P.J. Pizzazz

From Sega Retro

P.J. Pizzazz logo.

P.J. Pizzazz was an arcade/pizza restaurant operated by Sega in the Eastland Center shopping mall in West Covina, California. The venue, which billed itself as "The Family Fun Restaurant", opened its doors in June of 1980 as Sega's answer to the popular "Pizza Time Theater" chain.

Venue

The mascot of P.J. Pizzazz was a simple animatronic robot character named "P.J." who stood at the entrance. The venue contained pinball machines, Skee-Ball, and "Hit City", an area where customers could play the latest upright arcade machines. For one token, children could play in a ball pit or bounce in an inflatable bounce house. Pizza was made and served in the restaurant area of the venue.

Sega ultimately never managed to franchise P.J. Pizzazz, and the West Covina location was the only venue built before closing in the mid-1980s.


Gallery

External Links

  • [1] Blog post about Chuck E. Cheese imitation venues, includes short mention of P.J. Pizzazz
  • [2] Original trademark registration for "P.J. Pizzazz"