I’ve been to Chuck E. Cheese’s twice in the last couple of weeks. Two different locations even.
Let’s face it, if it weren’t for birthday parties, this franchise would have shut down decades ago. Both times I went were for birthday parties. Actually, I don’t know if I’ve ever been to Chuck E. Cheese’s without it being a birthday party.
Normally we wind up going to the Chuck E. Cheese’s a little to the north of us. It’s not a bad place, but certainly showing its age. And we have never really enjoyed the pizza there. I almost wish we could bring in our own food.
Ciárán was invited to a birthday party, but it wasn’t at our “normal” Chuck E. Cheese’s. It was for the one across the lake. A little further away and on the other side of a toll bridge. Of course we went because he was invited.
This particular location, however, was almost downright pleasant. Actually, it may have just been an illusion due to the fact that it was so much brighter than the one we normally go to.
It had been so long since we were at Chuck E. Cheese’s that I had forgotten about the pizza. Maybe because this location was so much brighter and “fresher” looking but whatever the reason I picked up a slice of the veggie pizza and bit into it. It was horrible.
Maybe it’s just a thing guys in their early 20’s say, but there is (or was) an expression about sex and pizza, that even when it’s bad, it’s good. You might regret it later but it’s alright for now. Or something like that. Well, that wasn’t the case. Actually, there is now way to equate the pizza at Chuck E. Cheese’s to sex. This was full of the regret and none of the fun.
Or flavor.
At least Ciárán had a good time.
The following week brought with it another birthday party, this time at the Chuck E. Cheese’s we normally go to. Having gone to the other one so recently the dreariness really hit me hard. It almost felt like a cave that was only illuminated by the arcade machines.
Xavier was along for this birthday party due to scheduling necessities as Laura had August and Déla. He had a great time running around. As a place to play, Chuck E. Cheese’s is pretty good. By holding onto the tokens you can ensure your child will keep coming back to you for more. The handstamp feature where you can leave with only the kids you came in with is a pretty decent security measure. It may not be perfect, but it’s pretty good.
While I wasn’t necessarily able to relax at this second birthday party, I wasn’t worried. I knew Ciárán would keep coming back to me for more tokens to plunk into machines. I kept an eye on him from a distance while I was more “hands on” observing Xavier.
When it was time to eat the two sat down and picked at their pizza, seemingly biding their time for cake. When Chuck E. Cheese came out Xavier GRABBED my hand and lugged me forward because he wanted to meet the mascot. Until he got about a foot away. Then he decided this was a VERY BAD IDEA and went back to his seat.
Xavier ate a slice of pizza and Ciárán sort of picked at his. It was obvious he was less enamored with the pizza this time around. I didn’t even think about touching it. Heck, I wouldn’t even go to the salad bar. I guess it’s a comment on how bad the pizza is that I question the quality and integrity of every food item in the place.
I wouldn’t be opposed to taking the kids to Chuck E. Cheese’s more often if we could actually eat there. With a little bit of effort it could be simply “bad pizza” instead of whatever alien substance is being foisted on us under false pretenses. It’s like Chuck E. Cheese’s doesn’t care the pizza is bad. I’m not asking for artisan pizzeria style offerings, but even $5 large frozen pizza quality.