Durham, NC (3724 Mayfair St)

From Cheese-E-Pedia


The current exterior as of June 24, 2023.



3724 Mayfair St, Store #380 is a Chuck E. Cheese location in Durham, North Carolina.

The store opened on March 7, 1994, with a 1-Stage. It is the last Mini Unit variant of the 1-stage, and also the last location to have a full exterior with original 90s checkers. It is also the last CEC location in the Triangle to have animatronics, after the Capital Blvd location in Raleigh removed their 3-Stage for the 2.0 remodel on August 31, 2022.

History

Durham opened on March 7, 1994, as one of two North Carolina locations with a Cyberamic Munch's Make Believe Band Stage (the other is Charlotte, NC (5612 Albemarle Rd) which opened in November 1991 with a Road Stage). They opened with the now unique prototype version of the 1-Stage called the Mini Unit, which is smaller than the average 1-Stage, and has a unique curtain valence, only installed in just four other locations between 1992 and 1994 as a test stage for smaller stores. It is the last and only 1-Stage of the two Cyberamic stages in the Carolinas.

Opening

Durham's Opening Advertisement

Due to advertisements using the March 2nd date less than 10 days until the store was slated to opened, it is believed Durham may have had a "soft opening" on the 2nd and grand opening on the 7th, or that the date was delayed at the last minute. March 7th would make more sense as the opening date anyways, due to it being a Monday, and that most stores at that time typically opened on a Monday.

The store opened up in the Beacon Ridge Plaza shopping center, with most businesses of the plaza being located in a shopping center across the street. While little is known about the plaza, and no remnants of it by name exist, we know the Chuck E. Cheese was part of it due to numerous advertisements in newspaper articles using the plaza name associated with the store, and public property records.[1] Throughout the years, the plaza would become less active and lose more of the businesses that occupied the space. Starting in the late 2000s/early 2010s, half of the plaza was torn down, with the rest following soon after in 2016. The lots across the street would remain vacant and used as parking occasionally until around 2019, when a new complex, University Hill, with retail and apartments, was built. It is still active and standing to this day.

1990s

Durham would open up with the SPT 1992 Remodel Program, which was the standard for the time. Inside, the store would have the standard 90s decor, such as the CD Award parody posters, sports magazines, and planters. The store either opened up or received shortly after the Phase 1 games package. With the pictures we have, we can tell a good amount of how the store would have looked. It is safe to assume it had a layout nearly identical other later Mini Unit 1-Stage stores, bearing close resemblance to El Paso before expansion.[2] In the mid/late 90s, Durham would receive updated signage for the exterior featuring the thumbs-up Chuck art with the star cap, and would also receive larger awnings which covered the checkers. At an unknown point after 1998, the main sign above the entrance was switched out with the updated C-cap version, for an unknown reason. In the late 90s, the store would receive the Phase 2 games package.

2000s

Durham would stay mostly unchanged in the early 2000s, most likely receiving the standard Phase 3 games package. This would change in late 2005, possibly September, when the store remodeled to the CEC 2005 Remodel Program, which included changing the store's layout (moving the prize counter, changing the entrance to be on the side), removal of showroom walls, all major 90s decor pieces, and painting the walls purple. Surprisingly, they would keep the dim lighting and Coach signage on the exterior. The stage would not change much after the remodel, except by 2008, Chuck's tuxedo and derby would be removed for the Avenger outfit and cap.

2010s

The store would receive many changes during the 2010s as the company transitioned from the Avenger to Rockstar era.

Jasper's original mask shortly before removal

Starting in the early 2010s and spanning the end of the decade, the stage itself would receive many changes, removing many of its original aspects. Character cosmetics would be some of the first parts to be changed. The first of the 1993 masks to be removed was Chuck's, after it became bleached for an unknown reason in 2011. Coming shortly after or around the same time, Pasqually's mask was also replaced. For a brief period in 2012, Pasqually was shown to be wearing a blue shirt instead of his typical red plaid pattern, but this change would seemingly be short-lived. Between February to May 2017, more of the original elements would get replaced. First, Jasper's shirt would be replaced with the new larger "cow print" version. Helen's original mask would be replaced not long after, although the exact reason for removal is unknown, as the most recent pictures showing the mask appeared to be in decent condition. The next mask to be replaced was Jasper's, which in a photo shows the foam around the eyes was beginning to rot.

