Phase 4 Makeover finally hits MA

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Hey Gang..

I just recieved word that the two NH CEC locations are being remodeled into the long awaited Phase 5 remodel. As local fans know, it has been rumoured for months now but it looks as though it's finally happening.

Newington NH is one of the oldest locations in this area next to Danvers. Newington has the ancient original store layout of a 79/80' PTT. This includes the walk-around cash and Merch area which is increasingly rare to find. How this location managed to retain most of it's original layout is beyond me...it's amazing how "forgotten" this place has been. They still have parody posters up and The King's Lounge ( with no King, but a tv on his still intact stage with railings!). This place also maintained the original "script" style signature signing outside. Incredible!

Manchester NH is the District training store so it's no surprise the remodel hits here. Long considered "D's Twin" it will lose most of its 90's era decor and instead be showered with all new modern signage. Wether or not it keeps it's 2-Stage has not come to light. Same goes for Newington....of the two locations i can easily see a Studio C setup going into Manchester. They have plenty of room and it's a high volume location. Newington will more then likely keep it's CyberShow.

No doubt this signals changeovers at the other MA locations soon....something i personally have been both looking forward to and at the same time sad about.

When i have more info i will post it here.....

[pizzacam]

Damn that sucks. What "fun" are they rolling out this time? :rolleyes

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

We'll have to wait n' see i guess...

I already have a good idea of what's coming as i have already been to the Phase 5 Irving TX location in 04'. I like the new look, but seeing the old stuff goes breaks my heart in some ways.

[CEC3066]

Phase 5??? isn't this IV?

[Aaron]

Ahh this phase is spreading like the spell of germs in the skytubes.
That's horrible, though. I hate seeing all th eold stuff have to go.
The new stuff is just so.. bland. As if there is no taste or color in
them. No flavor, no jest, makes you actually not want to look at the walls.
Maybe that's the plan? Rather than have to follow up on cleaning
plans with the gross walls, we can simply throw junk on the walls.

Or when a disgruntled CM pushes a high chair into the wall and one of
the posters falls. The poster is so boring you don't care.

Now that's hospitality.

Chuck E. Cheese of NJ

[pizzacam]

Yeah Jenn...The New Selma store here and the Irving store are phase 4 so...

[YoungCaliHottie]

im confused. are the NH stores phase 5 tho?

[JyPsy]

can someone chronicle all the major changes over the "phases" for those that arent "in the loop?"

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Sorry gang...am i confusing the Phases? Shoot....sorry about that! Phase 4 is it now? The "Purple Makeover"? Geez..i thought we were already up to 5! It's hard to keep track of all the upgrades and remodels! LOL!

Sorry about that goof up.....i'll change the title then!

Anyway...the NH stores are slated to have their early 90's look trashed and redone in the "new" look....aka Purple Paradise.

[MMBBfan327]

Does this mean goodbye former Cabaret Lounge/KING stage? :o :(

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

More then likely yes.

I'm still dumbfounded that the Lounge has managed to survive the wrecking ball THIS long. It's very unusual, but then again, the Newington store is VERY unusual to begin with!

[JyPsy]

be sure to get some last pictures for all of us :)

[YoungCaliHottie]

yes! pics :)

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Already covered gang....some are in the Photo Gallery here SP.com!

In the Summer of 2004 during CheeseVention weekend we made it a point to visit this rare store. It was the final stop on a whirlwind tour of the MA/NH CEC's in a "CEC Crawl" we did...that is, visit as many locations as we could in a day! At every store we ended up doing Live Shows with each stores' staff and partying with Chuck E. himself. It was great fun, and lots of photos were taken at each stop as well.

If anyone lives near the Newington NH location reading this i would recommend visiting soon...it may well be the last time you get to see a ripe old Ex-PTT.

[MMBBfan327]

Also Jenn, if you are good friends with the staff perhaps you can get some neat items.

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Oh i forgot to add this....Jypsy was asking about clarifiying the different "Phases" CEC has gone through over the years....remodels that is. I'll try to remember best i can.

