(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — For nearly three decades, the Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza Time Theater at 71 Tierra Rejada Rd was the heart of fun and entertainment for kids and families in Simi Valley. Opened on October 20, 1980, this iconic location wasn’t just a pizza place—it was a playground of memories filled with arcade games, animatronic shows, and birthday parties that became legendary for locals. It was more than a destination; it was a rite of passage for any Simi Valley kid growing up in the ‘80s, ‘90s, and early 2000s.
When the doors first opened, the Simi Valley Chuck E. Cheese’s was one of the early Pizza Time Theaters, bringing its unique blend of pizza and animatronic entertainment to the community. Situated in a bustling shopping center near the old K-Mart, it quickly became a local hotspot. The restaurant opened with a Portrait Stage, one of the last to ever be installed, making it a piece of Chuck E. Cheese history right here in Simi Valley.
Over the years, the location underwent several remodels, each one reflecting the changing times and tastes of its audience. In 1990, the restaurant saw its first major upgrade, transforming the establishment into “Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza” with new awnings, checkered designs, and the replacement of the Portrait Stage with Chuck E.’s House. The animatronic setup was given bright new colors, and characters received cosmetic updates that kept the shows fresh and engaging. By the early 2000s, Chuck E. himself was sporting the Cool Chuck outfit, adding a bit of ‘90s flair to the beloved mouse.
Simi Valley’s location was known for its unique stages and characters. It was one of the last locations to feature the Rocker Stage, and it became a must-see attraction for fans during CheeseVention 4 in 2007. The store also had the rare Dolli Dimples (Cabaret) and the only known appearance of Dr. Quack (Cyberamic), adding to its distinct charm. For many, these stages weren’t just part of the show—they were a beloved part of the Simi Valley experience.
After entertaining generations of families, the Simi Valley Chuck E. Cheese’s closed its doors in May 2008, much to the dismay of longtime fans. The reason for the closure remains a mystery, but the impact of the store on the community is undeniable. The location and the entire shopping center were eventually demolished, making way for a Target and other shops that now occupy the space. However, for those who grew up attending birthday parties there, or spent countless hours playing games and watching the animatronic shows, the memories remain as vivid as ever.
Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza Time Theater at 71 Tierra Rejada Rd wasn’t just another location; it was a cornerstone of Simi Valley’s childhood. From its unique characters to its historic stages, the store captured the essence of fun for nearly 30 years. While the animatronics may be gone, the spirit of those days lives on in the stories shared by those who grew up there. It was a place where quarters turned into tickets, birthdays were magical, and the animatronic band played on, long after the last slice of pizza was gone.