Around 2010-2011, the television above Munch was removed, leaving the two side TVs. In 2012, the curtains were removed. In September 2013, Durham received the 2013 Update and hat removal signage and removed the awnings to reveal the checkers underneath them. You can still see slight fade from where the old "Chuck E. Cheese's" text was when it was centered on the sides of the building before 2013. Also around the same time, the Munch's Make Believe Band sign was modified to be purple where it was previously pink, and was placed directly above Munch. Around this time also, they replaced their CRTs with flat screens and removed the televisions outside the showroom area. The skytubes would be removed by the late 2010s.

2020s/Present Day

In more recent years, the show has been decreasing in condition, with every character having some movement or cosmetic issues. In recent years, the show's condition has fluctuated, with various things getting broken and fixed, such as Munch's flows being messed up over time. In April 2023, Chuck's eye weld broke, leading the eyes to not move, and one eye becoming off center from the other. This has since been fixed. Beginning in late April, the store would start installing brighter LED lights throughout the store, starting in the showroom, causing the store to no longer have dim lighting.

Eyelids

One of the things which has made Durham infamous within the community is the fact that Chuck E. and Helen don't have eyelids. The exact reason why this happened is unknown, although speculations included the eyelids were removed due to scratching the irises, or that the eyelids fell backwards/the part which holds them in place broke, causing them to be removed entirely.

Sometime in March 2021, Chuck E. would lose his right eyelid. By July 2021, both of Helen's eyelids would be gone, and at some point after that, Chuck's other eyelid would get removed too, causing Chuck E. and Helen to both appear to have no eyelids by late 2021 or early 2022. (Exact date unknown)

Current State

Just like nearly all other stores by then, Durham received the new Navori system in June 2023. Unfortunately, due to technical issues during the transition from the DVD Player to Navori (confirmed on a video by an employee of Raleigh visiting the store[3]), the animatronics would be stuck in random mode or even aired down. On only a few known occasions, the show has operated correctly, but the majority of the time since June, the show has been in random movements or aired down.

As of April 2024, Durham still has the 1-Stage, 2005 Update (with the 90s bathrooms), 90s remodel checkers on the exterior, and 2013 Rockstar signage. While the 2.0 remodel was originally expected to happen in April 2023, the store is now most likely scheduled for late Winter or early Spring 2024. On March 7, 2024, the Durham store and their 1-Stage turned 30 years old, marking their 30th anniversary as a Chuck E. Cheese location.

Stages and Animatronics

Stage Installed Removed Notes
1-Stage March 1994 Still in use Last of five Mini Unit 1-Stages ever installed.

Durham opened up with a Mini Unit 1-Stage, and was the last of its kind, sporting the finalized stage appearance, albeit condensed, with the characters being mere inches away from each other.

Animatronic Serials Whereabouts Condition
Chuck E. Cheese (Cyberamic) 2030 In-store Inoperative due to Navori error. Missing eyelids.
Helen Henny (Cyberamic) N/A In-store Inoperative due to Navori error. Missing eyelids.
Mr. Munch (Cyberamic) N/A In-store Inoperative due to Navori error. Low flows.
Jasper T. Jowls (Cyberamic) N/A In-store Inoperative due to Navori error. Strum movement inoperative.
Pasqually (Cyberamic) N/A In-store Inoperative due to Navori error. Only right hand movement works.
Wink (Cyberamic) N/A In-store Inoperative due to Navori error. Operative prior.

Arcade Machines

These are all the currently identified games at this store.

