Showbiz Pizza Place was a popular family entertainment center chain that combined arcade games, animatronic shows, and pizza dining to create a unique experience during the 1980s and early 1990s. Known for its lively atmosphere and beloved characters like The Rock-afire Explosion, the menu at Showbiz Pizza was designed to appeal to families and children looking for a fun meal alongside their entertainment.
The Showbiz Pizza menu featured a variety of pizzas, appetizers, desserts, and beverages that catered to different tastes while maintaining affordable pricing. This article explores the different components of the menu, highlighting popular items, pricing, and nutritional aspects, as well as the evolution of the menu over time.
History and Concept of Showbiz Pizza Menu
Showbiz Pizza Place was founded in 1980 by Robert Brock, quickly becoming a competitor to Chuck E. Cheese’s by integrating arcade games with a stage show featuring animatronic characters.
The menu was an essential part of this experience, offering food that complemented the entertainment without overshadowing it.
The concept was simple: provide a casual dining option that could feed hungry kids and parents while keeping them entertained. As a result, the menu emphasized classic American comfort foods with pizza as the centerpiece.
“The pizza was the undeniable star of the Showbiz menu, with plenty of options that satisfied both picky eaters and adventurous food lovers.” – Former Showbiz Pizza employee
Core Menu Categories
The Showbiz Pizza menu was organized into several core categories:
- Pizzas – Various sizes and toppings
- Appetizers – Finger foods and snacks
- Entrees – Including sandwiches and pasta
- Desserts – Sweet treats and ice cream
- Beverages – Soft drinks, milkshakes, and coffee
Pizzas
Pizza was the heart of the Showbiz menu, available in multiple sizes — typically small, medium, and large. Customers could choose from classic toppings like pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and green peppers, or opt for specialty pizzas that combined multiple ingredients.
One standout was the “Supreme Pizza”, loaded with pepperoni, sausage, onions, green peppers, and mushrooms. The crust was hand-tossed with a slightly crispy edge, and the sauce had a balanced blend of herbs and tomato flavor.
| Pizza | Small (10″) | Medium (12″) | Large (14″) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheese | $3.95 | $5.95 | $7.95 |
| Pepperoni | $4.50 | $6.50 | $8.95 |
| Sausage | $4.50 | $6.50 | $8.95 |
| Supreme | $5.95 | $8.95 | $11.95 |
| Veggie | $5.50 | $7.95 | $10.50 |
Appetizers
Showbiz Pizza’s appetizers offered quick bites that could be shared or enjoyed as a light snack. Popular choices included mozzarella sticks, breadsticks with marinara sauce, and chicken wings with a choice of sauces.
The breadsticks were especially well-liked, served hot with a buttery garlic flavor and a side of tangy marinara. These appetizers paired perfectly with the arcade and show experience, providing easy-to-eat options between games and performances.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mozerella Sticks | Breaded cheese sticks served with marinara | $3.95 |
| Garlic Breadsticks | Buttery garlic-flavored breadsticks with sauce | $2.95 |
| Chicken Wings | Buffalo or BBQ style, served with ranch | $5.95 |
| Onion Rings | Crispy battered onion rings | $3.50 |
Entrees
Alongside pizza and appetizers, Showbiz Pizza offered a small selection of entrees to provide variety. This included sandwiches such as hot dogs, meatball subs, and cheeseburgers.
Pasta dishes like spaghetti with meat sauce were available for those seeking a heartier meal.
The sandwiches were simple but satisfying, often served with a side of fries or chips. The focus remained on kid-friendly flavors and familiar comfort foods that parents would approve of.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cheeseburger | Grilled beef patty with cheese, lettuce, tomato | $4.95 |
| Meatball Sub | Italian meatballs with marinara and mozzarella | $5.95 |
| Hot Dog | All-beef hot dog with optional toppings | $2.95 |
| Spaghetti & Meat Sauce | Classic spaghetti pasta topped with meat sauce | $5.50 |
Desserts
Dessert options at Showbiz Pizza were designed to be fun and indulgent. Ice cream sundaes, brownies, and cinnamon sticks were popular choices.
