The (Updated) History of Showbiz Pizza Place in Lynchburg, Virginia

[@MercuryKurogane]

I didn't know any of this at all, and I'm from lynchburg. I wouldn't have been alive for its existance as the pizza place, but I would have driven past the building ao many time sin my life and never had even known it was there or its history. It's quiet sad that it got demolished into a hotel, seems like much of Lynchburg is turning into that now.

[@cheesethepufferfish2812]

Same here and I agree they're destroying everything for hotels

[@AlorrinINK]

Holy crow.... I was born in Lynchburg, moved away with my mom as a kid, but now I'm back there/here. I'm 41 now, and was just recently talking to my mom about how it's a shame the place was just finally torn down. The place opened up just a few months after I was born, and I used to go there with my cousins ALL the time! And now I have a kid that obsesses over Five Nights, and I'd always told him how much I loved "the real pizza place that inspired it!" lol I can't find any good pictures of times I spent there as a kid, but seeing all the pictures you have from others in the video... omg, that place was iconic! So much fun for us as kids, but, looking back on these pictures, dear god that place was nightmare fuel! We loved daring each other to climb onto the stage and go behind the animatronics. I really do miss that place. And that space isn't the same without it anymore. 🥰

[@Diedl8t]

Lynchburg is full of odd history like this. We have a few buildings here that cycle businesses constantly. Actually a steak house right next to where this place is was abandoned for almost as long. Our downtown used to be deserted and has in the recent decade flourished. You should see what Wards Road used to look like before all the businesses popped up. Its interesting to look at what lynchburg used to look like even in the 90s vs now this place has really blown up. If this location had opened here these days it may have survived as there are alot more people here now than it was back then.

[@donaldr.dieffenbach7713]

The steak place used to be a Ground Round.

[@Draknfyre]

@@donaldr.dieffenbach7713 Yep. Which then sat unused for years after they closed until another steal place moved in. Then it closed and the building again sat unused for years. Now it's... something. Not sure. Indoor flea market? Something about coming in and seeing treasure. The Little Caesar's beside it used to be a Krispy Kreme. It still blows my mind how a KRISPY KREME didn't do enough business along the main business drag of the city to stay open.

[@stratoplayer1988]

I attended Liberty University which was just a mile south of this store. I remember seeing this store being closed and just left there abandoned. Had I known that this was a Showbiz Pizza Place, I would have tried to do some urban exploration at this place.

[@bryanwoodward7687]

I lived in Lynchburg during Show Biz was open… I was 16 years old during 1984 and I played a lot of video games there… maybe ate some pizza… I don’t remember that I did…I do remember watching the Billy Bob show with all those robots… It been about 40 years and I remember it like it was yesterday.. Those were the good times being a teenager…

[@phil159]

Oh wow , I remember my dad taking me to showtime in late 83. We lived in Lynchburg at the time, I really dont remember anything else but the arcade.

[@g.n.kgaming725]

I went to that one when I was a kid. This video brought back a lot of memories.

[@sakosti7990]

I remember going to (what I remembered as) Chuck E Cheese’s there when I was a kid in the early 90’s. I also remember going to Billy Bob’s at the same location a bit later.

[@user-yg3zj4th6p]

My mom and my sister’s mom went to the Lynchburg location

[@Kitk.]

@@Spaghetti-d8e half siblings maybe.??

[@MarizaMancilla]

Coll

[@ThomasAndTheTankRailway.I.N.C]

Such an underrated location this was, I’m glad the bots are in good hands! By the way, I believe I have asked about this location previously for your history video series, and that is the Laurel MD location. However, I have pictures of the stage from 2021, that is, if you’d like to use them in the video.

[@William_Afton_AFTONROBOTICS]

Did bro time travel

[@ThomasAndTheTankRailway.I.N.C]

@@William_Afton_AFTONROBOTICS?

[@Scrunky-jfif]

This is an insanely odd history, but very cool! It's sad that it didn't last very long, but it sure has a lot to it considering nothing that took it's place for very long either. Thanks for updating the video! (P.s. Could you at some point look into doing a video on CEC in Hickory NC? I'm not sure if it has a large history but I found it to be interesting when I went in 2016.)

