Chuck E. Cheese signs franchise deal to launch in the UK: Chuck E. Cheese, the US entertainment restaurant chain, has signed a multi-unit franchise agreement to launch in the UK, which will mark the brand’s debut in Europe. Propel revealed last December that the business, which was founded in California in 1977, had appointed property advisors Wright Property to scope out possible sites for its launch here. The company currently operates nearly 600 Chuck E. Cheese fun centres, with locations in 45 states and 17 countries and territories. The company said: “In partnership with a dedicated local team, this exciting launch will bring the brand’s world-renowned mix of arcade games, interactive play zones, iconic character, Chuck E. Cheese and his friends, and quality food to a whole new audience. The new multi-unit agreement aims to shake up family entertainment across the UK with a fresh expression of Chuck E. Cheese tailored specifically for the market. A blend of arcade games and interactive play elements is on the horizon.” The brand is working in the UK with a new vehicle, the Kent-based CEC Leisure UK, which is headed up by Alistair Burnett, managing director of Gravitee Golf, and formerly of kids play area concept Kidz About. The brand is believed to be looking at sites between 10,000 to 15,000 square feet on leisure and retail parks, with target locations including Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Manchester and Leeds. Chuck E. Cheese is part of CEC Entertainment, which is headquartered in Irving, Texas, and also operates the Peter Piper Pizza brand and virtual kitchen concept, Pasqually’s Pizza & Wings. “Chuck E. Cheese is an incredible global brand that brings families together across cultures through the universal language of fun,” said Mario Centola, chief operating officer of Chuck E. Cheese International. “We’re thrilled to bring our unique magic for family fun to the UK. We have partnered with an outstanding team that shares our passion for delivering unforgettable family experiences.” “Bringing Chuck E. Cheese to the UK is not just a business move,” said Burnett. “Creating family fun has been a passion of mine and, ultimately, my professional career. We will be reimagining family entertainment in this market, and Chuck E. Cheese is the perfect brand to lead that transformation. Our focus is on delivering a destination where kids can be kids, parents can relax, and unforgettable memories are made every day.”

Restaurant Marketer & Innovator Awards and Rising Stars open for entries: The Restaurant Marketer & Innovator (RMI) Awards are back for their eighth year, celebrating outstanding achievements in marketing, technology and innovation across the food and beverage sector. Finalists will be honoured at a grand awards ceremony at Pergola on the Wharf in London on Wednesday, 21 January – the finale of the three-day Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit. The awards are open to any eating or drinking-out brand across Europe, with 14 categories including chief information officer/chief technology officer of the year, agency of the year and best use of artificial intelligence. The closing date for entries is Friday, 24 October. In addition to the main awards, the Rising Stars programme is also returning, recognising talented future leaders under 30 in marketing, technology, innovation and strategy roles. This programme is open to young professionals from anywhere in Europe, offering a platform for emerging talent in the sector. James Hacon, co-founder of the awards, said: “The RMI Awards celebrate the extraordinary creativity and forward-thinking that drives our sector. It’s a chance to stand out and be recognised among the industry’s best, whether you’re a start-up with bold ambitions or an established brand evolving to meet the demands of tomorrow’s market.” For more information and to enter the RMI awards, click here, and to nominate for the Rising Stars programme, click here.