Phase 1 happened right after PTT went belly up. Shortly after, in 84/85' if i remember right, the first remodel happened: Phase 1. Phase 1 consisted primarily of getting rid of some of older games and equiptment that by that time has become terribly outdated to 80's standards. Many locations also lost there Caberet or Lounge acts...not all usually, just one to streamline the operation somewhat. On a whole, Phase 1 was not a major makeover like today's remodels seem to be...much more subdued. The stores still maintained all original signage and had the great atmosphere intact.

In the late 80's ( 89') we had Phase 2 which was a major overhaul that pretty much destroyed what was left of the original PTT theming and atmosphere. All the oringinal inner decor and signage was changed and most remaining Cab/Lounge acts were junked. Some lucky stores recieved a "new" Lounge act ( like say..the Beach Bowzers) but most lost what was left. All the walls inside the resturant FOH were knocked down to create wide open areas for seating and games. Walls were painted white ala Showbiz standards and the dim, moody lighting was ditched in favor of bright lighting for high visability...the exception being the Showroom. Many major changes were made to streamline the operations...the Beverage counter was replaced with a self- service Beverage Bar and any remaining "attractions" like the Cheese Factory, Munch's Madhouse, or Cheese Maze were gutted and in there place was put ball pits and other kiddie actitives. Basically, it was the beginning of the end and started CEC's commitment to only aim for entertaining toddlers. Skill games increased and classic upright game units were starting to be slowly phased out. It also brought in the first pre-Skytube setups. These wacky early versions took up a lot of space and usually had ball pits attached to them.

There were small updates made before and after these major Phases, usually to update the signage and other visable things along with new equiptment, menu items, and Kid Check. One of these happened in the early 90's to replace the "Rat Chuck" look to the "Tux CHuck" look in the buildings. Also during this time the versions of the Skytubes we know and love were installed

Then came 2001 and we had Phase 3. Again, this was a major remodel and introduced Toddler Zone, yet more kiddie skill games, Ticket Munchers, and Skytube enhancements. This phase can best be described as a total conversion to "Toddler Cheese" with a total redoing of many older items and further promoting the fact that CEC was all about appealing to small children and there Moms. It was a exciting remodel regardless of this sad realization, as Phase 3 brought along some of the best games to be issued for many a year. All Phases usually introduced new games as part of the package, but Phase 3 really brought a LOT of new, thrilling stuff. Too bad it did'nt last, as many games were switched out after only a couple of years.

So that now brings us up to Phase 4...the "Purple Paradise" makeover which will once again be a major overhaul with all new signage, bill changers, and newer games. Again, this phase pushes up the color and the kiddie-appeal and once again solidifies that CEC is all for the toddlers now with little to interest anyone over the age of 6 on average.

One can only wonder what the eventual Phase 5 will bring!

[YoungCaliHottie]

One can only wonder what the eventual Phase 5 will bring!

coin changers will also sell diapers. "kid check" will get renamed "baby watch". buffalo wings will be replaced with chicken nuggets. "family restrooms" will be installed to handle all the baby volume. cec's will be moved near hospitals, so moms can just go next door to cec as soon as their babies are born. chuck will somehow get even younger. his outfit will be replaced with pajamas. and i mean footies. helen will be redesigned to be his "mama". the other characters will be gone altogether. they've dummed the show up so much already, that chuck will have nothing left to say anymore but "googoo gaga" and he'll sing the alphabet song. ice cream machines will be replaced with baby food vending machines. the main merch prize will be teething rings, followed by pacifiers.

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

As i sit hear laughing my butt off at your comment Cali, i'm also scared to consider some of this may ACTUALLY come true! :eek

Seriously...how many times have YOU been asked at the front counter if :
A: "Do you sell diapers?"
B: " Do you sell socks?"
C: " Do you have a microwave so i can warm up my bottle/baby food?"


Used to happen constantly to me. I'm sure by now it's gotten more frequent these days!

[YoungCaliHottie]

i would actually LOVE for CEC to purchase microwaves. you know how sick i am of asking them to re-heat my pizza for me, and it coming back too crispy or dark cuz it goes back in the oven!?

hey... now that i think of it... i sell microwaves :-D ( www.hambyop.com )

i should call up corporate tomorrow with this fantastic idea! ...and a quote! lol :P

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Sounds to me like the folks at your local store don't know cheese about "re-heating" things with a CEC Pizza Oven.