[@hamadaitzuki4487]

My dad bought the pizza oven from the auction for his pizza business

[@honorabledoggo6597]

I remember going to billy joes ice cream along time ago, i dont remember the inside but we only went once. Thats wild finding this video randomly!

[@Kookie_AlleyCat]

Hey Itzrob I have a "What if..." video idea, What if Chuck E Cheese's new character Bella Bunny was made back in the 70s with the rest of the Pizza Time Players, I think the mock-ups would be pretty cool.

[@MrHall1982]

I went here a handful of times when I was in elementary school. I remember some lady was yelling at me because a skee ball machine malfunctioned and spit put a shit ton of tickets at me so took them. The manager told her to shut up and leave me alone lol. Later on in the years an ice cream parlor moved in to the building.

[@Draknfyre]

HOLEEE CRAP, I never thought I'd see some place from my childhood pop up in my recommended videos. I'm native to Lynchburg and this place was THE place to go as a kid. Had the absolute best arcade in town. I remember being afraid of how "deep" the ball pit was. Which at the time was all of probably two feet. Didn't stop me from getting in it, though. IIRC the rear right corner was supposed to be the "deep" end like it was a pool, but it was the same all across. I remember when it switched over to Chuck E. Cheese. I preferred the Showbiz/Billy Bob branding. I was sad when it closed. Billy Joe's moving in was a dumb idea, though. They had a prime spot a couple miles away. This location wasn't directly on a main road but off of one and tucked away behind bushes/trees so you'd maybe get a glimpse of it but you probably wouldn't know what it really was or how to get to it unless you already knew it. If they weren't forced from their old location then it was a monumentally stupid idea to move here. I wasn't surprised when I heard it had closed. I mean for a SHOWBIZ yeah, the location was fine because every kid and their family knew about it. But a local mom and pop place? Moving to a location like that where few people ever randomly went by made no sense. I went in while it was Billy Joe's once. I was surprised at seeing the 50s'-style ice cream shop decor fitting into the place. Felt kind of weird, TBH, knowing what it used to be combined with how Billy Joe's used to look at its former location. I looked at the main entertainment room and they didn't have much back there. Some empty tables and chair, the lights were off, the stage curtains were closed. But it was obvious it was usable if they needed it. It wasn't closed off and inaccessible. It also felt weird because all of the former branding/decorations had been removed and unless you knew what it had been before it seemed like an odd room for an ice cream restaurant to have. I didn't know there was a video of people exploring the place after it was shut down. I'll have to look it up. And yeah, it being torn down for a hotel isn't surprising at all. This whole town sprouts hotels like weeds, all thirsty for the two days a year when tens of thousands of families pour in to see their kid graduate from LU. Pretty much anywhere, especially along Wards Rd, that has unused land gets bought up and a hotel built.

[@TooningIn2008]

I like how the Rockafire all have little Santa hats on in the footage at 2:23

[@ChuckETastic]

This Is an interesting video that this was a showbiz then Billy joes and how a hotel i could imagine if Chuck E. Cheese bought that showbiz but I’m glad the bots were saved!

[@ItzaRob]

I think you need to watch the video again if you still think that’s the timeline of things.

[@ChuckETastic]

@@ItzaRob I already saw the video sorry my head Dosent really pay attention to stuff that’s why or I can’t remember stuff

[@donaldr.dieffenbach7713]

The barn was definitely for little kids. IIRC it was beside the ball pit and in front of it was like a helicopter "ride" which was just like a glorified version of one of those sort of things kids could sit in amd pretend to ride a horse or drive a car for a quarter that used to be outside of grocery stores and such. Close to it was also a big version of the arcade game After Burner that you sat in and as you flew the plane it would move around to intensify the experience.

[@Draknfyre]

Remember the ferris wheel? It sat next to them up against the wall. Had one seat with a belt and buckle. The side of the sit was connected to the wheel. Pressing the button made it spin around, play music and flash lights for a minute or two.

