As it works its way through Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the Chuck E. Cheese chain plans to get another generation of consumers hooked on its pizza and games—while teaching them a thing or two—with a new promotion aimed at kindergarteners.
The company’s Kindergarten Kickoff program will provide free educational video resources and “All You Can Play” cards to more than 70,000 students in 14 school districts around the country, according to a press release.
“Starting kindergarten is one of the most exciting milestones in a child’s life, but this year, with remote learning, thousands of new students are missing out on all the fun and celebration this special time usually brings,” said CEC Entertainment Chief Marketing Officer Sherri Landry. “At Chuck E. Cheese, we want to help kids continue to be kids and celebrate America’s littlest learners with our Kindergarten Kickoff program.”
Participating school districts—including Florida’s Orange County Public Schools, Atlanta Public Schools and St. Louis Public Schools—received a collection of “entertaining and enriching” videos featuring Chuck E. and friends. The videos cover topics ranging from art tutorials and music exploration to silly songs and age-appropriate Spanish lessons.
Each kindergartener in the partner school districts also received a free 30-minute “All You Can Play” card that can be used at their nearest Chuck E. Cheese location.
Rachel Sprecher, Atlanta Public Schools’ executive director of partnerships, said the offer will brighten a challenging time for the school system and its kindergartners. “This back-to-school season has been unlike any we’ve managed before,” she said. “As we’re planning to make sure our virtual learning is effective and our school buildings are safe, we also want to make sure the year feels special for our students, particularly those who are going to school for the very first time. Chuck E. Cheese has helped us deliver moments of fun and celebration, and we appreciate their commitment to our kids.”