Who owns Dave and Busters?

Dave and Busters is a publicly traded company

Current Owner of Dave and Buster’s

Dave and Buster’s is currently a publicly traded company on the Nasdaq stock exchange. The company went public in 2014, after an IPO by owners Oak Hill Capital Partners.

Dave and Buster’s Ownership History

• 1982: Dave and Buster’s was founded by David Corriveau and James “Buster” Corley in Dallas, Texas. The concept combined a restaurant and entertainment complex, offering a unique dining and gaming experience.
• 1989: Edison Brothers Stores, a retail company, acquired a majority stake in Dave and Buster’s to help finance expansion but maintained the original founders in their leadership roles.
• 1995: Dave and Buster’s goes public, trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol DAB, facilitating further growth and expansion.
• 2006: Wellspring Capital Management, a private equity firm, acquired Dave and Buster’s, taking the company private.
• 2010: Oak Hill Capital Partners acquired Dave and Buster’s from Wellspring Capital Management in a deal valued at approximately $570 million.
• 2014: Dave and Buster’s goes public for the second time, trading on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker symbol PLAY.

What is Dave and Buster’s?

Dave and Buster’s is a unique entertainment and dining concept that combines a full-service restaurant with a state-of-the-art arcade in a dynamic and fun-filled environment. Founded in 1982 by David Corriveau and James “Buster” Corley in Dallas, Texas, the duo created a venue where adults could enjoy gourmet food and beverages while indulging in the excitement of arcade and video games. This innovative idea stemmed from the founders’ vision to offer a high-quality, fun dining and entertainment experience that caters to both adults and families.

At its core, Dave and Buster’s provides an expansive selection of interactive entertainment options, including the latest arcade games, classic video games, virtual reality experiences, and billiards. The gaming area is designed to appeal to a wide range of tastes and age groups, making it a popular destination for casual gamers, serious enthusiasts, and groups looking for a unique social outing.

The dining aspect of Dave and Buster’s features a diverse menu with a variety of offerings such as appetizers, specialty burgers, steaks, seafood, salads, and desserts. Alongside its food menu, Dave and Buster’s offers a comprehensive beverage selection, including cocktails, wines, and craft beers, catering to the preferences of a broad audience.

Dave and Buster’s establishments are typically large, accommodating both the dining and entertainment sections comfortably, with locations strategically placed in high-traffic areas such as shopping centers and entertainment districts. This setup provides guests with a vibrant atmosphere where they can enjoy a meal, watch sports on large screens, and play games, all under one roof.

The brand has grown significantly since its inception, expanding to over 140 locations across the United States and venturing into international markets. Dave and Buster’s continues to evolve, introducing new games and menu items to keep the experience fresh and exciting for its guests. Its unique blend of entertainment and dining serves as a central gathering spot for celebrations, corporate events, or simply a night out with friends and family, making it a distinctive player in the hospitality and entertainment industry.

Dave and Buster’s Founders

Dave and Buster’s, the renowned entertainment and dining chain, was the brainchild of two innovative entrepreneurs, David Corriveau and James “Buster” Corley. Their unique partnership and vision led to the creation of a brand that has become synonymous with fun, games, and good food across the United States and beyond.

David Corriveau brought the entertainment expertise to the duo. Before founding Dave and Buster’s, Corriveau owned a business that operated games and attractions, providing a solid foundation in the entertainment sector. His insight into what makes a gaming experience enjoyable and engaging was pivotal in shaping the arcade aspect of Dave and Buster’s.

James “Buster” Corley, on the other hand, contributed his knowledge of the restaurant industry. Corley owned a restaurant in Dallas, Texas, where he met Corriveau. His experience in managing a dining establishment and understanding customer service and culinary excellence played a crucial role in developing the comprehensive dining experience that Dave and Buster’s is known for.

The story goes that Corriveau and Corley met in the late 1970s and quickly realized that by combining their respective businesses, they could create a venue that offered something for everyone – a place where adults could enjoy good food and drinks while indulging in the excitement of arcade and video games. This idea led to the opening of the first Dave and Buster’s in Dallas in 1982, marking the birth of an entertainment and dining concept that was the first of its kind.

The partnership between David Corriveau and James “Buster” Corley was built on mutual respect and a shared vision of creating a unique entertainment experience. Their complementary skills and innovative ideas have left a lasting legacy in the form of Dave and Buster’s, a place where people of all ages come together to enjoy great food, games, and unforgettable moments.

Dave and Buster’s Operations

Dave and Buster’s operates as an entertainment and dining venue, offering a full-service restaurant and a vast arcade area with state-of-the-art video games and prizes. The company targets a wide audience, including families, young adults, and corporate groups, providing a unique environment for dining, entertainment, and social gatherings.

The venues are typically large-format, located in high-traffic areas such as shopping malls and entertainment districts. Dave and Buster’s is known for its extensive menu that includes a variety of appetizers, entrees, and desserts, along with a full bar offering cocktails, wine, and beer.

Dave and Buster’s Locations

Dave and Buster’s operates over 140 locations across the United States and has begun expanding internationally, with a focus on North America. As of writing, the company has 156 locations in the United States, two in Canada and two in Puerto Rico, for a total of 160.

Dave and Buster’s Competitors

Dave and Buster’s faces competition from a range of entertainment and dining venues, including:

Chuck E. Cheese

Targeting a younger audience with a focus on family entertainment and dining, Chuck E. Cheese is a notable competitor, especially for family-oriented outings.

Topgolf

Offering a tech-driven golf experience combined with a high-quality food and beverage menu, Topgolf competes with Dave and Buster’s in the adult entertainment and socializing market.

Main Event

Similar to Dave and Buster’s, Main Event offers a combination of dining and entertainment options, including bowling, laser tag, and arcade games, targeting both families and young adults.”