[@muppetsretrofan8873]

This was a super cool video, Rob! I hope you'll cover a Louisiana Chuck E Cheese location [especially Layfette because of the craziness of what the old location turned into], or maybe the now defunct Arlington Texas Pizza Time Theatre location?

[@sjharris9583]

I still like the old video you did of this location; now a part of me wishes the ice cream parlor DID keep the Rock-afire Explosion!

[@CreativeSophia2101]

Cant wait for this!

[@thechillydogtrain4718]

Hey Rob I just want to say something thank you thank you for making history videos without you or Nathan Spies or even chatty Chucky. I don’t think of these will pop up for other channels that love Chuck E. Cheese. Ari made four I think or five and well I’m gonna make another one, but I’ll say this a couple of them are not that great of their editing skills but at least I got better anyways I hope they have a good day.

[@thetankman760]

I found this video interesting rob thank you!

[@thetoysmith3049]

Hey thats the one i went to as a kid!

[@ur.local.i]

im a 18 yr old living in Lynchburg, VA How did i never know?

[@NJT4014Productions]

Can you make a history video for the Chuck E cheese in East Hanover NJ. It has interesting back story

[@ItzaRob]

I'll pass for now.

[@DonaldDuckLover123]

Though I was not alive during this time I live in Lynchburg and my parents remember this

[@dosramos7144]

4:33 "OCTOBER 1994👹"

[@Blaze-jx5dl]

Good Video Rob!

[@KaneStuart]

The barn yard is the slide cause mertlye beach(sorry if I spelled it wrong) there is a photo of the whole thing

[@WHSROANOKE]

Plus Ive Been In Lynchburg VA Chuck E Cheese When I Was Little Wow Time Goes By Fast!!!

[@tstdystopmotions]

Can’t wait for there to be more information on this location and area! Are you gonna post an update on Beach Bear soon?

[@ItzaRob]

I gotta replace his valve bank so it'll be a little while.

[@fradland2784]

Lynchburg really has fallen from glory

[@SpinelFan64]

so despite the location getting cu, this location was never technically a chuck e. cheese's???? also, since it appears to have closed october 1994, would that make it one of the last showbiz pizza locations?????

[@ItzaRob]

No, the latest advertisement from a newspaper ad (October 1994 which was 2 months before they converted into Billy Bob’s Pizza) shows they never bothered to rebrand the store into Chuck E. Cheese’s. I suppose it could have been one of the last Showbiz Pizza branded locations but I’m unsure.

[@Skymakescrafts]

have you made one on richmond va? it’s a mysterious location in my opinion

[@ItzaRob]

I haven't, I may get to it soon though.

[@Skymakescrafts]

@@ItzaRob awesome!

[@brett1511]

Hey rob, how do you find some of this information? I have been looking for info on the 2 Wichita Ks Showbiz Pizza locations but other than video claiming to be from here but ive heard it could be from another location in Kansas such as Topeka i can find no photos. I have also found an advertisement listing both addresses, and one of the buildings still has a logo scar. I have heard the robots here were sent off to Dreamland Switzerland but could find no evidence other then the occasional mention on forums. If you have any tips or tricks for how you come across this information, it would be greatly appreciated

[@ItzaRob]

That info comes from Xan matching up certain aspects of the stage to Dreamfactory's own. I would recommend talking to him about it if you'd like to know more about that. As for my own methods, I look through cheese-e-pedia for stuff as well as newspapers.com, which requires a subscription to looked through stuff.

[@brett1511]

@@ItzaRob Thanks for your response, where do you think the best place to reach Xan would be? Sorry if the questions seem obvious, but after I found out about Showbiz Pizza a few weeks ago it had been brewing in my mind. I have never been to one, or was born in time too, but the lack of information and overall mystery behind these locations fascinates me. There seems to be a deep community here, and I am excited to see what you guys have to show.

[@ItzaRob]

@@brett1511 You can contact him on Instagram via DM’s or ask via a KZbin comment if you don’t wanna DM him on Instagram.