Store Fixtures

Current Fixtures

Decor

Interior Signage

Exterior Signage

Former Store Fixtures

Decor

Interior Signage

Exterior Signage

Walkarounds

The only known walkarounds they currently have is the standard Rockstar Chuck costume. It is unknown if they still have an Avenger costume in the back still, as no public footage or pictures exist of the area where it is kept.

Head Outfits & Suits Accessories Whereabouts Notes
Chuck 1993 (Costume Head) Chuck Tux 1 93 (Costume Outfit), Chuck Long Fur (Costume Suit) Chuck Long Fur Loose Legs (Costume Accessory), Chuck Long Fur Arms (Costume Accessory), Unknown/Destroyed First walkaround the store recieved.
Chuck 1999 (Costume Head) Chuck Tux 98 (Costume Outfit) Cool Chuck Hat 1 (Costume Accessory) Unknown/Destroyed Head may be a conversion of the former head to 1999 standards.
Chuck 2005 (Costume Head) Chuck Avenger Attire (Costume Outfit) Chuck 05 Avenger Shoes (Costume Accessory), Avenger Hat (Costume Accessory) Unknown/Destroyed
Chuck 2010 (Costume Head) Chuck Avenger Attire (Costume Outfit) Chuck Short Fur (Costume Suit) Unknown/Destroyed Used up through 2013.
Chuck 2014 (Costume Head) Chuck Rockstar Attire 1 (Costume Outfit) Chuck Rockstar Shoes (Costume Accessory), Chuck Short Fur Vinyl Gloves (Costume Accessory) In-store

Gallery

  • Exterior in 2006

    Exterior in 2006

  • Side exterior view in 2006

    Side exterior view in 2006

  • Exterior in 2010

    Exterior in 2010

  • March 2010

    March 2010

  • Exterior in December 2022 (PC: saan1ty)

    Exterior in December 2022 (PC: saan1ty)

  • A newspaper clipping featuring a view of the ball pit area. Dated November 1994. Possibly the oldest picture of the store.

    A newspaper clipping featuring a view of the ball pit area. Dated November 1994. Possibly the oldest picture of the store.

  • The 1-Stage, sometime in the 90s

    The 1-Stage, sometime in the 90s

  • A closer look at one of the Record Posters near the show.

    A closer look at one of the Record Posters near the show.

  • Part of the showroom in September 1997, showing a group of teenagers and the Chuck E. walkaround. (PC: wirehanded on Flickr)

    Part of the showroom in September 1997, showing a group of teenagers and the Chuck E. walkaround. (PC: wirehanded on Flickr)

  • More of the store in September 1997, showing the store's skytubes and part of the entrance. (PC: wirehanded on Flickr)

    More of the store in September 1997, showing the store's skytubes and part of the entrance. (PC: wirehanded on Flickr)

  • Alternative view of the interior during the 90s remodel.

    Alternative view of the interior during the 90s remodel.

  • Chuck E. at Durham with his Tuxedo in the early 2000s

    Chuck E. at Durham with his Tuxedo in the early 2000s

  • Helen, Munch, and Jasper in the early 2000s

    Helen, Munch, and Jasper in the early 2000s

  • Munch, Jasper, and Pasqually in the early 2000s

    Munch, Jasper, and Pasqually in the early 2000s

  • Chuck E. in a tuxedo walkaround with a Cool Chuck hat

    Chuck E. in a tuxedo walkaround with a Cool Chuck hat

  • Showroom in September 2002

    Showroom in September 2002

  • Showroom and prop shelf. Spring 2004. PC: Keith Lam, Flickr

    Showroom and prop shelf. Spring 2004. PC: Keith Lam, Flickr

  • The store's 1-Stage in Spring 2004. PC: Keith Lam, Flickr

    The store's 1-Stage in Spring 2004. PC: Keith Lam, Flickr

  • Another pic of the stage, Spring 2004. PC: Keith Lam, Flickr

    Another pic of the stage, Spring 2004. PC: Keith Lam, Flickr

  • The store's gameroom in Spring 2004. PC: Keith Lam, Flickr

    The store's gameroom in Spring 2004. PC: Keith Lam, Flickr

  • A view of the store in April 2006.

