucky for $2.00)

[jonathansullivan]

Makes sense to me....

But the guys in Brandon sure are gonna be depressed when they hear they're getting good 'ol Studio C.

Hopefully the testing proves positive and corporate approves going through with the new stage setup. As far as I'm concerned, the current show setups WITH the ticket blasters is an absolute nightmare in many locations. The shows aren't designed to acomodate that thing, and most stores don't have much or any space for these things. The new show setup is a wonderful way to incorporate the Blaster.

What if the concept is abandoned? Will we see another show concept then? Or will we have to wait a few more years down the road for something new?

Agreed - Hope they get the new star stage. Was over there today, and the show was in pretty bad shape (at 9 am on Saturday). But hey, guess they could just let it die, since there getting a G&H Bot soon enough.

[bzier]

I guarantee they're probably just going to let it all go to crap...that show's been through alot, and I know it's been a headache to their tech. Now he's got a bunch of new games to figure out, with a bunch more on the way in a few months, so I'm sure the show is the least of his worries.

[jonathansullivan]

There new game package had some nice additions! We had a bunch of fun.

[bzier]

you know come the fall and the remodel, they're getting ANOTHER new games package as well! Two new games packages in less than a year's time!

[jonathansullivan]

Looking forward to the new games!

Hey let me know if you find a way to create a game of survivor over a certain wall ;-)

[bzier]

Oh I won't be going over any walls....more like straight THROUGH! lol

[chuckecheesefan98]

Any more updates? Any pics? Did they get Studio C?

[dnote45]

This subject is quite interesting to ay the least :)

[MatHat13]

Ben has more information on this but I recently heard from him that Brandon won't be getting their remodel now until Spring 2011!

[chuckecheesefan98]

ben has more information on this but i recently heard from him that brandon won't be getting their remodel now until spring 2011!

Road trip!

[jonathansullivan]

Was in there today. This store has such potential - but misses the mark.
Dirty at 9am open this morning - with no balls in the baseball game, many other games not working.
Show is in poor condition - chuck e's mouth is currently tied to munch's line - lights out...
Poor appearance indeed.
Sad - really.

[PaulKTF]

As much as I dislike Studio C, I've got to admit I really like these latest remodels. It's amazing how a little white paint and better lighting can make the place a lot more inviting than it ever was in the PTT days.

[bzier]

Chuck and Munch's lines are still crossed? Sheesh...it's been that way for quite awhile now.

[nightwalkerhorde]

did they get rid of the 2 stage yet

[GalacticGames]

Nope still the same. The tech is doing his best to keep it up, but why spend so much money to keep it up when shortly its going out the door. Granted it has its problems but in all it works. So now Brandon is next to go and Tampa is the last in the bay area to have the stage show and all other stores are now Studio C's some 32 movements and others 16 movement like mine is actually much easier to keep up as right now works great. Now if I can keep that darn Gemini to stop breaking on me.........

[jonathansullivan]

GalacticGames - which store are you at? Same one as Ben in Lakeland?

[bzier]

Yep...GalacticGames is the tech at my store.

And that stinking Gemini!!!! We spend money to get it fixed and within a week something else goes wrong! Man that thing is the biggest piece of garbage! I don't know how many times we've had to fix it in the past three years or so!

As for Brandon, its one of TWO 2 stages left in our district. Once that is gone, Tampa will be the only store not only in the Bay area, but in our entire district...13 stores...to still have an exsisting stage. Everything else is already Studio C.

I know the tech in Brandon has so many problems with that show. It's in rough shape, though it could be great with a little bit of money. Too bad he has so many game issues he's always having to deal with. It's gotta be tough to be a tech in a store with 100 games or so and an old malfuctioning show. At least their budget is significantly larger than ours...and we have 72 games.

[bzier]

word on the street is construction started yesterday....

Hoping to see what's going on there next week.

[chuckecheesefan98]

Any more news on Brandon? Are they getting rid of the show?

[bzier]

I plan on heading over there tomorrow...I'll get pictures if I can.

[chuckecheesefan98]

Yes, please do. Good quality or not, I don't care.

