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Dave & Buster's facts for kids
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| Public | |
| Traded as | NASDAQ: PLAY S&P 600 Component |
| Industry | Entertainment/Restaurant (Eatertainment) |
| Founded | August 31, 1982, in Dallas, Texas |
| Founder | David O. Corriveau James W. "Buster" Corley |
| Headquarters |
Dallas, Texas, U.S.
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Number of locations
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156 |
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Key people
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Chris Morris (CEO) |
| Subsidiaries | Main Event Entertainment |
Dave & Buster's is a fun American company that combines a restaurant with an arcade. It's a place where you can eat, drink, and play games all in one spot! The company started in Dallas, Texas.
Each Dave & Buster's has a full restaurant, a bar, and a huge video arcade. This arcade is often called the "Million Dollar Midway." As of early 2024, there are 158 locations in the United States. You can also find them in Puerto Rico and Canada.
Contents
History of Dave & Buster's
How Dave & Buster's Started
Dave & Buster's was created in 1982 by two friends, David "Dave" Corriveau and James "Buster" Corley. They opened their first location in Dallas, Texas. Before this, Buster had a bar in Arkansas. Dave owned a game parlor next door. They decided to combine their ideas into one big entertainment place.
Growing the Company
In 1989, a company called Edison Brothers Stores bought most of Dave & Buster's. This helped Dave & Buster's open more locations in different cities. Later, in 1995, Dave & Buster's became a public company. This means people could buy shares of the company. By 1997, there were ten Dave & Buster's locations across the country.
A Dave & Buster's location in Manchester, Connecticut.
In 2004, Dave & Buster's bought nine locations from another entertainment chain called Jillian's. Most of these were changed into Dave & Buster's stores. A few years later, in 2010, a company called Oak Hill Capital Partners bought Dave & Buster's.
Becoming a Public Company Again
In October 2014, Dave & Buster's offered its shares to the public again. This helped the company raise money. Their shares are now traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the symbol "PLAY."
Changes and Challenges
Co-founder David Corriveau passed away in 2015.
Like many businesses, Dave & Buster's was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many locations had to close or limit their services. This caused sales to drop a lot in 2020. As rules eased, the company started to recover in 2021.
Inside a Dave & Buster's in Marietta, Georgia.
In 2022, Dave & Buster's bought another family entertainment company called Main Event Entertainment. After this, Chris Morris became the new CEO of Dave & Buster's.
Co-founder James "Buster" Corley passed away in 2023. His family shared that he had been dealing with health issues after a stroke.
New Store Ideas
In 2023, Dave & Buster's started trying out a new store design. They call it the "store of the future." These new stores have cool new games like electronic darts and shuffleboard. They also have updated bar areas with bigger TVs and even a self-serve beer wall in the arcade. More locations are getting these updates in 2024.
How Dave & Buster's Works
Food and Drinks at Dave & Buster's
Dave & Buster's offers a wide range of food, from lunch to late-night snacks. Their menu includes things like pasta, burgers, steaks, seafood, and desserts. They often update their menu with new and popular dishes. Some locations even serve Sunday brunch. If you're having a special event or party, they can also provide buffets. All Dave & Buster's locations have a full bar.
Dave & Buster's is generally for an older crowd. Guests under 21 years old need to be with an adult. They are usually only allowed in until 10 p.m.
Games and the Power Card
The arcade section at Dave & Buster's is called the "Million Dollar Midway." It has lots of interactive games and simulators. In 1997, Dave & Buster's introduced the Power Card. This card replaced old tokens and paper tickets. You use the Power Card to start most arcade games. You can add more money to your card at special "power stations."
The Power Card makes it easier to play games and encourages people to play longer. It also helps the company avoid problems with coin-operated machines. Since 2020, you can even add your Power Card to your phone's digital wallet, like Google Pay or Apple Wallet.
Events and Sponsorships
Dave & Buster's supports the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). They have special viewing rooms where you can watch UFC fights. They also sponsor a charity event called "D&B for DB's."
In the past, Dave & Buster's has sponsored other events. This includes a World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) match and a tour by the rock band Bowling for Soup. They also sponsor post-game reports for the San Jose Sharks hockey team.
Dave & Buster's Around the World
Current International Locations
In 2022, Dave & Buster's announced plans to open locations in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt. These will be run by other companies through a special agreement.
Upcoming International Locations
The first Dave & Buster's in the Philippines is set to open in October 2025. It will be located at the Opus Mall in Bridgetowne Destination Estate.
In January 2025, Dave & Buster's also shared that they will open their first location in India. This store will be in Bangalore.
Former International Locations
Dave & Buster's tried to open stores in the United Kingdom in 1998. They had locations in Cribbs Causeway and Solihull. However, these restaurants were not very successful and have since closed.
See also
- List of restaurants in Dallas