Who Owns Dave & Buster's?
Dave & Buster's is owned by Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded American company. The company trades on NASDAQ under ticker PLAY and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Dave & Buster's operates as the company's flagship brand with no parent organization.
Parent Company
Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc.
Founded
1982
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Dallas, Texas, USA
Who Owns Dave & Buster's?
- Parent Company: Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc.
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: NASDAQ: PLAY
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Dave & Buster's | Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. | Wholly owned |
History of Dave & Buster's
- Founded: 1982
- Founders: Dave Corriveau, Buster "James" Corley
Dave & Buster's was founded in 1982 by Dave Corriveau and Buster "James" Corley in Dallas, Texas. The two entrepreneurs had previously operated separate entertainment venues - Corriveau ran a bar called "Buster's" in Little Rock, Arkansas, while Corley operated a game parlor called "Cash McCool's" next door. This founding vision demonstrated exceptional insight into the growing demand for combined entertainment and dining experiences while establishing a distinctive approach that would define the entertainment restaurant category for generations.
The first Dave & Buster's location combined Corriveau's food and beverage expertise with Corley's entertainment gaming experience, creating a unique concept that paired full-service dining and drinking with a comprehensive video arcade. The concept proved successful, leading to expansion throughout Texas and eventually across the United States. This strategic combination demonstrated Dave & Buster's exceptional ability to create innovative entertainment concepts while establishing a competitive advantage in the restaurant and entertainment market.
In 1989, Edison Brothers Stores acquired a controlling interest in the company, providing capital for expansion. The company continued to grow throughout the 1990s and 2000s, establishing locations in major markets across North America. Dave & Buster's went public in 2014, trading on NASDAQ under the ticker PLAY. This period of expansion demonstrated Dave & Buster's exceptional ability to scale operations while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards that would define the brand for decades.
In 2022, the company acquired Main Event Entertainment, adding bowling and other entertainment options to its portfolio. This strategic acquisition demonstrated Dave & Buster's exceptional ability to expand its entertainment offerings while maintaining its core brand identity and market leadership. Today, Dave & Buster's operates 158 locations across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. This continued evolution demonstrates Dave & Buster's exceptional ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and entertainment trends while maintaining its core brand values and commitment to quality entertainment solutions. The brand's continued success represents a significant milestone in the evolution of entertainment restaurants and consumer-focused dining experiences.
About Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc.
Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. operates as a location-based entertainment and dining company with venues across North America. The company's business model combines food and beverage service with interactive entertainment, creating a comprehensive entertainment experience.
The company generates revenue through multiple streams including restaurant sales, bar service, arcade game play, event hosting, and merchandise sales. Dave & Buster's venues typically feature full-service restaurants, extensive bars, and large video arcade areas known as the "Million Dollar Midway."
The company employs approximately 25,000 people across its corporate offices and venue locations. Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. maintains its headquarters in Dallas, Texas, where it manages brand development, operational strategy, and corporate functions.
- Founded: 1982
- Headquarters: Dallas, Texas, USA
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: NASDAQ: PLAY
Where Is Dave & Buster's Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Dallas, Texas, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: United States, 158 locations across US, Puerto Rico, and Canada
Dave & Buster's Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Unique market position combining dining with arcade entertainment
- +Strong brand recognition in the entertainment and dining sector
- +Multiple revenue streams from food, beverages, and games
- +Established operational systems for restaurant and arcade management
- +Appeal to diverse demographics including families, adults, and groups
Considerations
- -High capital requirements for arcade equipment and facility maintenance
- -Dependence on discretionary consumer spending
- -Competition from other entertainment venues and streaming services
- -Labor-intensive operations requiring significant staffing
- -Seasonal fluctuations in entertainment and dining traffic
Frequently Asked Questions About Dave & Buster's
Competitors to Dave & Buster's
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cracker Barrel Old Country Store | USA | 1969 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders |
Learn More About Competitors
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Dave & Buster's competes with 1 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. Stock Information
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