Valley Chuck E. Cheese’s planned

Break out the tokens: Chuck E. Cheese’s is expanding to Spokane Valley.

After waiting for a chance to buy another franchise, the owners of the North Spokane location plan to open a Valley pizza parlor and arcade in front of Oz Fitness by Nov. 1. The new outlet, 14919 E. Sprague Ave., will feature rides, video games and other attractions similar to the existing store. Building and outfitting the structure is expected to cost $3 million to $4 million, said Sam Thompson, who owns the franchises with his son and daughter-in-law.

“We’re looking forward to coming out there and see(ing) a lot of our old friends from our north store that will make a much shorter trip,” he said. “The demographics are very strong in the Valley.”

Thompson purchased the North Spokane franchise in 1990. In 2000, it moved to its present, 11,000-square-foot location at 10007 N. Nevada Street.