Chuck E. Cheese: Oceanside Location Could Close

OCEANSIDE, CA — The popular children's restaurant chain, Chuck E. Cheese, may be the latest business to close its doors permanently as a result of financial struggles amid the coronavirus pandemic.

CEC Entertainment, the Texas-based company that runs 527 locations in 47 states, is nearly $1 billion in debt, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Chuck E. Cheese has a number of locations in San Diego County, including one in Oceanside:

• 1126 W. Valley Parkway, Escondido
• 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa
• 1143 Highland Ave., National City
• 2481 Vista Way, Oceanside
• 3146 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego
• 3414 College Ave., San Diego
• 9840 Hibert St., San Diego
• 1861 University Drive, Vista

Chuck E. Cheese, known for hosting children's birthday parties, had to close all of its stores in March when the pandemic struck. CEC Entertainment is trying to approach lenders for a $200 million loan to finance a stay in bankruptcy, according to the Wall Street Journal.

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

Patch editors Eric DeGrechie and Kristina Houck contributed to this story.