Cincinnati, OH (3365 Highland Ave)

Center Stage of the RAE in July 1984

Operated:Nov. 11, 1982 - 1985
Latitude Longitude: 39.16845822, -84.42462983

Remodels & Initiatives:

• SPP Standard Layout (Nov. 11, 1982)

Stages:

• Classic Stage (Nov. 11, 1982–1985)

Cincinnati, OH (3365 Highland Ave) was a ShowBiz Pizza Place location that opened on November 11, 1982^[2] and would close in Fall 1985^[12].

History

Pre-Opening

On October 27, 1982 Showbiz Pizza Place would put a newspaper advertisement mentioning that ‘The newest and most unique family dining and entertainment experience is NOW HIRING’ with applications being accepted October 27th - 29th from 8 AM to 5 PM.The positions of Cashiers, Game Attendants, Clerical, Dining Room Attendants, Cooks, Costume Cahracters, and Food Preparation^[1].

Opening

On November 11, 1982 the Highland Showbiz Pizza Place would open with the Classic Stage, ‘The latest, most challenging, most exciting, most FUN electronic games, Pizza-Sandwiches-Salad Bar (Free Game Tokens With Food Order)‘^[2]

In Feburary 1983 Highland would recieve ‘Joust, Q*Bert, Popeye, Baby Pac Man and the other newest games around’^[3], On July 26, 1983 the highland ShowBiz Pizza Place would participate in a ‘WIN The March of Dimes & ShowBiz Pizza Place’s Cute Kid Contest’. ‘1st Prize - Pizza Party for 4 and $10.00 in game tokens, 2nd Prize - Billy Bob Doll and $10.00 in game tokens, 3rd Prize - $10.00 in game tokens’^[7]. By July 1983 They would receive Uncle Klunk as part of The Amazing Uncle Klunk Traveling Show (Event).^[8] They would also retain Klunk retrofitting him into Santa as part of Santa On Stage Show 1983 (Event).^[9]

On January 22, 1984 the Showbiz Pizza Place in Highland would be robbed by four armed men. ‘The men forced employees to the floor at gunpoint and forced the manager to open a safe. The suspects then fled’^[4]On March 1, 1984 ShowBiz Pizza Place would transfer the property to ‘Highland Partners LTD’ for $850,000^[10][13]. Starting on July 20, 1984 the Highland Showbiz Pizza Place would take apart of the Showbiz After Hours ‘Teen Dance’ event.^[5]

From June 14-16, 1985 11am - 2pm the ‘Carnival For Muscular Dystrophy Association’ would be in the parking lot at the Highland Showbiz Pizza Place^[6] In September 1985 the Highland ShowBiz Pizza Place would recieve new action games. ‘fewer video games…more and better rides for the little folks’. Not long after they recieved the new action games the store would close by the end of 1985. ^[11]

Closure

On December 29, 1985 an auction was announced for the recently closed ShowBiz Pizza Place where on January 3rd 1986 at 10am the ‘Kitchen Equipment, Video Games, Children’s Rides, Animated Character Stage Show ‘would be auctioned off^[12].On December 23, 1986 ‘Frank’s Nursery & Crafts, INC’ would have the property transferred to them^[14]. The Frank’s Nursey & Crafts would open in June 1987. ^[14] It would close in Fall 2004 ^[15]. In early 2007 the property would be demolished with a ‘Mark Sweeney Buick GMC’ built where the former property once stood.

Animatronics

Attractions