The trick is to stick it in the side door like the do to "cook" the subs, hot dogs, and fries. They must zip it through all the way with the other pizzas...which is why it comes out too "crispy".

The "bad" pizza we used to have come out that would get backed up during a packed oven rush ( usually a school vacation week...|I ) would come out looked like sewer covers. They made great frisbrees though.....after the rush it was always customary to go outside through the back door and have a nice game. The seagulls would end up with the end product! Dang those stiff pizzas could fly far! Ha ha!!

[YoungCaliHottie]

lol! thats funny!

ya, ever cec around here does it.

ill have to tell them about the side door next time i ask them to reheat for me

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Here's the latest news regarding what's going on at Manchester and Newington's CEC locations Courtesy of Mr.Munch88:


Manchester is now completed. The good news: the place looks fab and fresh! The bad news: Their original 2-stage show has been TRASHED! Yep...you read it here first folks, yet another Cyberamic show has bit the dust. In it's place is a brand new Studio C. No details regarding which version, but more then likely a Beta show. I had a feeling that Manchester would get a show upgrade...exspecially considering it's the district's Training Store.

Newington is under construction as we speak according to inside sources....more info when we have it! It will be interesting to see if they keep their old 2-Stage show...if they DO change over to Studio C Beta as well this could have disasterous results. This would mean that there is a high probability all stores up here may be converted to Studio C. Argh!!

Here's the schedule: Newington should be done by the end of the month. Burlington MA is slated to go under the rope this Summer and Danvers is now being said to take place in Autumn or early 2007.

Any further news i'll post here. Special thanks to Mr. Munch88 for this update!

[CEC3066]

DAMN! so J if Danvers DOES get that funky 8 movemement Studio C Chuck how much will you visit #478? Oh and they can do whatever they want w/ Newington as long as they.......

DON'T TOUCH THE EXTERIOR SIGN. *DO*,AND YOUR IN *BIG* TROUBLE!

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

The ancient "Script" style sign is surely gone by now.....it's amazing it lasted THIS long considering CEC has'nt as a Company used that logo since the mid-80's!

It still is incredible to think that it somehow miraculously survived despite several makeover and remodels in the following years. All things considered, i think it's has it's run. I'll be sad to see it go. It's like one of the last true connections to the past that you can physically see up in these parts.

Dang! :|

[MatHat13]

Aw crap are you serious they took out Manchester NH's stage, jeez.|I

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Yes Matt....

It's offical now...it's GONE.

Pray it does'nt happen in "B" or "D"....:x

[PuroMax]

Isn't the script style type used on some ice cream machines?

[CEC3066]

Pray it does'nt happen in "B" or "D"....:x

Our Father
Who art in heaven
hallowed be thy name
thy kingdom come
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven
DON'T give us this day a dose of Studio C in Burlington or Danvers,MA (hey I had to change it to fit)

[pizzacam]

^ Jeez dude taking it a bit serious aren't you :rolleyes You gotta let go. It's all gonna be Studio C's without working curtains and probably eventually no show at all then no place at all.

[CEC3066]

At every store we ended up doing Live Shows with each stores' staff

not Newington. I ended up foing the Stand-alone "America" from the Summer show all by my lonesome self.

but we MORE then made up for no OFFICAL LIVE at Newington w/ our FIRST EVER "PARKING LOT LIVE!"

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Well you are right Danny...but i think it can go unsaid WHY Newington did'nt get to be graced with one of our Live Shows....

[bzier]

Your stores up there with the MMBB might be keeping their bands a bit longer. MAYBE!!! Down here in central Florida all of the stores except the historic Brandon location have recieved their Phase 4 remodels within the last year. (excluding my store...Lakeland, but that's because we're getting a brand new one next month.) They replaced some of the Munch Bands with Studio C Beta, but when they remodeled Tampa/Carrollwood, they kept their Munch Band. From what I have been told, the reason being is because the budget for their remodel went over, becuase they tore out their old warehouse and had to do some serious costruction in the place knocking down walls and rebuilding offices and whatnot. The serious remodel cost ate up the estimated funding, and as a sacrifice, they ended up losing out on Studio C for now. As for Brandon, they STILL have their Munch Band too, and it sounds like it's gonna be there for a while.

