Chuck E. Cheese, With 10 Open MD Locations, Files For Bankruptcy

MARYLAND — The fate of Chuck E. Cheese's ten open Maryland locations is uncertain after the parent company of the popular children's-themed restaurant filed for bankruptcy on Thursday.

Texas -based CEC Entertainment said it expects to continue operations throughout bankruptcy proceedings as it gradually reopens its restaurants that were closed because of the coronavirus outbreak. Company officials said they planned to have "critical conversations" with financial stakeholders and landlords to craft a long-term plan for the company.

"The Chapter 11 process will allow us to strengthen our financial structure as we recover from what has undoubtedly been the most challenging event in our company's history and get back to the business of delivering memories, entertainment, and pizzas for another 40 years and beyond," David McKillips, CEC Entertainment CEO, said in a news release.

Chuck E. Cheese, which opened in 1977, serves pizza, complemented by arcade games, amusement rides and animatronic displays with a focus on family entertainment.

Chuck E. Cheese is among several companies to forced to declare bankruptcy because of the outbreak. Others include J.C. Penney, J. Crew, Neiman Marcus and Hertz.

Here are Chuck E. Cheese's open locations in Maryland:

• 2333-A Forest Dr., Annapolis
• 5 Bel Air South Pkwy. Ste. N-1447, Bel Air
• 6637 Governor Ritchie Hwy., Glen Burnie
• 17618 Valley Mall Blvd., Hagerstown
• 3241 Plaza Way, Waldorf
• 8886 Waltham Woods Rd, Parkville
• 5912 Baltimore Nt'l Pike, Catonsville
• 5270 Randolph Rd., Rockville
• 7210 Guilford Dr., Frederick
• 1127 University Blvd East, Takoma Park

Chuck E. Cheese is part of a growing list of brick-and-mortar establishments that have seen a nosedive in revenue and popularity with the emergence of e-commerce companies such as Amazon and Walmart.

Earlier this year, Sears representatives confirmed the chain will close three stores in Maryland, in Annapolis, Baltimore and Waldorf.

Chains that are closing Maryland stores include Pier 1 Imports, Bed Bath & Beyond, Papyrus, Sears, A.C. Moore, Kmart, A.C. Moore, Motherhood Maternity, Dressbarn, Macy's and more.

A record 9,300-plus store closings were announced in 2019, and that number could be even higher in 2020, according to a report by Business Insider.

Related:

• Macy's Closing More Stores, 16 MD Locations Threatened
• Victoria's Secret Closing 250 Stores; See Locations In Maryland