This Spotlight originally appeared in the Summer 2024 edition of the 503. Magazine. Click here to read the entire edition online.
The Meinert family having fun in the Chuck E. Cheese ticket blaster.
Instantly recognizable to children and families of almost any generation, Chuck E. Cheese has become one of the country’s most well-known and beloved restaurant franchises since being founded in 1977. Today, Chuck E. Cheese remains a top destination for children’s entertainment, birthday parties, gaming, and family fun, while also evoking nostalgia from local adults who formed lasting memories as kids at their favorite Chuck E. Cheese location.
For families in Salem, the Chuck E. Cheese at 3240 Lancaster Drive NE has been a primary source of fun times and memorable moments since 1983. Founded by the local Meinert family, this family-owned Salem franchise is now operated by the husband-and-wife team of Ian and Vicky Meinert.
With a deep passion for serving the Salem community, the current owners have proudly represented the Chuck E. Cheese brand and the Meinert family since purchasing the business in 2017, following Ian’s father’s passing. For the Meinerts, continuing their family’s remarkable legacy of service — to both the community and its loyal employees — makes running the business a special endeavor.
“I think our Chuck E. Cheese is unique in the fact that it’s been operated by a local family for 40 years,” said Ian Meinert. “We promote from within and have very little turnover.”
For Ian, the business has been an integral part of his life since the age of 14 when he began washing dishes and making pizzas as his first job. A few years later, he began learning all of the areas inside the business, and in 2005, took on the role of General Manager and had the opportunity to work even more closely with his father. As the business’s co-owner today, Ian has a deeper appreciation for that time, which shaped him as a leader.
“I learned a lot from my dad regarding the business operations,” he said. “I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend so much time with him and help grow the business.”
The business’s recent growth can also be largely attributed to Ian’s wife and business partner, Vicky, who still works part-time as a nurse at Salem Health while handling all of the marketing and event coordination of the business. She and Ian first met while working at Chuck E. Cheese together and their strong partnership has created a warm and welcoming environment, not only for customer families, but their own family too, as several of Vicky’s siblings, nieces, and nephews have come to work at the restaurant over the years.
“I love working with our team to help make positive memories for kids when they come to CEC,” Ian said about his staff, which includes 35-50 employees (depending on the season). “I take a lot of pride in what we do and understand that there are many people out there that are big fans of Chuck E. Cheese.”
As longtime residents of Salem themselves, Ian and Vicky have always held a deep appreciation for the community support they have received — especially amidst the challenges that the COVID-19 Pandemic presented — and love nothing more than to pay it forward at every opportunity by hosting fundraising events and by supporting other local organizations.
“We work hard to bring schools in for fundraisers,” Ian said. “A fun night out with students and staff ultimately results in funds back to the schools. In the 2023-2024 school year, we will have given back $35,000 to Salem-Keizer Public Schools. Also, we support Hoopla, Capital Fútbol Club (CFC), the Salem Capitals, the YMCA, the Boys & Girls Club, and the Salem Public Library.”
The Meinerts say the Chamber has helped them make more connections and get even more involved in the community. They were quick to credit Greeters Co-Chair Zak Stone of Zak Stone Photography for encouraging them to join. They say their favorite part of being a member is getting to meet people they otherwise would not have.
With the business always looking forward, Ian says his Chuck E. Cheese play area is adding new attractions just in time for the busy summer months, including trampolines and new arcade games. And of course, the food and fun atmosphere will continue to be draws for both kids and adults.
“We look forward to continuing to improve our business and providing our employees with opportunities to learn and grow,” he said.
Visit chuckecheese.com and select the Salem location to see all of the business’s summer offers, fun events, online store, and more.