Have you ever wondered who’s behind the fun-filled entertainment venues where you can play arcade games and enjoy a meal with friends? Dave & Buster’s is a popular spot for many, but the story of its ownership is just as interesting as the establishment itself.
Dave & Buster’s was founded by David Corriveau and James “Buster” Corley, who met in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1978. The duo combined their business ideas to create the restaurant and entertainment chain we know today.
Currently, Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. is headquartered in Dallas and operates as a publicly traded company, meaning it’s owned by shareholders rather than just one or two individuals.
In recent years, Dave & Buster’s has expanded its entertainment empire by acquiring Main Event, another entertainment venue chain. The company’s leadership has also evolved, with Kevin M. Sheehan serving as Interim Chief Executive Officer since December 2024 and as Chair of the Board since April 2021.
Key Takeaways
- David Corriveau and James “Buster” Corley founded the company by combining their business concepts into a single entertainment destination.
- Dave & Buster’s is now a publicly traded company with shareholders owning pieces of the business rather than individual owners.
- The company continues to grow through acquisitions like Main Event and is led by a board of directors with Kevin Sheehan as interim CEO.
History of Dave & Buster’s
Dave & Buster’s has a rich and interesting history that spans several decades, beginning with two entrepreneurs who had a simple vision for combining food and fun in a unique way.
Founding and Early Days
Dave & Buster’s was founded in 1982 by David “Dave” Corriveau and James “Buster” Corley. The two entrepreneurs met in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1978 where they operated businesses near each other – Corriveau ran an entertainment venue while Corley operated a restaurant.
They noticed customers would frequently visit both establishments on the same night. This observation sparked their idea to create a single location combining dining and entertainment.
In December 1982, they opened the first Dave & Buster’s in Dallas, Texas. The name order was decided by a coin toss, which Dave won, putting his name first in the brand.
Their concept was revolutionary for its time – a place where adults could eat, drink, and play games all under one roof.
Expansion and Growth
Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Dave & Buster’s began expanding beyond Dallas. The unique “eatertainment” concept proved popular, allowing for steady growth across the United States.
In 1995, Dave & Buster’s became a publicly traded company, helping fund further expansion. This move provided capital to open more locations and enhance their existing venues with new games and dining options.
By the early 2000s, the chain had dozens of locations across the country, each featuring:
- Full-service restaurants
- Multiple bars
- Large arcade game floors
- Billiards tables
- Other entertainment options
The company continually updated their game offerings to keep up with technology trends, transitioning from traditional arcade games to more advanced video and virtual reality experiences.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Dave & Buster’s has continued evolving its business model. The company has experienced both challenges and growth, including navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic which significantly impacted the entertainment industry.
Today, Dave & Buster’s has over 170 locations across the United States. The company is publicly traded, meaning anyone can purchase shares of the business on Wall Street.
The current CEO is Chris Morris, who leads the company’s ongoing expansion efforts and strategic initiatives.
Sadly, both founders have now passed away. James “Buster” Corley died in January 2023, while David Corriveau had passed earlier in 2015.
Ownership Structure
Dave & Buster’s has undergone significant ownership changes since its founding, evolving from a privately owned business to a publicly traded company with diverse shareholders. The entertainment chain’s ownership journey reflects its growth and transformation in the competitive restaurant and entertainment industry.
Initial Ownership
Dave & Buster’s began with two friends who combined their businesses. In 1982, David Corriveau and James “Buster” Corley merged their neighboring establishments in Dallas, Texas. David owned a place for games and entertainment, while Buster ran a restaurant.
Together, they created the first Dave & Buster’s location, pioneering the “eatertainment” concept. The name order (Dave before Buster) was decided by a coin toss, which David won!
The two founders maintained ownership of their growing chain throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s, expanding to multiple locations while keeping their original vision of combining food, drinks, and games intact.
Ownership Changes and Transformation
In the late 1990s, the company began changing hands. The founders eventually sold controlling interest to various investment groups as the business expanded nationwide.