The cinnamon sticks, served warm with a sweet dipping sauce, were often a highlight for children.
In addition to dessert, the menu featured kid-friendly treats such as fruit cups and pudding to satisfy a variety of tastes and dietary preferences.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ice Cream Sundae | Vanilla ice cream with chocolate or caramel sauce | $2.95 |
| Brownie | Chocolate brownie served warm with ice cream | $3.95 |
| Cinnamon Sticks | Sweet cinnamon-coated breadsticks with icing dip | $3.50 |
| Fruit Cup | Fresh seasonal fruit | $2.50 |
Beverages
The beverage selection at Showbiz Pizza was broad, offering soda fountains with popular soft drinks, milkshakes, coffee, and juices. Milkshakes came in classic flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, providing a nostalgic treat for both kids and adults.
Popcorn and slushies were also available, rounding out the menu with options perfect for snacking during games or shows.
| Beverage | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Soda Fountain | Coke, Sprite, Root Beer, etc. | $1.50 |
| Milkshake | Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry | $2.95 |
| Coffee | Fresh brewed coffee | $1.75 |
| Juice | Orange, Apple | $1.95 |
| Slushie | Flavored ice drink | $1.95 |
Menu Evolution and Legacy
Over the years, Showbiz Pizza’s menu saw some modifications to keep pace with customer preferences and market trends. New pizza toppings and specialty items were introduced, and healthier options like salads appeared later in the chain’s life.
However, the core focus on pizza and family-friendly fare remained consistent.
When Showbiz Pizza merged with Chuck E. Cheese’s in the early 1990s, many menu items were adjusted or phased out.
Despite this, the original Showbiz Pizza menu remains fondly remembered by fans of the chain for its nostalgic value and unique blend of entertainment and dining.
“Showbiz Pizza was more than just food; it was an experience where the menu was part of the fun. The smell of fresh pizza and the sounds of the animatronic band created memories that lasted a lifetime.” – Longtime fan and collector
Nutritional Information and Considerations
While the Showbiz Pizza menu was designed for enjoyment and convenience, many items were indulgent and rich in calories, fat, and sodium — typical of 1980s-style casual dining. Parents often balanced the experience by encouraging sharing and pairing meals with healthier sides like fruit cups.
For those seeking nutritional balance, options like the fruit cup and occasional salad provided lighter alternatives. However, the menu’s primary appeal was comfort food that complemented the entertainment experience.
Showbiz Pizza Menu Highlights
- Supreme Pizza: A fan favorite loaded with multiple toppings for a hearty meal.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Perfect for sharing and dipping in marinara sauce.
- Chicken Wings: Offered in tangy Buffalo or savory BBQ styles.
- Cinnamon Sticks: A sweet dessert that was especially popular with kids.
- Milkshakes: Classic flavors that rounded out the dining experience.
Tips for Enjoying the Showbiz Pizza Menu
When visiting a Showbiz Pizza Place (or a retro-themed restaurant inspired by it), consider these tips to make the most of the menu:
- Share pizzas and appetizers: Portions were generous, making sharing a smart and economical choice.
- Try the specialty pizzas: The Supreme and Veggie options offered interesting flavor combinations beyond plain cheese or pepperoni.
- Save room for dessert: The cinnamon sticks and sundaes were not to be missed.
- Pair meals with a milkshake or soda: These beverages complemented the casual dining atmosphere.
- Ask about daily specials or combo deals: Many locations offered promotions to maximize value.
Conclusion
The Showbiz Pizza menu remains a celebrated part of the chain’s history, reflecting a time when family entertainment centers combined food, fun, and technology to create memorable experiences. Its straightforward approach to pizza and classic American fare helped define the dining landscape of arcade and animatronic show venues.
Though Showbiz Pizza Place no longer operates under that name, the legacy of its menu and atmosphere continues to inspire nostalgia among those who enjoyed the unique blend of food and entertainment. Whether for the delicious Supreme pizza or the warm, buttery breadsticks, the Showbiz Pizza menu is remembered as a cornerstone of 1980s family dining culture.