    A view of the store in April 2006.

  • The Chuck E. Cheese and Helen Henny animatronics at Durham, NC sometime in 2006 or 2007

    The Chuck E. Cheese and Helen Henny animatronics at Durham, NC sometime in 2006 or 2007

  • Durham's 1-stage in 2007. Barely visible, but Chuck is still sporting his tux and derby at this point!

    Durham's 1-stage in 2007. Barely visible, but Chuck is still sporting his tux and derby at this point!

  • The 1-stage playing the April 2008 show

    The 1-stage playing the April 2008 show

  • The 1-stage in the late 2000s playing the Holiday showtape.

    The 1-stage in the late 2000s playing the Holiday showtape.

  • Late 2000s

    Late 2000s

  • Chuck E. Cyberamic

    Chuck E. Cyberamic

  • Helen Henny Cyberamic

    Helen Henny Cyberamic

  • Mr. Munch Cyberamic

    Mr. Munch Cyberamic

  • Jasper T. Cyberamic

    Jasper T. Cyberamic

  • Pasqually the Chef Cyberamic

    Pasqually the Chef Cyberamic

  • Late 2000s

    Late 2000s

  • Late 2000s

    Late 2000s

  • The stage around the late 2000s or early 2010s

    The stage around the late 2000s or early 2010s

  • The stage in March 2010

    The stage in March 2010

  • Gameroom in March 2010

    Gameroom in March 2010

  • Skytubes in March 2010

    Skytubes in March 2010

  • Games, showroom, and skytube view in 2010

    Games, showroom, and skytube view in 2010

  • Showroom and 1-Stage in March 2011

    Showroom and 1-Stage in March 2011

  • Gameroom in March 2011

    Gameroom in March 2011

  • The stage in the early 2010s with an Avenger walkaround

    The stage in the early 2010s with an Avenger walkaround

  • The stage around 2011 with Chuck E. having a bleached snout

    The stage around 2011 with Chuck E. having a bleached snout

  • The stage in 2012 with a unique, short-lived element- Pasqually wearing a blue shirt.

    The stage in 2012 with a unique, short-lived element- Pasqually wearing a blue shirt.

  • Ditto.

    Ditto.

  • Stage in April 2012

    Stage in April 2012

  • Gameroom in April 2012

    Gameroom in April 2012

  • Chuck E. and Helen animatronics in August 2012

    Chuck E. and Helen animatronics in August 2012

  • Chuck E. in early 2013 with hat

    Chuck E. in early 2013 with hat

  • The whole band in 2013

    The whole band in 2013

  • Ditto.

    Ditto.

  • Mid 2010s

    Mid 2010s

  • Durham's 1-Stage with in 2015

    Durham's 1-Stage with in 2015

  • Stage in June 2016

    Stage in June 2016

  • Showroom, April 2019

    Showroom, April 2019

  • The show in late 2019.

    The show in late 2019.

  • Holiday 2020

    Holiday 2020

  • Showroom view in 2020 (PC: RyansRetail on Flickr)

    Showroom view in 2020 (PC: RyansRetail on Flickr)

  • The 1-Stage in 2020 (PC: RyansRetail on Flickr)

    The 1-Stage in 2020 (PC: RyansRetail on Flickr)

  • A photo of the Ordering Counter & Prize Counter on March 23rd, 2021 (PC: RyansRetail on Flickr)

    A photo of the Ordering Counter & Prize Counter on March 23rd, 2021 (PC: RyansRetail on Flickr)

  • A photo of the Beverage on March 23rd, 2021 (PC: RyansRetail on Flickr)

    A photo of the Beverage on March 23rd, 2021 (PC: RyansRetail on Flickr)

  • A photo of the 1-Stage on March 23rd, 2021 (PC: RyansRetail on Flickr)