[@thetankman760]

Hey rob just wanted to check how you are doing you seem stressed lately and I’m worried I hope nothing is happening with your personal life. Please reply this is just a check from a fan ❤️

[@GabrielSigala6]

Awesome Video! Are you going to be covering both Pasadena, CA locations?

[@ItzaRob]

No reason to leave one out is there?

[@GabrielSigala6]

@@ItzaRob No, I was just curious.

[@Cec.-789]

Can you do the history of Chuckecheese in Clarksville Indiana next week please

[@ItzaRob]

I’ve already decided what next week’s video is gonna be. Even if I hadn’t, this location isn’t interesting, so I’ll pass.

[@Plaguedoc47]

Ah so next vid is Pasadena CA yeah? Did it go through CU in 1992 or 1993? Ive heard both years given for when it went through CU

[@ItzaRob]

If what I heard is true, March of 1993.

[@TheAlchemistSB]

WAIT WHAT HOW HOOWWWW WHY AND HOW DID IT BECOME A SHOWBIZ? I'M SO CONFUED!

[@Draknfyre]

It started as a Showbiz. The two companies were competitors until CEC bought out Showbiz.

[@TheAlchemistSB]

@@Draknfyre Ah I see

[@OriginalBell480]

Hi @ItzaRob, can you please talk about the Chuck E Cheese in EL Monte? Thank you so much! :)

[@ItzaRob]

Considering how there’s not much info on it, I’ll pass.

[@kuriptic]

wait I could get there in 20 minuets

[@WHSROANOKE]

i live in martinsville va which is close to lynchburg virginia does that count!!!! XD

[@jludwig5374]

This inspired FNAF and Rich Evans the Birthday Boy????

[@Draknfyre]

Yes. The entire premise of FNAF was based on Showbiz Pizza. Only none of the robots came to life and killed kids or security guards. That we know of.

[@Virgilanddarveycousins-wo9yj]

It’s sad that it closed

[@ItzaRob]

Please watch the entire video before making comments like this.

[@Virgilanddarveycousins-wo9yj]

@@ItzaRob I watched the whole video

[@ItzaRob]

@@Virgilanddarveycousins-wo9yj you weren’t paying attention then. I’m not going to answer questions that were answered in the video, go towards the end of the history portion and it says what happened to the building.

[@Virgilanddarveycousins-wo9yj]

@@ItzaRob okay

[@Virgilanddarveycousins-wo9yj]

@@ItzaRob I’m sorry

[@TheAlchemistSB]

Hmm I wonder what's the next location?! Can I get a little hint?

[@sonicsonic2022]

Good video

[@KaneStuart]

Hi so I was wondering if you could do Jacksonville fl and greensbro nc and if I could get a shout out when you do the location

[@ItzaRob]

Choose one.

[@KaneStuart]

Ok I’m gonna have to do Greensboro

[@ItzaRob]

@@KaneStuart Maybe.

[@RobloxAndMarioFan-hz4lw]

Can you do the history of Toronto candas location

[@ItzaRob]

I’ll pass for now.

[@sonicblast1255]

You should do Bridgewater, New Jersey's CEC next, it was the last location to have the Studio C console

[@ItzaRob]

I'm gonna pass for now as there are more interesting ones to cover.

[@sonicblast1255]

@@ItzaRob ok

[@Bold_Brick1212]

History of Chuck E Cheese and Showbiz Pizza in Peoria IL

[@ItzaRob]

I’ll pass.

[@Bold_Brick1212]

@@ItzaRob the location nearby in Bloomington IL has a unique exterior feature

[@ItzaRob]

@@Bold_Brick1212 I’m gonna pass on that one too.

[@cheezer1977-c7o]

nice!

[@cec_oregon]

Could you do the portland oregon location? It was the fisrt ptt in oregon, had dolli dimples, helen,and i have a pic of my dads bday in 1983

[@ItzaRob]

I’ll pass.

[@cec_oregon]

@@ItzaRob ok, ill just do it myself

[@AlertPlayz]

Can you do a video on the locations in Irving Texas if needed I will provide some information that I know about the locations

[@ItzaRob]

Potentially.