So in my opinion, Danvers is probably safe, as long as Corporate sees it as important or historic, and as long as the managers fight to keep the band, the MMBB might survive. I don't know about the rest of the other locations, but you might want to kiss your Munch Bands goodbye. :(

From what I've been told, there are now over 300 Studio C's and only around 200 different existing stages left. Yes, that 200 includes 1, 2, and 3 stages along with the Road and Rocker Stages. They're disappearing fast.

I give our existing stages 5 more years max. >:

[CEC3066]

what date does your current LaKeland store close?

[CEC3066]

Well you are right Danny...but i think it can go unsaid WHY Newington did'nt get to be graced with one of our Live Shows....

oh yeah. good point

[bzier]

to answer your question CEC3066, the Lakeland store closes on either January 31st or February 1st. Our new store opens offically February 2nd.

[CEC3066]

ok

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Many thanks Bzier for posting all that informative info! I'm always interested in hearing about my old stomping grounds in Brandon. Man i miss that place! One of these days, next time i'm in FL, i HAVE to stop by.

Of all the MA locations, i would say that the 2 stage at Danvers is in the best condition and location. I have seen dozens of Cyber stage shows and none of them seem to hold a candle to that one. It's well maintained so i would like to hope that it will be kept intact. The Showroom is also huge so it accomedates well.

Surrounding locations like Burlington, Natick, and Lowell exspecially would actually be better off having a Studio C there instead of the full shows. Lowell needs it's show pulled out as it is rarely in working order. It's in bad shape, and the Showroom it's in is microscoptic....incredibly tiny for a CEC! This location could easily fit in a Studio C Beta with no problem and it would actually enhance the Showroom. As much as i don't care for "Beta" shows, In Lowell's case it would be a IMPROVEMENT in all honesty.

Burlington's show has been on and off now for some time. Sometimes it's in poor shape, and other times everything is working somewhat. Regardless, it's still a show that has gone past it's peak years ago in my opinion. It was neglected for so long and you can only go so far when you reach that point. The Tech does a fine job keeping it up but again, it's the sheer age of the cosmetics and mechanical parts that are eating away at any chances to bring it back from the brink. Burlington has the perfect Showroom spacing for a modern Studio C setup. I have always thought that this location above all would be most likely to get a Studio C makeover eventually. Call it gut instinct. ( Sorry MatHat!)

Natick now...there show is in crappy condition. Another show that has been neglected to a point of no return. I'm sure that the Tech does what he can with what he has...i'm not blaming the current Techs mind you.....i'm blaming the years of neglect and the Company's insistance on putting it's focus away from the entertainment aspect all together. Natick also has a smaller then normal Showroom...so a modern Studio C would fit in well there.

None of the above locations are considered "high volume" by any means. Of the three, Burlington does the best sales-wise. Lowell is a tiny store..located right next door to a Papa Gino's ( who's brilliant idea was that? :lol ) and Natick is located off of a major highway. Burlington is snuggled in a corner of a mini shopping plaza near a huge prominent mall. As they say, locations is everything! Wether or not these locations could "afford" to have the Studio C upgrade i don't know...but from the sounds of it i am feeling that the Phase 4 remodels are weeding out these older shows as part of the package.

I hope the 2-Stage here stays for a while. It was recently updated with the new dvd system. It seems a bit crazy for the Company to invest in installing this if the Show was slated to be gutted by the end of this year. It would interesting it hear if those CyberShows in Central FL that were pulled out also had the recently installed dvd system upgrade.

Any more info Bzier?

[CEC3066]

well my local CEC is due to get Phase IV soon (TBD) and look what happened to THEIR show bye bye VCR hello DVD player.

[MatHat13]

So are there any updates on Newington NH's remodel?8o

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

I have not heard anything yet. Last i heard things were going along and they may well be even done now. More news when i have it.

