Wichita, KS (3223 N Rock Rd)
3223 N Rock Rd, Store #962 is a Chuck E. Cheese that opened on December 16th, 1991. It was the second Chuck E. Cheese's to open in Kansas and remains open to this day. Wichita is a free-standing store located next to a Goodyear and a Subway.
History
Wichita opened its doors on December 16th, 1991, a year after the opening of Topeka, KS (2215 SW Wanamaker Rd). Like Topeka before it, Wichita was initially franchised, furnished with the SPT 1988 Remodel Program, and premiered with a Road Stage. On September 16, 1996, Wichita and Topeka became corporate-owned, both undergoing the SPT 1992 Remodel Program around the same time.
In the late 2000's, Wichita slightly expanded in square footage as part of the CEC 2005 Remodel Program. Interestingly, the store's road sign was updated with the 2003 Thumb / Avenger Chuck hybrid logo, while the exterior bore the finalized Avenger logo on the front and sides of the building. As part of this remodel, the previous fixtures and showroom walls were removed, though the Road Stage remained. Aside from the rotation of game packages, Wichita was otherwise unmodified throughout the 2010's.
In September 2022, Wichita underwent the CEC 2018 2.0. Remodel Program, overhauling the infrastructure and removing the Road Stage. The 2.0. Remodel has been the current iteration of Wichita ever since.
Stages
Wichita premiered with a Road Stage, as did other CEC locations between 1990 and 1992. Initially, there were no curtains (which was common in the early years of Road Stages), though Wichita later received theirs in the late 1990's (and were removed after 2005). The Chuck E. Cheese Cyberamic first wore a tuxedo, then was given Cool Chuck clothes, and finally Avenger clothing. The Road Stage remained until Wichita's 2.0. remodel in September 2022.
| Stage | Installed | Removed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Road Stage | December 1991 | September 2022 | 2nd Chuck E. Cheese in Kansas. 1 of 2 Road Stages installed in Kansas. |
| Dance Floor + Video Wall | September 2022 | Still In Use | 2021 Model. |
Animatronics
| Animatronic | Serial | Whereabouts |
|---|---|---|
| Chuck E. Cheese (Cyberamic) | 1980s | Owned by a Private Collector |
| Helen Henny (Cyberamic) | 1980s | Owned by a Private Collector |
| Mr. Munch (Cyberamic) | 1980s | Owned by a Private Collector/Wayfinder_triko |
| Jasper T. Jowls (Cyberamic) | 1980s | Owned by a Private Collector |
| Pasqually (Cyberamic) | 1980s | Owned by a Private Collector |
| Wink | 1991 | Unknown/Destroyed |
Gallery
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Chuck E, Helen, Munch, & Jasper (December 2011)
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Helen, Munch, Jasper, & Pasqually (December 2011)
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Videos
| Link | Description | Published/ Filmed Date |
|---|---|---|
| https://youtu.be/oCSD48H62oQ?si=T9fpP3UVw-vm1PHc | A birthday party filmed at the location, featuring the gameroom and showroom with the Road Stage. | September 11, 1997 |
| https://youtu.be/_059jMIMJzk?si=xqRbI0gfIWea9m60 | The Road Stage performing What Do You Get a Sasquatch For Christmas? | December 22, 2016 |
| https://youtu.be/JlnU_GwO2Oo?si=HP3HPlJYmOIDgMVb | The Road Stage performing Holiday Medley 2016 | December 22, 2016 |