[bzier]

So upon my visit there...nothing visible has been changed inside the guest areas of the store, aside from the removal of the camera in the 'Studio B' dining room. All the hanging lights and tvs were still in there, but they were off. The show looks very rough. Chuck was completely dead...no movement at all. Helen's body turn and head up down movements were broken. Munch, great shape! Jasper, body turns not working. Pasqually, body turns not working, arms not working, eyelids not moving. CEC wink not working, and mulitiple spotlights out. It wouldn't suprise me if the tech is just letting it all go to heck since they're getting remodeled.

Now the interesting thing is, when I went back into the Studio B room, there was all the notes and blueprints for the remodel laying out for anyone to look at. From what I could see and read, they are tearing out all the upstairs and back areas and pushing the showroom back into that area. If I read it correctly, it was saying the store would be close to 25,000 square feet after remodel, with a capacity of 1,497 persons! Yes folks, Brandon is one BIG store! They are remodelling the bathrooms, getting new carpet, painting walls, but I'm still not clear on the show. Some documents mentioned Studio C, while others mentioned a stage relocation, so the verdict is still out on that.

As things progress, I plan ot go back and visit to see what's new.

[chuckecheesefan98]

Hmmmm.... interesting. If they were considering relocating the stage, why wouldn't they at least keep it up a little bit just in case?

[CEC3066]

So upon my visit there...nothing visible has been changed inside the guest areas of the store, aside from the removal of the camera in the 'Studio B' dining room. All the hanging lights and tvs were still in there, but they were off. The show looks very rough. Chuck was completely dead...no movement at all. Helen's body turn and head up down movements were broken. Munch, great shape! Jasper, body turns not working. Pasqually, body turns not working, arms not working, eyelids not moving. CEC wink not working, and mulitiple spotlights out. It wouldn't suprise me if the tech is just letting it all go to heck since they're getting remodeled.

Now the interesting thing is, when I went back into the Studio B room, there was all the notes and blueprints for the remodel laying out for anyone to look at. From what I could see and read, they are tearing out all the upstairs and back areas and pushing the showroom back into that area. If I read it correctly, it was saying the store would be close to 25,000 square feet after remodel, with a capacity of 1,497 persons! Yes folks, Brandon is one BIG store! They are remodelling the bathrooms, getting new carpet, painting walls, but I'm still not clear on the show. Some documents mentioned Studio C, while others mentioned a stage relocation, so the verdict is still out on that.

As things progress, I plan ot go back and visit to see what's new.

if some of the paperwork said Studio C while othrs said Stage relocation, wouldn't that mean they ARE getting it but just not utilizing the area for it currently occupied by the 2-stage? and did I read that right. 1,497 occupanncy?? WOW!!

[GalacticGames]

For the upkeep of the show. Since it was originally slated to go it wouldn't do justice in spending money on something when in turn its just going out into the dumpster. Now if it is true or possible the show does get relocated then yes spending on repairing the show would be the right course of action...

[chuckecheesefan98]

Okay..... it's been 9 days since the last update. Something must be going on at Brandon. Are they keeping the show, or are they getting good ol' Studio C?

[bzier]

still unsure at the moment....

[pizzacam]

Yeah that's at every CEC when they realize they're getting rid of a show(any format) or even a new games package...the district manager usually puts the the tech on a "no spend" budget (my term, not theirs or the official name)

Just basically what Galactic Games said... Why spend money on something that's hitting the dumpster in months. They usually just tell to techs to keep it up as best as possible without spending money unless it's a major emergency and the show's completely dead.(that's what they told our tech here when they thought they were taking OUR 2 stage out). In the end they kept it and pushed it back into a no longer used back area too. Looks great today... :D

[bzier]

So I just recieved word from my tech(GalacticGames) that our Regional tech was in the store today and has informed him that the 2-stage WILL BE STAYING but will be relocated to the back wall. The Studio C stuff is more than likely to fix up the old Studio B dining area, which is staying in tact in the remodel. So I'm guessing that means new tvs, a new camera, wall decor, lighting, etc.