[CEC3066]

IF Danvers does get Studio C seeing how it & my hpme store in Fairfield are practically twin in interior design (the exception being the shows are on oppisite ends of the showroom) Danvers Studio C will probably end up going back to where the show USED to be in that store.

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Well yes..that is pretty much common sense. It's the ONLY spot it could go really.

Personally "D" does not Studio C. The CyberShow is in great working order and it would be stupid to trash it. Wait at least until it's run it's course for crying out loud...the Ol' Show still has plenty of life in it in these parts! :)

[ChuckEFranchize454]

mind me saying jus because theyre gonna remodel the store dosent mean there gonna trash the show. example-theres a houston store that got the phase V remodel and the 2 stage was not trashed due to the fact that the stage was in good condition. so maybe Maybe if the stores stage is in good condition they wont trach it. come on guys you gotta have hope i kno i do im not NOT giving up on CEC. come on guys there is hope. we always cant be in doubt. there has to be some kinda hope and im telling you straight up i will not give up on CEC i still think there is hope

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

I agree...there is of course always hope. Personally, as i had said earlier, they would be crazy to pull out the show in "D" as it's in great shape. If they install Studio C "Beta" in Burlington or Lowell, this would be good as it would mix the stages up a bit and give Guests visiting the local stores more variety.

I say put it in "B"...the place can use it and it's right down the road from Danvers. It think the Guests' in that area would enjoy seeing a more updated stage.

[MatHat13]

Burlington won't change to Studio C anytime soon because the show is really popular amongst the kids and parents in this area...plus, Burlington's location is in an area which is ten minutes from two other towns where alot of kids are, which is why it is one of the better stores in the district I believe, same with Everett, MA being the busiest of the district and lot's of kids come from the Boston/Malden/Meford area where alot of kids are located. See I think stores like Danvers, Lowell, and Natick are more low volume because of the huge shopping mall type areas they are in, and can be consider a hassle or two far out by average parents/guests. Burlington has the right spot, that will attract alot of kids...it isn't really hidden therefor it is noticable for kids to chant for to go to. Burlington's staff also loves the show, and the show is NEAR mint minus some cosmetics are a little ripped or out of place(plus Chuck's missing neckfur and Jasper's stringless PTT banjo). But prior to all that the busy crowds and managment is saving the store's leg, plus the show.

Out of all the stores in MA I can see getting Studio C, has to be Natick, and I can also imagine it relocating as well due to the area it is in(a big highway).

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

But you see Matt...the fact that "B" is a high sales store may make those responsible for such desicions decide to put in a newer show. I agree though...Lowell, Danvers, and Natick are lower volume locations. Burlington has always done well because of it's location near a prominent shopping center ( the oh-so tonie Burlington Mall) and let's face it, it's located near many "wealthy" communities. The other locations mentioned above are not primarily...but they are surrounded by some. It's all about the location....

However, if "B' keeps there show in good shape ( which i still question) then they have nothing to worry about. Corporate does'nt give a hoot about if a Store loves there old show and does'nt want to see it replaced with Studio C. The agenda is to upgrade all locations by the beginning of 2007 and if they slate a Store to have it's original stage yanked out, well...there is'nt much we can do but stand by and watch.

Oh..and dumpster jump! ;)

[MatHat13]

Yes indeed, correct about the wealthy communities you are indeed right.:rollin

Yeah I can see that Manchester got their show trashed because of the rough shape it seemed to be in, it was dirty, the robotic parts always make errie sounds that'd make you crindge, and it just seem to stop being the show it probably once was...and and on top of that Helen's legs were all wrinkled like an old lady for years there...man that was nasty.:x

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Ewwwlll....( cringes at thought of wrinkly Helen legs) :x

Hey Matt..did you stop by the Bear Shop yesterday to say hi to me? Just wondering as someone told me today someone stopped by asking for me but they could'nt recall who!

Gad...all i need now is a stalker in my life....:lol

[MatHat13]

Nope, wasn't there, could have been someone else, maybe Kerry or J. who knows?

[Mr Munch88]

nope wasnt me! I dont think the waffle house will get rid of its show, Its looking mighty good right now.