[@DonaldDuckLover123]

It was one that was converted into a Chuck E. Cheese it shut down some time in early 2000s I believe

[@ItzaRob]

Getting the CEC characters doesn’t mean they got the Chuck E Cheese exterior. Often stores would wait a bit before getting it, though in this case the store never got it as can be seen by the fact that the word Showbiz Pizza was being used on ads from October of 1994, just 2 months before they became Billy Bob’s Pizza. The “shut down in the early 2000’s” thing is also wrong as ads show that after the place converted into Billy Joe’s it lasted until around 2007.

[@DonaldDuckLover123]

@@ItzaRobsorry I was estimating

[@cecstudio2391]

Can you do a history on Jacksonville please

[@ItzaRob]

Which one?

[@cecstudio2391]

The one with the beta bots

[@cecstudio2391]

Jacksonville Florida

[@ItzaRob]

@@cecstudio2391 Alright, maybe.

[@Billy-Bob422]

It had a uncle klonk every location dif

[@ItzaRob]

I know Aaron said that but that isn’t confirmed. Without any evidence to suggest it did I’m not going to say it did for sure.

[@Billy-Bob422]

Sorry for not responding but my bad

[@cectexas2021]

Hey ItzaRob can u go over Chuck E Cheese's in Pasadena CA

[@ItzaRob]

You’re joking right…go to the outro of this video if you’re not.

[@cectexas2021]

I nearly watched the video sorry I'm a dumba$$

[@KaneStuart]

You talked about circus pizza I’m not sure but I might have a circus pizza mitiz mask dook foot and tickets

[@ItzaRob]

Are you the guy who bought those Dook boots on EBay from a few weeks back?

[@KaneStuart]

Here the story my birthday is April 27 and a few months back a mitiz mask popped up on eBay I was like I want that for my birthday well my mom she talked to the seller who owned the boots and a Rolfe and Earl poster that is on the top of the stage and the seller wanted me to have the best party so she took the stuff she was selling like the boots and Rolfe and Earl poster and gave it to me I will be posting it on my KZbin if you want to see I also got circus pizza tickets

[@cheezer1977-c7o]

hey ItzaRob can you do History of Chuck e cheese and Showbiz Pizza Place in Bon air, Virginia

[@ItzaRob]

Firstly, it’s considered barely in Richmond, not Bon Air. Secondly, maybe.

[@cheezer1977-c7o]

Okay

[@cheezer1977-c7o]

Hey ItzRob can I use your video ideas for my channel if not I support your opinion

[@ItzaRob]

@@cheezer1977-c7o I don't see the point but go ahead.

[@cheezer1977-c7o]

@ItzaRob Okay

[@MuhammadAahil_ytp]

It a remastered rob and it amazing

[@Bravos101]

Hey could you you do a history video of of Chuck E Cheese savanna Georgia

[@ItzaRob]

Not very interesting, I’ll pass.

[@Bravos101]

@@ItzaRob dang it I know nothing about the location all Know that they had a 3 stage until 2023

[@Bravos101]

But what you need to do is one of the most interesting locations of all it was. It’s now called Billy Bob’s Wonderland, I’m pretty sure it was originally a show this pizza place and I know they moved many times. I just wanna know more.

[@Cheesecheese12343]

Still waiting when you gonna make the next video lol

[@ItzaRob]

YOOOOOOO thanks for the donation! I make weekly videos every week on Fridays at 3 PM EST.

[@Cheesecheese12343]

@@ItzaRob ok :)

[@Charlieplush]

I want you to do a history video of Chuck E. Cheese in Sandy Or Orem Utah Please,

[@ItzaRob]

I’ll pass for now.

[@Charlieplush]

@@ItzaRob OK 👌

[@Cheesecheese12343]

chuck e cheese Guatemala city Guatemala will be next?

[@ItzaRob]

You know what? Sure.

[@Cheesecheese12343]

@@ItzaRob horay

[@Animatronicguy]

Update

[@your_otherneighbor]

i was the 30th like!