As for the 2-stage, sounds like quite a bit of money is going to be poured into the show to get it back up to standard. Good news for Brandon fans!

[nace888]

Cool!! Can't wait to see it back to normal! I think, lol.

-Nace888

[chuckecheesefan98]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Another Cyber show is saved!!! I can't wait to see Brandon's 2-stage FINALLY restored back to standard shape. Please get pics and/or video when you go.

[bzier]

There is quite a bit of buzz over at Brandon right now...the place is a mess. This is one VERY big remodel. Walls coming down, trenches being dug in the store, the old second floor is supposed to be completely removed, every outlet in the store is being replaced, the show being moved, all new lighting, the bathrooms being expanded/remodeled, the kitchen is being expanded, the salad bar has been removed and a new one has been installed in a different place...I'll get some photos hopefully the next time I get over there.

[menutia]

Wow, we will make sure to hit this store when I come back to FL in the fall.

[bzier]

17171716171417151718In these photos you can see what's become of the old 'Studio B' room...as well as the loss of the shelving and all the artwork in the showroom...and the major difference in lighting from the showroom area to the gameroom.

[bzier]

17201719Here's the view looking from the Studio B/hallway area towards the gameroom...as well as the new walls installed where the salad bar used to be...and the only remaining old school 90's artwork left in the restaurant. The place is an absolute mess right now. I found it quite funny how the store has lost its showroom walls and the old balcony seating area...yet they temporarily replaced the carpet in there with the old blue late 80's early 90's style carpet they must have had in storage!

[cec080]

llooking good so far and very busy as well!

[PuroMax]

Holy Skytubes! I imagine most of those are being scrapped

[jonathansullivan]

Holy Skytubes! I imagine most of those are being scrapped
Yep! Took my 5 year old by (about the same time as those photos were being taken) to take one more run through those tubes.

[menutia]

Great pics Ben. I loved the size of this store and can't wait to see the finished product. Jenn, since this was one of your "hometown stores" - what are your thoughts so far?

[bzier]

Yep...those skytubes are massive...they're gonna get the ax soon....if they haven't already. Going small, like every other store nowdays. The place is already huge, around 20,000 square feet....they're looking to expand it back so the place will be roughly 25,000 square feet after the remodel.

[bzier]

18781877187618751874
Here you can see the new back wall and placement of the stage...as well as the big black tarp covering up where the stage used to be. Also, a shot of the new front cash area...kid check has been moved as well and word on the street is a new entrance area should be created soon.

[chuckecheesefan98]

Why the bleep is the stage so low? Btw, great pics!

[mrfixit13]

this store is huge, and I'm told they are getting around 60 new games next week. Crazy

[cec080]

one word dumb placement of the stage! that pole is right in front of helen...

[CEC3066]

IDEA: Move the Pasqually bot back to where the old stage was & maybe Dept 18 could program a dvd of just his jokes. ok maybe not

[Partyhog]

one word dumb placement of the stage! that pole is right in front of helen...

That is an epic "one word" fail there.=))

Anyway yeah. I agree. I can only imagine chuckecheesefan98's issues with filming there with the pole in the way. ;)

[chuckecheesefan98]

That is an epic "one word" fail there.=))

Anyway yeah. I agree. I can only imagine chuckecheesefan98's issues with filming there with the pole in the way. ;)

Nothing is an issue! I'd just move the camera towards Pasqually more, then the pole will be past Chuck. ;)

[bzier]

yeah when I visited there I noticed the pole right away...I was automatically reminded of the big San Jose store...and how there's a huge pole in the way of the Studio C there. I know it's all structural issues, but wouldn't it make more sense to place two poles elsewhere so as not to block the view of the stage? Ugh.

[bzier]

1900189918981897Here are a few updated photos from today...the first picture is from the new showroom area looking back into the gameroom. The second is looking towards the showrrom area from where the stage used to be. The third just a general show shot, and the fourth what's currently left of the tubes. The big black tarp is currently covering up the area that used to be the showroom...running all the way to the kitchen wall, and covering up the entire Studio B room as well. It's loud and messy!

