What's New, What's Next From Scott
Dear CEC Team,
I’m thrilled to have officially stepped into the role of President & CEO of CEC Entertainment and to build on the strong momentum this company has achieved over the past several years.
Since joining CEC in 2024 as Chief Financial Officer, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with David and our incredible Senior Leadership Team during a period of meaningful transformation and growth.
As we embark on this exciting new chapter together, I wanted to share a bit about who I am beyond the executive title. I'm a firm believer that great companies are built on genuine relationships and trust, so let's skip the formalities and get to know each other.
Get To Know
Scott Drake:
Your New President & CEO
Family First
My amazing wife Ellen and I are celebrating 25 years this July! Our daughters Sophie (21) is studying at Loyola Chicago, and Lila (19) is at the University of Arizona.
Outdoor Enthusiast
You'll find me exploring Colorado mountains, Oregon forests, or the Northern California coast. Hiking, skiing, golf, pickleball, sand volleyball - if it's outside, I'm in!
People-Powered Leader
I believe the best ideas come from the group, not just one person. Our Team Members who interact with Guests daily are the true heroes —they drive our success and make everything possible.
My Leadership Philosophy
My leadership style is straightforward and approachable. When I’m in our restaurants and fun centers, I’m there to learn and connect — not disrupt. I'm not as extroverted as some, but I genuinely enjoy getting out in the field, listening from our Teams and Guests.
I’m not here to do your job — you’re better at it than I’d be. My focus is aligning our efforts, removing obstacles, and empowering you to grow and advance. I'm all about empowering people to develop their skills and advance their careers. That's what excites me.
Fair warning: I’m terrible with proper nouns — names, streets, companies — so bear with me. I also throw out a lot of ideas and questions; some will be great, some won’t. My dad was a lifelong salesman, and I've heard "no" so many times it doesn't faze me. There's always a "yes" around the corner.
No Big Changes Coming
I don't envision significant changes to our strategy or how we operate. Our Senior Leadership Team developed these plans together, and we believe in them wholeheartedly.
Continuity + collaboration = SUCCESS
My Career Journey Across Iconic Brands
My path to CEC Entertainment has been wonderfully diverse, giving me perspectives from finance to retail to food service. Each stop taught me something valuable about building great customer experiences.
1
Started my career at PricewaterhouseCoopers learning the fundamentals of business finance & operations
2
Deepened consulting expertise across multiple industries
3
Learned the power of iconic brands & distribution excellence
4
Discovered the magic of hospitality & authentic dining experiences
5
Understood convenience retail & serving communities 24/7 including a team of global licensees
6
Navigated digital transformation in specialty retail with a global membership base
7
Led a beloved brand through operational excellence
8
Now at the helm of the Global Leader of Restaurant & Entertainment Brands!
Let's Build Something Amazing Together
Open Door, Open Mind
I'm genuinely excited to hear your ideas, concerns, and feedback. The best insights always come from those closest to our Guests.
Removing Roadblocks
My job is to clear your path to success. Tell me what's standing in your way, and let's solve it together.
Your Growth Matters
I'm committed to helping you develop your skills, advance your career, and reach your full potential.
Looking forward to meeting each of you, learning from your experiences, and working together to make Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza even more special for the families we serve. Here's to creating countless moments of joy, one game, one slice of pizza, and one smile at a time!
—Scott
E is for Entertainment
From original content and character storytelling to media expansion and a growing licensing ecosystem that extends far beyond our four walls, the Entertainment, Licensing and Media team's progress is undeniable. A recent License Global feature highlights how Chuck E. Cheese is evolving from a venue-based brand into a global entertainment property as we approach our 50th anniversary, and it's a powerful reflection of the momentum this team has built over the past five years.
Kudos to Melissa McLeanas for a fantastic interview that brings this evolution to life!
Celebrating 100 Years of the Harlem Globetrotters
Chuck E. Cheese continues to shine as the Official Celebration Coach of the Harlem Globetrotters as they mark their historic 100th anniversary season - and the celebration is officially underway.
Over the past several months, Harlem Globetrotter players have made surprise visits to Chuck E. Cheese fun centers across the country, delighting families with interactive meet-and-greets, basketball tricks, and friendly competition at our basketball arcade game. These special appearances brought the high-energy excitement of the Globetrotters directly into our fun centers.
Here are some fun moments captured with Harlem Globetrotter Julian "Zeus" McClurkin from CEC Store #958 in West Des Moines, Iowa.
Celebration Coach Chuck E. has been busy making special appearances at recent Harlem Globetrotter games in San Francisco and Dallas, bringing extra fun to the game-day excitement. As always, thanks to our local CEC teams for your support and capturing amazing action shots on and off the court! Next stop, Duluth, GA on March 22.
Bobblehead Hall of Fame - Vintage Drop
We've just launched a new presale drop of bobbleheads celebrating some of Chuck E.'s classic and retro styles. It's a fun nod to our history as we build toward our 50th anniversary - so keep an eye out for more exciting announcements ahead. Shop now!
D&I MATTERS
Nominate a Diversity Champion
Established in 2020, the D&I Council was created to place diversity and inclusion at the forefront of how we operate and grow our business. The Council is made up of team members from all levels of CEC Entertainment that represent the heart and soul of our family of brands, reflecting the diverse world we serve. Throughout the year, this Council will recognize Diversity Champions - team members nominated by their peers who lead by example to ensure everyone - guests and teammates alike - feels welcome, respected, and included.
Know someone who leads by example?
