CEC Entertainment, the parent company of Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza, has announced that CFO Scott Drake will take over as CEO and president on Feb. 13, 2026, succeeding David McKillips, who has led the ‘eatertainment’ player since 2020.
Drake, who joined the company as CFO in 2024, will guide CEC through a new chapter focused on expansion, franchise growth and diversified entertainment offerings. McKillips, credited with stabilizing CEC after the pandemic and overseeing transformative initiatives, is stepping down for a yet-to-be-disclosed global leadership opportunity.
“Under Scott’s financial leadership, CEC strengthened its balance sheet, refinanced its capital structure and delivered growth through key strategic initiatives, and today, the company is in an enviable position among its competitors,” said CEC Board Chairman Joshua Acheatel.
CEC’s most recent fiscal period has seen the company extend its footprint both domestically and internationally. After emerging from bankruptcy in the early 2020s, the company reopened its remix of Chuck E. Cheese Adventure World indoor playgrounds, launched Chuck’s Arcade with 10 mall locations, and completed a systemwide remodel and brand refresh.
According to franchise data, Chuck E. Cheese now operates roughly 465 locations in the United States and Canada and 96 franchised fun centers across the U.S., Puerto Rico and 16 countries worldwide. The company also runs about 96 Peter Piper Pizza restaurants in the U.S. and 13 in Mexico.
Franchise and International Expansion
CEC has made notable franchise progress abroad in recent years. In March 2025, Chuck E. Cheese opened its first location in the Dominican Republic under a franchise agreement with a regional operator. The brand’s international strategy has also included plans for debut locations in the United Kingdom, marking Chuck E. Cheese’s first European expansion, under a multi-unit franchise agreement tailored to local preferences.
Industry observers say this push reflects a broader franchise strategy to grow global market share in family entertainment, leveraging Chuck E. Cheese’s nostalgic brand equity while modernizing venues with immersive play and dining experiences.
Modernization and New Offerings to Drive Franchise Value
As part of its evolution, CEC has been rolling out Adventure World play centres, larger, active-play venues featuring multi-story structures, obstacle courses and interactive themes, with additional sites slated to open in 2026.
The company’s franchise portfolio has also expanded beyond traditional model stores. In 2024, CEC debuted “Fun Spot Arcade”, a mall-based arcade concept operated by the company that could serve as a new growth avenue targeting teens and young adults with a fresh mix of games.
Drake’s appointment comes as CEC positions itself for accelerated franchise development and diversified revenue streams, including loyalty programs, digital experiences and media networks. The leadership transition underscores a belief that steady financial stewardship paired with innovative entertainment concepts can sustain growth in a competitive landscape.
“CEC is operating from a position of strength as we move forward in 2026, and we are prepared to accelerate our expansion domestically and internationally, with brand extensions and diversified revenue streams,” Drake said in a company statement.
