A nearly extinct piece of Chuck E. Cheese history, Munch's Make Believe Band, is still performing at a Los Angeles area location, offering a nostalgic experience for fans.
The animatronic band, comprised of Mr. Munch on keyboards, Jasper T. Jowls on guitar, Helen Henny on vocals, and Pasqually on drums, remains intact and active at the Chuck E. Cheese in Northridge, California. Videos shared online show the five-member group singing and dancing on stage, complete with its original lighting and props.
Chuck E. Cheese began phasing out its animatronic performers several years ago as part of a company-wide rebranding and modernization effort. These robotic bands were once a signature feature of the restaurants, but have largely been replaced by contemporary attractions like interactive dance floors, video walls, and trampolines.
In 2023, the company designated the Northridge location as the permanent home for its full animatronic ensemble, with plans at the time to make it the sole operational band in the country. David McKillips, President and CEO of CEC Entertainment, the parent company, stated that preserving the band is a gesture of gratitude to fans who hold childhood memories of the performers.
Reports indicate that, in addition to Northridge, three other Chuck E. Cheese locations across the United States maintain the full animatronic band setup: Springfield, Illinois; Hicksville, New York; and Charlotte, North Carolina.