Click the link below to fill out the Diversity Champion Nomination Form today: https://cec.playerlync.net/sm/view.php?id=552118
Guest Shout-Outs
Each month, we hear directly from guests who take the time to recognize our teams for going above and beyond to ensure every visit is safe, fun, and welcoming. These notes of appreciation highlight moments of kindness, patience, and thoughtful gestures that make a real difference for families. Here are a few of these feel-good guest compliments - small moments that reflect the big impact our teams across the country have every day.
Modesto, CA (s200) / Guest: Norma
Norma shared an enthusiastic note of thanks following the Indian Hills Elementary school fundraiser and a birthday celebration for her daughter, Maya — both hosted at our Modesto, CA fun center.
The guest shared that the evening was fun, organized, and seamless from start to finish, with excited kids, happy parents, and a smooth event overall. Special recognition goes to Raphael and Danny at the register for their friendly, patient, and welcoming service during a busy night. Crystal at the food window was also highlighted for her speed, positivity, and upbeat energy that elevated the experience.
Houston, TX – FM 1960 (s032) / Guest: Brittnie
Brittnie shared a glowing review after hosting an early-morning birthday party for her two sons, who both celebrate December birthdays. With a busy schedule, this annual celebration is especially meaningful for their family — and she described the experience as “nothing short of exquisite.”
From start to finish, the team delivered VIP-level service. Their host, Asha, was attentive and supportive throughout the event, while Manager TJ checked in consistently to ensure everything ran smoothly and stress-free. Brittnie expressed deep appreciation for the professionalism and care shown by the entire team, noting how supported they felt while hosting such an important celebration.
Gulfport, MS (s562) / Guest: Mickey
We received a heartfelt note from Mickey, a licensed therapist from Colorado, who visited our Gulfport, Mississippi fun center with her family. For her family — including loved ones navigating health challenges and disabilities — Chuck E. Cheese has long been a place of comfort and joy.
Mickey shared that, during their visit, Makayla handled a complicated order with patience and calm, creating a seamless experience for a restless, energetic group. Andrew greeted them with smiles and great service, while Graceyn led the team with professionalism and ease. Jonah also took extra time to help clarify their membership, ensuring the family felt supported every step of the way.
East Hartford, CT (s467) / Guest: Dawn
Dawn shared her appreciation for the East Hartford team, noting that she visits several times a week with her grandchildren, including one who is autistic. She praised the staff, especially manager Tabitha, for being consistently welcoming, attentive, and thoughtful. The guest highlighted how much her grandchildren enjoy the live show and games, and shared that every visit is a positive, enjoyable experience for their family.
Peter Piper Pizza
Celebrating the Next Generation of Culinary Creators
I'm proud to spotlight an impactful partnership between Arizona Culinary Institute (ACI) and Peter Piper Pizza - one that brings education, creativity, and real-world experience together. Earlier this year, ACI student Brianna Enos earned top honors with her Oreo® Crunch dessert, which our Piper team launched as a limited-time offering. Seeing her creation come to life on digital menu boards across all corporate Peter Piper Pizza locations is a true testament to the power of this collaboration.
Through the annual Innovation Oven Contest, ACI students were challenged to develop a limited-time menu item for Peter Piper Pizza locations across Arizona, New Mexico, and Albuquerque. The competition took students from concept to execution, providing hands-on experience and valuable industry exposure.
The winning student received:
- A $1,500 scholarship
- Their creation featured as a limited-time menu item
- A portion of the sales generated from the item
A great example of education and industry coming together to inspire future culinary talent.
🎬 Watch the NBC – Channel 12 interview with Genaro Perez Diaz as he shares our continued commitment to value and affordability with our Double-Up Deal and new LTO Oreo Crunch dessert!
Turning Generosity into Impact
Peter Piper Pizza recently partnered with Phoenix Children's to spread holiday joy through the hospital's annual Toy Land Drive, raising over $2,500 and donating more than 150 toys! In addition to the in-store fundraising, Peter Piper Pizza team members volunteered their time at the hospital's Toy Vault, helping sort and prepare gifts to ensure they reached children in time for the holidays.
From 1/26 through 3/1, Chuck E. Cheese will donate $1 to a local Children's Miracle Network (CMN) hospital for every heart-shaped pizza sold. Last Saturday, the Piper Team had the opportunity to join FOX10 Phoenix alongside Luke — a Phoenix Children’s patient — and his family to make a heart-shaped pizza together. Safe to say, he’s a natural in the kitchen. Spending time with Luke and hearing his family share their gratitude for Phoenix Children’s is a powerful reminder of why our community partnerships matter. Moments like that put everything into perspective.
These initiatives are great examples that reflect Peter Piper Pizza's ongoing commitment to supporting children and families in the communities it serves, contributing more than $600,000 annually to schools, hospitals, and nonprofits focused on children's education and development. Over the past 10 years that amount has surpassed $5 Million! Way to go, Piper Team!
Closing
2025 was a defining year for our company. We delivered meaningful progress across the system — from remodels and active play zones to the launch of Chuck’s Arcades, the introduction of Adventure World, and continued international growth. And that momentum is being recognized across the industry, including a recent Fast Company feature highlighting our evolution.
Because of your hard work, resilience, and commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for families, we’re entering 2026 from a position of strength. Let’s build on that foundation and use it as our launchpad for what’s next. I’m confident our best chapters are still ahead — for our family of brands and for each of you.
Take a moment to celebrate how far we’ve come by watching our🎬 2025 Fun in Review video below — and thank you for your daily contributions to making this all possible!
Best,
Scott