Chuck E. Cheese Fired, Replaced by Hipper Mascot

Look for the backward-baseball-cap-wearing rodent to be replaced by a guitar-carrying rock star, as restaurant chain Chuck E. Cheese's looks to revamp its image.

The company is teasing its newer, hipper image on its Facebook page, saying, "You've never seen Chuck E. rock like this!" Jaret Reddick, lead singer for Bowling For Soup will be the voice of the new mascot, replacing Duncan Brannan, who's been the characters voice for close to two decades.

The family-friendly pizza chain hasn't fared well since the recession, reporting that its income has slipped 4.2% in 2012, compared to last year's sales. Chuck E. Cheese's operates over 500 locations, including the one on Miller Rd. in Flint.

Chuck E. Cheese's made our list of best place to celebrate a child's birthday in Flint, but also scored well on our list of most-hated advertising mascots.

[LA Times]