Chuck E. Cheese’s® Launches National Expansion of ‘Sensory Sensitive Sundays’
in Partnership with Center for Autism and Related Disorders
355 locations to offer program beginning Sunday, April 2 in recognition of World Autism Awareness Day
DALLAS (March 28, 2017) – Chuck E. Cheese’s® and Center for Autism and Related Disorders™ (CARD) today announced the national expansion of Sensory Sensitive Sundays, a joint event at Chuck E. Cheese’s locations across the U.S. and Canada. The program aims to provide children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other special needs the opportunity to experience the fun of visiting Chuck E. Cheese’s in a sensory-friendly environment.
After a successful three-month test run at 54 locations in the Northeast, and due to overwhelming interest in the program from parents and autism organizations alike, both organizations decided to expand Sensory Sensitive Sundays to include 355 Chuck E. Cheese’s restaurants nationwide. The program officially launches Sunday, April 2, in recognition of World Autism Awareness Day.
“Our tagline is where a kid can be a kid, and we want to ensure we extend this ideal to kids who otherwise may not be able to enjoy Chuck E. Cheese’s due to the sensory overload,” said Ami Anderson, senior director of advertising and media at CEC Entertainment. “We’re excited to be able to offer this program nationally beginning next month, with an exceptional leader in the autism field like CARD.”
Offered two hours before the restaurant opens to the general public, the sensory-sensitive program provides the opportunity for families in the autism community to enjoy Chuck E. Cheese’s with smaller crowds, dimmed lighting, the show and music turned down or off, and limited appearances of costumed characters, all of which makes for an environment more suitable for children who face sensory challenges.
“Chuck E. Cheese’s has been a great partner in CARD’s effort to expand opportunities for children with special needs and their families to have fun in a supportive, safe environment,” said Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA-D, CARD founder and CEO.
Sensory Sensitive Sundays will take place on the first Sunday of every month beginning Sunday, April 2, followed by May 7, June 4, July 2, etc. A list of the 355 locations participating in the program can be found by visiting chuckecheese.com/sensory-sensitive-sundays.
About CEC Entertainment
For 40 years, CEC Entertainment has served as the nationally recognized leader in family dining and entertainment with both its Chuck E. Cheese’s and Peter Piper Pizza restaurants. As the place where a million happy birthdays are celebrated every year, Chuck E. Cheese’s goal is to create positive, lifelong memories for families through fun, food, and play and is the place Where A Kid Can Be A Kid®. Committed to providing a fun, safe environment, Chuck E. Cheese’s helps protect families through industry-leading programs such as Kid Check®. As a strong advocate for its local communities, Chuck E. Cheese’s has donated more than $14 million to schools through its fundraising programs and supports its national charity partner, Big Brothers Big Sisters. Peter Piper Pizza, with its neighborhood pizzeria feel, features dining, entertainment and carryout. Since 1973, Peter Piper Pizza has taken pride in delivering a food first, parent friendly experience that reconnects family and friends for great gatherings. Expanding nationally, Peter Piper Pizza recently opened locations in Oklahoma and Nevada featuring an all new prototype design. The Company and its franchisees operate a system of 603 Chuck E. Cheese’s and 144 Peter Piper Pizza stores, with locations in 47 states and 12 foreign countries and territories. For more information, visit chuckecheese.com and peterpiperpizza.com or connect with us on social media.
About Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD)
CARD treats individuals of all ages who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at treatment centers around the globe. CARD was founded in 1990 by leading autism expert and clinical psychologist Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA-D. CARD treats individuals with ASD using the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), which is empirically proven to be the most effective method for treating individuals with ASD and recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the US Surgeon General. CARD employs a dedicated team of nearly 2,000 individuals across the nation and internationally. For more information, visit www.centerforautism.com or call (855) 345-2273.
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Contact information:
Christelle Dupont
PR Manager, CEC Entertainment
972.258.4223
Micah Miller
Center for Autism and Related Disorders
818.345.2345 ext. 1589