[8] Bushnell attended the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) conference in Orlando and saw walk-around character costumes for sale.

The rat mascot was originally given a New Jersey accent and would tell jokes – occasionally holding a cigar, although it was retired during the Great American Smokeout in 1980.

[citation needed] In 1993, Duncan Brannan was hired as the new voice of the mascot, with the task of transforming him from a rat to a mouse.

This version of Chuck E. Cheese with a wider cheek structure, a less pointy and shorter snout, longer eyes, smaller ears, and a slimmer physique.

[citation needed] In July 2012, the company's mascot was again redesigned, this time incorporating a rockstar-influenced incarnation of the character that played a guitar.