Australian foodies were left stunned after stumbling upon a famous American restaurant that seemed to have ‘appeared overnight’ in a Perth suburb.
Iconic children’s food chain Chuck E Cheese finally arrived in Australia almost 50 years after it opened its doors in the US – but thousands still have no idea.
Australians have long heard American movie and TV show characters reference the fast food eatery and arcade, so many are delighted to hear of its arrival. Others, not so much.
‘I was just driving and had to pull over… what the f**k is that? A Chuck E Cheese in Perth?’ shocked content creator Adib said on TikTok.
The chain was spotted in Joondalup, 26km north of Perth’s CBD.
‘Why are we being Americanified? Are they going to have animatronics inside? Why is it the size of a Bunnings?’ he continued.
Chuck E. Cheese partnered with Royale Hospitality Group, the Aussie company that runs Milky Lane, Planet Royale and Outback Jacks, ahead of its launch Down Under.
The famous kid-centric chain is known in the States as the go-to spot for children’s birthday parties, serving cheesy pizza and wings alongside arcade games, jungle gyms, and animatronic characters, including the giant mouse mascot.
Iconic children’s food chain Chuck E Cheese finally arrived in Australia almost 50 years after it opened its doors in the US – but thousands still have no idea
Famous US pizza chain Chuck E. Cheese known for its fast food menu, arcade games and kid’s birthday parties is in Australia
In Australia Chuck E. Cheese is set to feature trampolines, video walls, dance floors, soft play equipment, and climbing walls, much like its international counterparts.
‘This is NOT the one we wanted,’ an Aussie woman wrote online, furious.
‘Olive Garden is the only acceptable one,’ replied another, referring to an Italian American restaurant chain.
‘We are turning into America,’ one said.
However, other Australians are sharing their excitement over the chain coming Down Under with one simply saying: ‘FINALLY’.
It’s not just the kids that will be able to enjoy as there is a separate ‘grown-up’ menu for adults.
‘Can’t wait to have my 30th birthday at Chuck E. Cheese,’ another said.
‘If it doesn’t have animatronics it is not a real Chuck E. Cheese,’ someone added.
Chuck E. Cheese has trampolines, video walls, dance floors, soft play equipment and climbing walls
Nostalgic foodies pointed out Chuck E Cheese had a brief stint in Australia with a single outlet launching in Queensland in 1981 before closing just a year later
‘Chuck E. Cheese is coming to Australia, it only took 50 years. Next I hope they bring White Castle because I’ve always wanted to try those burgers,’ a fourth said.
Nostalgic foodies pointed out Chuck E Cheese had a brief stint in Australia with a single outlet launching in Queensland in 1981 before closing just a year later.
It opened in Surfers Paradise under the name Charlie Cheese’s Pizza Playhouse as there were fears the US name was too similar for the Aussie slang ‘chuck’ meaning vomit.