New Chuck E. Cheese Opens In San Diego County

SANTEE, CA — There's a brand new Chuck E. Cheese in San Diego's East County.

The children's entertainment center and pizza restaurant chain opened its doors Monday in Santee.

"Chuck E. Cheese is excited to introduce the latest vision of the brand to the families of Santee," Allison Chouinard, corporate communications manager at Chuck E. Cheese, told Patch.

The new location is a modernized, rebranded version of the iconic family entertainment center.

The store features arcade, sports and kid-focused games, an interactive dance floor, and a large format video wall and screens with audio connected throughout the venue. The new space also showcases "The Chuck E. Live! Show," an immersive dance-along and concert.

"Our new entertainment concept is a premier experience for kids who love Chuck E. and for families looking to create lifelong memories," Chouinard said. "We considered every detail of the entertainment experience with kids in mind and how to bring the beloved characters, the show, and the excitement to life."

Chuck E. Cheese now has eight locations throughout the county.

Although there have been some reports that the nearby La Mesa location will close, Chouinard told Patch that the La Mesa store on Grossmont Center Drive will remain open. Other stores are located in Escondido, Mira Mesa, National City, Oceanside and San Diego.

The Santee store is located in a 10,814-square-foot space on Town Center Parkway. The spot has been vacant since Hometown Buffet closed in 2016.

The new location will celebrate its grand opening with a "purple carpet premiere" from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 12. The event will include raffle prizes, free cake and an appearance from Chuck E. Cheese and friends, Chouinard said. Additionally, the first 25 families in line will get one hour of free game play.

"As a brand committed to giving back to the communities it serves, Chuck E. Cheese donates over $1.5 million each year to local schools and nonprofits across the U.S. and Canada and is excited to bring the same support to the Santee community," Chouinard said.

Chuck E. Cheese is at 265 Town Center Parkway. The location is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.