(Press Release) DALLAS, Nov 13, 2012 — Chuck E. Cheese's wants every child to experience the unleashed joy of a fun day at one of its stores – unfortunately gluten and wheat sensitivities had some kids and families missing out on a classic experience with their friends due to special dietary needs. With increased demand from guests and a desire to offer safe food options moms and dads could trust, Chuck E. Cheese's began researching and developing a gluten-free menu that would uphold its promise to parents. As a result, today Chuck E. Cheese's introduces two breakthrough food products to its menu – an individual size gluten-free cheese pizza and a chocolate fudge cupcake – addressing the cross contamination concerns of parents with children who have special dietary considerations.
"When we began this process, it was important that we focused on doing gluten-free the right way and making our product accessible even for guests with strict gluten intolerance," said Joe Elliot, Chuck E. Cheese's vice president of Research and Development. "With the gluten-free menu we're launching nationally today, we believe we have dramatically reduced the chances for cross contamination in our gluten-free products."
Chuck E. Cheese's worked with two respected partners to develop an innovative and unique pizza and dessert process. The gluten-free pizza arrives at Chuck E. Cheese's locations in pre-sealed packaging from Conte's Pasta's dedicated, certified gluten-free facility in New Jersey. The Bake-in-Bag(R) Pizza remains sealed while cooked and delivered, until it is opened and served with a sealed personal pizza cutter at families' tables by the adult in charge.
Under the same gluten-free procedure, chocolate fudge cupcakes from Fabe's All Natural Bakery remain in pre-sealed, single-serve packaging until opened and served at the table.
"Given that gluten-free products are something we've wanted to offer for the last few years, it feels very gratifying to deliver a product that reflects our commitment to providing even our guests with strict gluten intolerance with a product that still tastes great and expands the Chuck E. Cheese's experience from games to food and fun for so many families," Elliot said. "It's a great example of how we're working towards consistent quality across the board to make all facets of guests' visits more enjoyable."
In addition to the new gluten-free menu, Chuck E. Cheese's recently upgraded its traditional pizza recipe with dough made in-store as well as freshly shredded mozzarella and vegetables. In consideration of other food allergies, Chuck E. Cheese's provides a comprehensive online listing of each ingredient for all menu items to help parents determine the most appropriate foods for their unique family's dining experience.
The gluten-free cheese pizza can be purchased at more than 500 Chuck E. Cheese's locations in the U.S. and Canada for $5.99, the same price as its individual size pizza with traditional crust. The gluten-free chocolate fudge cupcake is sold for $2.99 in the U.S. and $3.49 in Canada. Chuck E. Cheese's encourages families to participate in Gluten-free Diet Awareness Month this November by tasting its new offerings and sharing their thoughts about dining out safely with food allergies on the company's Official Facebook Page.
Guests can find more information about Conte's Pasta at http://www.contespasta.com/ and Fabe's All-Natural Bakery at http://www.fabesnatural.com/.