Chuck E. Cheese has announced the signing of three development deals with Qatar, Suriname and Guyana. Combined with other international expansion plans, these three deals have the set the brand on a course to 100 international locations by 2022.
“Investors and entrepreneurs continue to recognize Chuck E. Cheese as a high ROI opportunity within their local markets,” says Arun Barnes, COO & SVP of international development for CEC Entertainment.
“With a unique business model that is unmatched in the family entertainment center (FEC) landscape, we are the brand that can have an immediate impact in almost any country around the globe, while providing a reliable cash flow for franchise partners who have a passion for family entertainment.”
The brand has made use of its current franchisees in the Caribbean region, with Guyana and Suriname set to be developed by Joanna Rostant of Yay! Entertainment in Trinidad & Tobago. The first site at Suriname is under construction and scheduled to open in the first half of 2022.
“We are thrilled to partner through a sub-franchise arrangement with Sasja Lie Pauw Sam and his team at Blue Falcon N.V. to bring the joy of Chuck E. Cheese to families in Suriname,” said Rostant.
“We note with confidence Suriname’s recent discovery of substantial volumes of hydrocarbons, and in keeping with the recent IMF forecasts, believe that Suriname will experience strong positive economic growth in the next couple of years. For these and other socio-economic reasons, we believe that the world’s leading family entertainment brand will be thoroughly enjoyed by children and families in Suriname.”
“It makes sense for Caribbean markets, and we are thrilled that Joanna’s strong operating model has positioned her company well to achieve and lead this exciting expansion. We look forward to her success in Suriname, and later in Guyana,” said Barnes.
Chuck E. Cheese has also teamed up with a new franchise partner, Benchmark Hospitality Services, to open new locations across Qatar.
“Working with the CEC International team is a pleasure,” said Yanni Jouaneh, franchise owner and CEO of Benchmark Hospitality Services.
“They have great systems and processes to support international franchising, and our business feasibility survey of the brand showcased a unique opportunity to bring in a highly profitable brand into Qatar’s exciting market landscape. There is no other brand that offers a great mix of games, food, entertainment and birthday parties. Qatari families with kids will soon experience the joy of Chuck E. Cheese nearer to their home.”
The Chuck E. Cheese brand has been on a steady path of international growth and has recently launched locations in Romania, marking its first European location and Bahrain.