    A photo of the 1-Stage on March 23rd, 2021 (PC: RyansRetail on Flickr)

  • The 1-Stage in December 2022 (PC: saan1ty)

    The 1-Stage in December 2022 (PC: saan1ty)

  • The 1-Stage in April 2023

    The 1-Stage in April 2023

  • Chuck E. Cheese animatronic (PC: saan1ty)

    Chuck E. Cheese animatronic (PC: saan1ty)

  • Helen Henny animatronic (PC: saan1ty)

    Helen Henny animatronic (PC: saan1ty)

  • Mr. Munch animatronic (PC: saan1ty)

    Mr. Munch animatronic (PC: saan1ty)

  • Jasper T. Jowls animatronic (PC: saan1ty)

    Jasper T. Jowls animatronic (PC: saan1ty)

  • Pasqually P. Pieplate animatronic (PC: saan1ty)

    Pasqually P. Pieplate animatronic (PC: saan1ty)

  • The serial number of the Chuck E. cyberamic.

    The serial number of the Chuck E. cyberamic.

Videos

(W.I.P)

Link Description Filming Date
Link Shows the stage in 2009 playing the 2009 birthday showtape. Currently the oldest identified footage of this location. October 5, 2009
Link Stage footage of "Deck The Halls" December 23, 2013
Link Store video footage including show footage playing the birthday show May 17, 2014
Link Photo gallery of store including games and the show during a birthday party May 17, 2014
Link Stage footage including the birthday show October 4, 2015
Link Various footage of the store and the stage itself May 14, 2017
Link "Birthday Star Spectacular" being performed on Durham's 1-Stage March 3, 2021
Link Tour of the store and 1-stage in August 2021 August 1, 2021
Link "Let's Be Friends" being played on the show in August 2021. August 1, 2021
Link "Finding Mr. Munch’s air leak🍕" The tech of the store fixing an air leak in the Munch animatronic. August 18, 2022
Link "Chuck E. Cheese’s Durham, NC Store Tour 2022" Store tour taken in November 2022. November 26, 2022
Link Stage performing "The Holiday Party" in December 2022 December 18, 2022
Link Footage of the 1-stage while it was aired down. March 5, 2023
Link "Lend a Helping Hand - CEC Durham, NC" Shows the 1-Stage's condition in April 2023. April 9, 2023
Link Footage of the show performing "Let's Have a Party." Note Chuck E's broken eye. May 7, 2023
Link Up close and personal with the 1-Stage animatronics. July 8, 2023
Link Footage of the 2018 Birthday Star Spectacular show being performed at the location. July 8, 2023
Link Non programmed footage of "Out of This World" being played at the location. July 8, 2023
Link The 2018 Birthday Star Spectacular show being performed at the Durham location. July 30, 2023
Link "Dog Days of Summer" being performed on Durham's 1-Stage. July 30, 2023
Link Footage of "Most Perfect Day" being performed on Durham's 1-Stage. July 30, 2023
Link Footage of "Sparkles" being performed on Durham's 1-Stage. July 30, 2023
Link Footage of "Do, Re, Mi" being performed on Durham's 1-Stage. July 30, 2023
Link Store tour taken in August 2023 August 1, 2023
Link Footage of the show stuck in random mode. August 20, 2023
Link Footage of the 2018 Birthday Star Spectacular show performed at the Durham store shortly before being discontinued. November 25, 2023
Link Up close and personal with the 1-Stage animatronics being powered off. November 25, 2023
Link Non programmed of "Game On!" being played at the Durham location. November 25, 2023
Link On-stage close-up of the Durham Cyberamics. January 27, 2024
Link Overview of the stage fully aired down. January 28, 2024
Link The show operating, although in a broken state- this is due to their Navori issue. February 10, 2024

References and Sources

  1. ↑ https://taxcama.dconc.gov/camapwa/PropertySummary.aspx?PARCELPK=20584&pageIndex=0
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgc6abiW2fE
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boeES1s8FWE
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