Chain nearly completes system rollout, new recipe reduces food costs
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Ron Ruggless
Chuck E. Cheese’s has nearly completed the systemwide rollout of a new pizza recipe that features a crisper crust, fresh-shredded mozzarella cheese and reduced food costs, the chain said Monday.
Before the rollout began in March, parent CEC Entertainment Inc., which operates and franchises the 554-unit system, had used a blend of frozen and fresh cheeses. The use of block cheese, shredded in-house, has actually reduced food costs, said Brenda Holloway, the company’s marketing manager. CEC Entertainment is based in Irving, Texas.
“It makes for a fresher product,” Holloway said, “and the cost savings was a nice perk.”
The new pizza features unfrozen dough, a crispier crust, fresh vegetables and natural mozzarella cheese.
EARLIER: Chuck E. Chees's parent to revamp pizza
“We completely reformulated the dough to make a more consistent product, and it’s much crispier,” Holloway said. The sauce recipe remains unchanged, she said.
VIDEO: CEC's new pizza recipe
As part of the new pizza rollout, CEC is offering guests coupons and urging them to email photos, stories and videos to [email protected]. Some of those will be featured on Chuck E. Cheese’s Facebook page.
CEC Entertainment has 554 units in 48 states and seven other countries and territories. The company owns and operates 507 of those in the United States and Canada.
Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected].
Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless
