Lexington, August 12, 2025
News Summary
The Chuck E. Cheese entertainment center in Lexington has officially closed after more than 40 years of service. Originally opened as ShowBiz Pizza Place, it became a popular destination for families celebrating birthdays with its arcade games, animatronics, and pizza offerings. The closure comes amid health concerns and a reassessment of business practices. Community members reflect on the cherished memories created at this beloved venue.
Lexington, Kentucky — The beloved family entertainment center, Chuck E. Cheese, located in the Woodhill Circle Plaza, officially closed its doors on August 4, 2025, marking the end of over 40 years of fun and festivities for kids and families in the area. Originally opened as ShowBiz Pizza Place on December 1, 1983, the venue has long been a celebrated spot for birthday parties, arcade games, and children’s entertainment.
At its inception, ShowBiz Pizza Place distinguished itself with an animatronic band led by a bear named Billy Bob, catering to children’s vibrant imaginations. The establishment quickly became a hotspot, offering an array of attractions, including a ball pit, air hockey, skee-ball, and an impressive collection of over 70 video games featuring iconic titles like Popeye, Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Centipede, Tron, and Dig Dug. The venue also drew in adults, providing large-screen TVs for sports viewing along with a selection of beers on tap.
The rebranding to Chuck E. Cheese occurred in 1991, aligning with the chain’s effort to unify its identity across several locations. Despite the changes, the establishment maintained its appeal and remained a favorite for local communities, as seen through letters and drawings sent by children expressing their love for Billy Bob shortly after the venue’s opening. Over the decades, it generated countless memories for families, becoming part of the cultural fabric of Lexington.
The recent closure announcement highlighted a deep sense of gratitude toward the community for their patronage throughout the years. The company reassured customers that all active Fun Passes and monthly memberships at the Lexington location were canceled, with prorated refunds being issued automatically. Prior to its closure, the restaurant had stopped accepting reservations for birthday parties on July 25, 2025.
Compounding its closure was a health department inquiry that raised concerns related to food safety, including reported illnesses from a birthday party held at the restaurant in April 2025. The investigation prompted a temporary closure as the restaurant was cited for not addressing priority violations. While these findings cast a shadow on the establishment’s final months, the company did not provide a detailed explanation regarding the eventual permanent closure.
As the lights dim on this iconic entertainment venue, local residents reflect on their cherished memories and experiences frequented with friends and family at Chuck E. Cheese in Lexington.
Background on Chuck E. Cheese
Chuck E. Cheese’s evolution from ShowBiz Pizza Place to its current branding reflects broader changes in family entertainment trends over the years. Originally conceptualized as a casual dining experience with gaming elements, it transitioned into a larger franchise operation with locations across the United States. This closure in Lexington is part of a larger trend where many family-oriented entertainment venues are reassessing their business models amid changing consumer preferences and increased competition.
Key Attractions
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Animatronic Band | Billy Bob the Bear entertained guests, a unique feature of ShowBiz Pizza Place. |
| Games | Over 70 arcade games, including classics like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. |
| Birthday Parties | Popular for hosting children’s birthday celebrations. |
| Food and Drink | Served a variety of pizzas and beverages, including beer for adults. |
FAQs
What was the original name of Chuck E. Cheese in Lexington?
The original name was ShowBiz Pizza Place, which opened in 1983.
When did Chuck E. Cheese officially close?
Chuck E. Cheese in Lexington closed permanently on August 4, 2025.
What kind of entertainment options did the location provide?
The location featured arcade games, animatronic entertainment, a ball pit, and party hosting services.
Are refunds available for Fun Passes?
Yes, all active Fun Passes and monthly memberships were canceled, and prorated refunds were issued automatically.
Why did the restaurant close?
The closure followed health department concerns regarding food safety violations and operational challenges, though no detailed explanation was provided for the permanent closure.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Chuck E. Cheese in Lexington Closes
- Wikipedia: Chuck E. Cheese
- Fox 56 News: Lexington’s Chuck E. Cheese Closes
- Google Search: Chuck E. Cheese
- WKYT: Longtime Lexington Business Shuts Its Doors
- Google Scholar: Chuck E. Cheese Business Model
- Kentucky.com: Closure and Its Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chuck E. Cheese
- WAFB: Birthday Party Illness at Chuck E. Cheese
- Google News: Chuck E. Cheese Lexington
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