[Central]

Wow.
So their losing their bluescreen?

[chuckecheesefan98]

Wow.
So their losing their bluescreen?

No... Read the past few pages of the thread. The Studio B area is staying intact, but they are just sprucing it up a bit with new TV's, new bluescreen, etc.

[Central]

aaa :V
I know were im going next summer with my family

[cec080]

i must say that store is looking good! what man and lady can't do!!!!!

[bzier]

Wow.
So their losing their bluescreen?

Actually, it sure looks like the bluescreen has gotten the axe. All the tv's and the blue screen were removed last time I was there. I'm really curious what they're going to do with that room now...it has so much space for seating and whatnot...but who wants to sit in there if there's nothing to keep your attention? Might as well sit in the showroom area!

[chuckecheesefan98]

They should've kept the big skytubes. They have the room! Even if they don't bring in money, it's not like it's taking important space away from money making games.

[Central]

Ok then
replace the blue screen with
Pasqually's Pizza Showroom
were he teaches you have to make pizza

lol

[bzier]

19241923192219211920As you guys can see they've added the new Kid Check gate system...as well as a new smaller skytubes setup...and the benches for the birthday rows. The fourth picture is of the former Studio B room. Not much to look at in there now. I hope they do smoething cool with this additional seating area. The place looks almost completely brand new, and while it seems very spacious and has tons of new games, I'm already missing the old classic feel of the store.

[GalacticGames]

Come to think of it. Just an idea. If they still had the skycrawl move it and put it in place of the studio B area that way it has its own area just for the screaming kids and not just above someone eating their food or playing games and suddenly hear a kid scream at the top of their lungs (why they do it I will never know) Call the area Pasqually's pizza tubes play area. They have plenty of ceiling above the current one. And this one can be a three level one in fact for the room they would have not having the climb 10 feet just to get into it like they use to and like the new one that is now installed (did I mention tiny). Its slightly bigger than the one in Lakeland and fare short smaller than the Tampa one. And it looks like they recylcled the old to make the new one also.

[menutia]

Folding Chairs? Really? Is that even safe for kids?

[PaulKTF]

Folding Chairs? Really? Is that even safe for kids?

I agree that those don't seem very safe- maybe they're temporary until they can get some more "regular" chairs in?

[cec080]

lookin good!

[CEC3066]

any signs of improvement with the show?

[bzier]

any signs of improvement with the show?

None at all. As a matter of fact, things looked WORSE yesterday than in the past few weeks. The show wasn't even on at all though...just the random character movements.

[chuckecheesefan98]

Sorry for the bump..

Have you been here recently, Ben? If so, any improvements with the show?

[bzier]

Well...the company was supposed to come in and do a complete cosmetic overhaul as well as fix up any movements not working, but I talked with their tech and he was telling me they went over budget with the whole expansion/remodel and now nothing is happening to it. They were instead coming back in to remodel the kitchen. The show is not a priority to them.

[PaulKTF]

Well...the company was supposed to come in and do a complete cosmetic overhaul as well as fix up any movements not working, but I talked with their tech and he was telling me they went over budget with the whole expansion/remodel and now nothing is happening to it. They were instead coming back in to remodel the kitchen. The show is not a priority to them.

Sadly; that doesn't surprise me one bit.

[Central]

Sorry to bump guys.

I assume Phase 4 is over unless its still under remodel. =))

Anyways,I guess Bye bye studio C. Cookie Cutter CEC just on a large Scale. Must suck for Flordia fans of PTT/CEC.

[jonathansullivan]

Sorry to bump guys.

I assume Phase 4 is over unless its still under remodel. =))

Anyways,I guess Bye bye studio C. Cookie Cutter CEC just on a large Scale. Must suck for Flordia fans of PTT/CEC.

Correct except no studio C

[Central]

Lucky Flordia eh?

I guess we can forget about Studio B .

[bzier]

the Studio B room still exists, basically as an overflow area of seating...a tv room if you will. But the Studio B camera/blue screen area is long gone. The MMBB 2 stage has indeed been kept, but aside from that, this store is 100% modern cookie cutter looking CEC now.