A significant change occurred in June 2010 when Oak Hill Capital Partners acquired Dave & Buster’s from Wellspring Capital Management. This acquisition helped fuel further expansion and development of the brand.
After the Oak Hill acquisition, Dave & Buster’s prepared for its next transformation. The company went public in October 2014, listing on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol “PLAY.” This move opened ownership to public investors and provided capital for continued growth.
Current Owners and Stakeholders
Today, Dave & Buster’s operates with a mixed ownership structure typical of publicly traded companies. Major institutional investors hold significant stakes in the company.
Key shareholders include:
- Hill Path Capital LP: Owns approximately 18.5% of shares
- BlackRock, Inc.: Controls about 13% of the company
- The Vanguard Group: Holds around 11.1% of shares
- Eminence Capital, LP: Maintains nearly 10% ownership
Individual investors and other institutions make up the remaining ownership. The company is governed by a Board of Directors that sets standards for employees, officers, and directors while making strategic decisions.
Dave & Buster’s ownership structure allows it to maintain its position as a leader in the entertainment dining sector while continuing to evolve and expand its business model.
Dave & Buster’s Experience
Dave & Buster’s offers a unique blend of entertainment, dining, and social experiences under one roof. Visitors can enjoy arcade games, tasty food, and special deals in a lively atmosphere suitable for both families and adults.
Arcade Games and Entertainment Offerings
The entertainment area at Dave & Buster’s features hundreds of arcade games for all skill levels. From classic arcade machines to the latest virtual reality experiences, there’s something for everyone.
Players use rechargeable Power Cards to activate games and earn tickets that can be redeemed for prizes. The arcade includes:
- State-of-the-art virtual reality attractions
- Racing simulators with realistic controls
- Redemption games that award tickets
- Skill-based challenges for competitive players
Many locations feature special attractions like bowling alleys, billiards tables, and multi-player interactive games. The Million Dollar Midway, as it’s often called, creates an exciting environment with flashing lights and game sounds that adds to the energetic atmosphere.
Dining and Cuisine Options
The restaurant side of Dave & Buster’s offers a diverse menu that goes beyond typical arcade food. Guests can enjoy full-service dining with a variety of American cuisine options.
Popular menu items include:
- Shareable appetizers like loaded nachos and pretzel dogs
- Burgers, steaks, and pasta entrées
- Specialty cocktails and craft beers
- Desserts and sweet treats
The dining experience complements the gaming aspect, allowing visitors to refuel between gaming sessions. Sports fans appreciate the numerous TVs throughout the restaurant area showing live games.
The full-service bar offers signature cocktails, wine selections, and beer options for adults looking to relax after playing games.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere and Happy Hour
Dave & Buster’s creates a family-friendly environment during daytime hours while transforming into more of an adult destination in the evenings. Children and parents can enjoy games together, making it a popular choice for birthday parties and family outings.
Special promotions include:
- Half-price game days on Wednesdays at many locations
- Happy Hour specials on food and drinks
- Late-night entertainment for the 21+ crowd
- Group packages for birthdays and corporate events
The sports bar atmosphere makes it appealing for watching big games, while the arcade provides entertainment during commercial breaks. Throughout the week, various specials and promotions help make visits more affordable.
During peak hours, D&B’s buzzes with energy as families, friends, and coworkers enjoy the games and food in this unique entertainment destination.
Dave & Buster’s Locations
Dave & Buster’s has grown from a single location to an entertainment empire with venues across North America, offering food, drinks, and games to millions of visitors each year.
Expansion Across North America
Dave & Buster’s currently operates over 200 venues across North America, showing impressive growth since its founding. As of February 2024, the company has 158 locations in the United States, plus two in Puerto Rico and two in Canada.
The chain continues to expand its footprint both domestically and internationally. Their growth strategy now includes franchising opportunities outside the USA for qualified investors and operators who want to bring the Dave & Buster’s experience to new markets.
Each venue follows a similar format with arcade games, restaurant space, and sports bars, though sizes may vary based on location and market demands. New locations typically feature the latest gaming technology and updated food and drink menus.