[Lilredridinghood]

Hey, Jenn! It wasn't me either-I was away. ;) Maybe it was a stalker?

[CEC3066]

i'd love to say it was me Jenn but alas i'm STILL here in CA. god I need a change of scenery BAD! Sorry for going o/t.

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Oh man! Great....i have another stalker now!

Yeah, so this guy comes strolling into my current workplace and starts asking for me. When he was asking for me, he did'nt seem to know me very well according to the girl at my store who talked to him. All he seemed to know was that i 'used to' do Marionette Shows. She said i was'nt in and he left saying he would just come back.

What really has my curiosity up is that this girl did'nt really pay attention enough to him to get any sort of description! I asked her all sorts of questions...but she was clueless. I can only assume it's one of my previous cohorts in entertainment. It would be REALLY cool if it was someone else..but im not going to get into that here! :p

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Hey J!

I found out who my "stalker" was!



It's Dick Frank, and he wants his couch back!!

:rollin

[CEC3066]

Jenn HOW could you have found that out in the span of just 2 minutes, Chuck E. Cheese will be singing and dancing LIVE b4 your very eyes. NOW THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT!"

[chuckrules]

Better give it to him Jenn!:lol

[nightwalkerhorde]

do you think worcester will ever get a beta sorry for bumping the thread

[chuckecheesefan98]

Hey guys! I found a recent video of Lowell, MA! They didn't get Phase 4 yet! This is from the January 2010 show. I hope they still haven't gotten Phase 4. I will be going up there in January. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruod-C-X6mc&feature=related

[nightwalkerhorde]

did any of the cec stages in mass get a beta or are any getting one soon

[bzier]

did any of the cec stages in mass get a beta or are any getting one soon

Why are you so psyched to see a Beta? They're just a major watered down version of Studio C alpha, with a bot with half the movements. It's not impressive in comparison, at all.

[chuckecheesefan98]

did any of the cec stages in mass get a beta or are any getting one soon


This just in on Beta news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! None of the CEC's got a Beta during Phase 4! Full story at 5pm!


Jeez..... are you worried that a CEC in Mass might get a Beta, or do you just want to see a Beta? If you're anywhere near Everret,


did any of the cec stages in mass get a beta or are any getting one soon

THIS JUST IN ON BETA NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NONE OF THE CEC'S IN MASSACHUSETTS GOT BETA'S DURING PHASE 4! Full story at 5.

Jeez...... do you just want to see a Beta, or what? Everret has a not so cheap 32 movement Beta. Don't ever Ever EVER WISH FOR AN EXISTING STAGE TO BE CONVERTED TO A BETA. Especially Worcester.

[nightwalkerhorde]

i like the 2 stage i have never seen a beta though it whoudl be cool to have one close

[chuckecheesefan98]

Everret, Massachusetts, has a good Beta. It has 32 movements. That's the kind of Beta you need to look for. Much more entertaining then 16 movements. More lights too. The pic on the bottom has 16 movements, I believe. Any Beta built and installed from 2001-2002 has 32.

[Mr Munch88]

Everret, Massachusetts, has a good Beta. It has 32 movements. That's the kind of Beta you need to look for. Much more entertaining then 16 movements. More lights too. The pic on the bottom has 16 movements, I believe. Any Beta built and installed from 2001-2002 has 32.

Um, Everret is an Alpha.

[chuckecheesefan98]

Um, Everret is an Alpha.

Funny, I always thought this was an Alpha: Methuen http://showbizpizza.com/photos/cec/ma_methuen/07.jpg and this was a Beta: Everret http://showbizpizza.com/photos/cec/ma_everett/05.jpg.

[bzier]

Funny, I always thought this was an Alpha: Methuen http://showbizpizza.com/photos/cec/ma_methuen/07.jpg and this was a Beta: Everret http://showbizpizza.com/photos/cec/ma_everett/05.jpg.

looking at those photos you are right. The first is an Alpha, the second is a Beta...maybe both had the 32 movement bots and thats what J was thinking when he said that Everret is an alpha? As in an alpha bot?

[CEC3066]

Methuen is the alpha Everett is the beta (Beta's don't have the desk)