ShowBiz Pizza Place

Defunct American restaurant chain and family entertainment center

ShowBiz Pizza Place 1980 Logo

ShowBiz Pizza Place was a chain of family entertainment centers and pizza restaurants founded in 1980 by Robert L. Brock and Creative Engineering, Inc. The chain was known for its animatronic characters and arcade games, which provided entertainment for families and children. ShowBiz Pizza Place was a competitor to Chuck E. Cheese's, and the two chains eventually merged in the early 1990s.

History

ShowBiz Pizza Place was established in 1980, with its first location opening in Kansas City, Missouri. The concept was developed by Robert L. Brock, who had previously been a franchisee of Holiday Inn. Brock partnered with Aaron Fechter of Creative Engineering, Inc., who provided the animatronic characters known as the "Rock-afire Explosion."

Expansion and Popularity

The chain quickly expanded throughout the United States, capitalizing on the popularity of arcade games and family entertainment centers during the early 1980s. ShowBiz Pizza Place locations featured large dining areas, arcade games, and animatronic shows that were synchronized with music and lights.

Child speaking with Billy Bob at ShowBiz Pizza in Fayetteville, Arkansas

Merger with Chuck E. Cheese's

In 1984, ShowBiz Pizza Place merged with Pizza Time Theatre, the parent company of Chuck E. Cheese's, which had filed for bankruptcy. The merger was facilitated by ShowBiz Pizza Time, Inc., which became the parent company of both brands. Over time, the two brands were consolidated, and by 1992, all ShowBiz Pizza Place locations were rebranded as Chuck E. Cheese's.

The Rock-afire Explosion

The Rock-afire Explosion was a key feature of ShowBiz Pizza Place, consisting of a group of animatronic characters that performed musical shows. The characters included Billy Bob, a bear who served as the mascot, along with other members such as Mitzi Mozzarella, Fatz Geronimo, and Beach Bear. The shows were designed to entertain children and families, with a mix of original songs and popular music covers.

Legacy

Although ShowBiz Pizza Place no longer exists, it left a lasting impact on the family entertainment industry. The Rock-afire Explosion has maintained a cult following, with fans creating tribute videos and restoring original animatronics. The merger with Chuck E. Cheese's helped solidify the latter's position as a leading brand in family entertainment.

Child on ride at ShowBiz Pizza in Fayetteville, Arkansas

Related pages

• Chuck E. Cheese's
• Animatronics
• Arcade game
• Family entertainment center