Notable Locations and Addresses
One of Dave & Buster’s most prominent locations is at 234 West 42nd Street in New York City’s Times Square. This flagship venue attracts both tourists and locals with its prime position in one of the world’s most famous entertainment districts.
Other notable locations include their venues in major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Dallas. Many Dave & Buster’s are strategically placed in popular shopping malls, entertainment districts, and high-traffic areas to maximize visibility and customer access.
The original Dave & Buster’s opened in December 1982 in Dallas, Texas, where founders David Corriveau and James “Buster” Corley launched their concept. Though the company has evolved significantly since then, they maintain their commitment to offering a unique blend of dining and entertainment under one roof.
Competitors and Market Position
Dave & Buster’s faces strong competition in the entertainment dining industry where several companies offer similar food and gaming experiences. Each competitor brings unique elements to the market, while Dave & Buster’s maintains its position through its distinctive approach to combining restaurant services with entertainment attractions.
Main Event and Other Competitors
Main Event Entertainment stands as one of Dave & Buster’s strongest competitors, offering a similar concept of combining dining with entertainment attractions. Both companies feature bowling, arcade games, and restaurant services under one roof.
Other notable competitors include The Cheesecake Factory, which competes primarily in the dining segment, and newer entrants like Lucky Strike Entertainment, which focuses on bowling with upscale food options.
Xponential Fitness and Six Flags also compete for entertainment dollars, though with different business models. Regional entertainment centers like Round1 and Bowlero provide similar gaming and bowling experiences.
Many of these competitors offer laser tag and other active attractions, creating a crowded marketplace where differentiation becomes crucial.
Unique Selling Proposition
Dave & Buster’s maintains its market position through its distinctive “eat, drink, play” business model. The company offers a wider variety of arcade games than many competitors, with locations typically featuring over 100 different gaming options.
Their larger venue size gives them an advantage, averaging 40,000 square feet compared to competitors’ smaller footprints. This allows for more entertainment attractions under one roof.
Unlike some competitors that focus more heavily on either food or games, Dave & Buster’s places equal emphasis on both its restaurant offering and gaming experience. This balanced approach appeals to a broader customer base.
The company’s proprietary games and exclusive entertainment partnerships help differentiate it from Main Event and other competitors. Their rewards program and mobile app integration also provide competitive advantages in customer retention and engagement.
Cultural Impact and References
Dave & Buster’s has made its mark on American entertainment culture since its founding in Little Rock, Arkansas. The chain’s unique blend of dining, arcade games, and sports viewing has earned it mentions across various media platforms and attracted celebrity patrons.
Dave & Buster’s in Popular Media
The restaurant-arcade chain often appears in TV shows and movies as a recognizable setting for casual fun. In numerous sitcoms, characters plan outings to Dave & Buster’s, highlighting it as a go-to destination for adult entertainment.
The venue has become a popular subject for comedy bits. Even notable comedians like Dave Chappelle have referenced the establishment in their routines, joking about the unique adult-playground concept.
On social media platforms, especially TikTok, Dave & Buster’s has gained significant traction. Users frequently share videos of impressive arcade wins, food reviews, and hangout experiences, creating viral moments that boost the brand’s visibility among younger demographics.
Celebrity Connections and Endorsements
Many celebrities have been spotted enjoying games and food at various Dave & Buster’s locations. These high-profile visits often generate buzz on social media and in entertainment news.
Music artist Busta Rhymes made headlines when he hosted an album release party at a Dave & Buster’s location. He combined his music with the venue’s entertainment options. This crossover brought additional attention to both the artist and the establishment.
Some celebrities have formed promotional partnerships with the chain. These collaborations typically involve special events, limited-time menu items, or exclusive game releases. These draw fans to locations nationwide.
Sports figures particularly gravitate toward the venue. Professional athletes are often seen competing at games during their downtime. This further cements Dave & Buster’s reputation as an entertainment destination that appeals to people of all backgrounds.
