Chuck E. Cheese in Lexington closes after more than 40 years
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- Chuck E. Cheese in Lexington closed permanently after more than 40 years.
- Health issues in April 2024 included illnesses and hospitalization after one party.
- All memberships canceled as of Aug. 4; refunds issued automatically.
Longtime Lexington pizza and wings restaurant Chuck E. Cheese has closed.
The restaurant, known for its kids’ birthday parties that featured games, prizes and a mouse-led animatronic band, at 1555 E. New Circle Road in the Woodhill Circle Plaza, posted the news on the chain’s website, saying, “Thank you for 40 years in Lexington.”
The chain did not immediately respond to a request for comment on why the restaurant has closed.
“For over 40 years, our Lexington location has been honored to be part of your celebrations, milestones, and family traditions. We opened as ShowBiz Pizza in 1983 and became Chuck E. Cheese in 1991. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who has made this place special: The parents, kids, and friends who filled our center with laughter, birthdays and memories,” the notice online said.
“It’s not easy to say goodbye. We want to let you know that our Lexington Chuck E. Cheese has now closed. We know this news will disappoint many longtime guests, and we want to thank you sincerely for your support and loyalty througout the decades.”
The chain said all Fun Pass and monthly memberships at the Lexington location have been canceled as of Aug. 4, and holders should automatically receive a prorated refund. No action is required, but if you have questions or need help, contact the chain at funpass@chuckecheese.com.
Employees at the restaurant said this weekend that they were told last Monday it would be closing. The location stopped taking reservations for birthday parties July 25, according to a customer service representative.
Closed by health department for illness in 2024
Last April, the restaurant was briefly closed by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department after a priority violations were not addressed immediately.
Meanwhile, the health department received a complaint: More than 15 people became ill after eating there at a birthday party, resulting in a family member being hospitalized for sepsis.
“Family had pizza, cheese bread, wings, fries; sent wings back twice because they were ice cold, pizza also sent back for temperature reasons,” according to the complaint. “Everyone they’ve talked to at the party is sick.”
According to the health department’s investigation, they had eaten pizza, wings, cheese bread and fries at the restaurant and became ill April 7 with vomiting and diarrhea. One person was hospitalized with sepsis, according to the report.
Rob Bolson contributed to this report.
This story was originally published August 4, 2025 at 10:24 AM.
