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Dave & Busters

Arcade gaming and dining entertainment chain

Overview

Dave & Buster's operates a chain of entertainment venues that blend arcade games, sports viewing, and full-service dining. Guests can pay to play a wide range of arcade games, order meals and drinks from a bar and restaurant, and watch live or televised sports in a large, social setting. The venues also host events such as corporate parties and social gatherings, offering packages that combine games, food, and drinks. The product experience centers on visiting a single location for both entertainment and dining, rather than solely playing games or eating separately. In comparison to competitors, Dave & Buster's differentiates itself by providing a large, integrated entertainment and hospitality venue that targets families, young adults, and corporate groups, rather than a narrow focus on games or dining alone. Its goal is to attract guests to a venue that offers a comprehensive, social entertainment experience in one place, encouraging repeat visits and planning for events and groups.

Significant Headcount Growth

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About Dave & Busters

Simplify's Rating
Why Dave & Busters is rated
C
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated C on Growth Potential
Rated D+ on Differentiation

Industries

EntertainmentGaming

Company Size

10,001+

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Dallas, TX

Founded

1982

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What believers are saying

  • September 14, 2026 results showed food-and-beverage comps up 7.6% for five quarters.
  • New stores opened in College Station on October 26 and Westover on September 21.
  • Westbury and Frisco remodels add modernized venues, supporting higher spend and repeat visits.

What critics are saying

  • Second-quarter 2026 revenue fell 2.4% to $544.1 million; same-store sales dropped 2.9%.
  • August 4, 2026 CEO Darin Harper replaced Tarun Lal amid worsening operating pressure.
  • The October 28, 2026 Moelis debt work invites restructuring that can wipe equity holders.

What makes Dave & Busters unique

  • Dave & Buster's bundles arcade play, sports bars, and full-service dining under one roof.
  • Its nationwide scale gives corporate events, birthdays, and watch parties standardized execution.
  • Licensed tie-ins, like Marvel's November 16 Doomsday takeover, create recurring traffic spikes.

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Funding

Total Funding

$1.2M

Above

Industry Average

Funded Over

1 Rounds

Post IPO Equity funding comparison data is currently unavailable. We're working to provide this information soon!
Post IPO Equity Funding Comparison Coming Soon

Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Paid Vacation
  • Flexible Work Hours

Stock Price

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

7%

1 year growth

30%

2 year growth

30%
Bleeding Cool
Nov 4th, 2026
Dave & Buster's adds Marvel arcade games before Avengers: Doomsday.

Dave & Buster's adds Marvel arcade games before Avengers: Doomsday. Dave & Buster's has partnered with Marvel for a special collaboration, as they will be transformed into Doom & Buster's for Avengers: Doomsday Published Wed, 04 Nov 2026 16:42:10 -0600 Article summary. * Dave & Buster's becomes Doom & Buster's on November 16, launching an Avengers: Doomsday-themed takeover nationwide. * The Doomsday Zone adds Marvel arcade games like Marvel Cosmic Invasion and Avengers: Roller Race & Battle. * Guests can play prize attractions, score themed collectibles, and grab limited Avengers-inspired cotton candy and drinks. * Exclusive Power Cards, Funko prizes, and immersive Marvel decor tie the arcade experience to Avengers: Doomsday. Dave & Buster's has teamed up with Marvel to transform its locations into Doom & Buster's ahead of the release of Avengers: Doomsday in theaters. Several locations will adopt an extra green theme across everything and will add several games themed around Marvel properties, including a dedicated arcade cabinet for Marvel Cosmic Invasion. As well as adding several specialty drinks based on characters from the MCU. Bleeding Cool has the finer details from the company here, as the changes will arrive on November 16. Dave & Buster's becomes Doom & Buster's for Avengers: Doomsday. The heart of the takeover is the Doomsday Zone, opening November 16 in stores nationwide. Themed entry arches mark the point of Doomsday domination. Beyond them, Marvel games, signage, and game screens pull guests into the Doomsday Zone, where they can team up, race friends, and hunt down themed prizes before and during the film's run. Doom does not ask. Doom decrees. The first decrees take effect today, giving guests a head start on the action: * Marvel Cosmic Invasion: A fast-paced, 4-player, action beat'em up game. Choose two Super Heroes from across the Marvel Universe, switch between their abilities mid-fight, and hold the line against waves of enemies. * Avengers: Roller Race & Battle: A 4-player head-to-head race with a villain to take down on the way. Fastest to the finish helps save the day. * Human Crane: You are the claw. Strap in, lift off, and get lowered into a sea of prizes, including brand-new inflatables. * Mystery Crane: The classic claw with a twist. Every mystery pillow box hides a surprise. * Thor's Hammer Strike: Channel the god of thunder. One swing could top the leaderboard and score legendary ticket wins. * The Arena: New games and a full immersive takeover bring a whole new world of play to life. * Smash N Win: Take your shot and collect all 20 collectible character-themed balls before they're gone. * Avengers Themed Photo Booth: Snap a photo solo or with friends and family, then take home your photo as a keepsake from your visit.

Restaurent
Oct 29th, 2026
Dave & Buster's private events: how to book a party.

Dave & Buster's private events: how to book a party. Dave & Buster's combines a full restaurant and bar with a huge arcade and big-screen sports, which makes it one of the easiest places to plan a group event that people actually look forward to. More than 175 Dave & Buster's locations in over 40 states are bookable on RestauRent. Here's what a private event there looks like and how to find the right location. Why book a private event at Dave & Buster's. The draw is simple: food, drinks and entertainment under one roof. Guests can eat, watch the game and play without anyone having to plan a second stop. That makes it a strong fit for: * Birthday parties, for kids and adults * Team outings and corporate events, where games do the icebreaking * Holiday parties for offices and large groups * Graduation parties and milestone celebrations * Game nights and watch parties Event space options. Each location is different, but Dave & Buster's listings on RestauRent typically offer several ways to book: * Private dining rooms for a more contained group * Semi-private spaces within the restaurant or bar * Group dining reservations for casual get-togethers * Full venue buyouts for large company events Event spaces commonly include AV equipment, customizable menus and bar packages. Listings range from groups of up to 500 guests to up to 1,000 at the largest locations, so check the listing for your city to see what's available. Food, drinks and games. Menus are American, with customizable group menus and a full bar. Most locations note that outside food and beverage aren't allowed, so plan to order through the venue. The games are the main event for a lot of groups. You'll find arcade games, prize games and big screens for sports, which keeps guests entertained without a structured program. Earn rewards for business events. Dave & Buster's is a Dinova partner on RestauRent. Eligible companies can earn up to 10% back on business dining, including private events, which is worth flagging to whoever approves the budget. Popular Dave & Buster's locations. A few of the cities where you can book Dave & Buster's on RestauRent: Tips before you book. * Start with your headcount. It decides whether you need a private room, a semi-private area or a buyout. * Book early for holiday season. December weekends fill quickly for office parties. * Ask about game play. Find out how game cards or play time are handled for your group. * Confirm the menu. Outside food usually isn't allowed, so settle food and drinks with the venue. Book Dave & Buster's on RestauRent. Dave & Buster's takes care of the food, drinks and entertainment, so all you have to plan is the guest list. Browse every location on the Dave & Buster's host profile and send an inquiry to the one closest to you, without the back-and-forth phone calls.

Spot On Texas
Oct 27th, 2026
Dave & Buster's opens at Post Oak Mall in College Station.

Dave & Buster's opens at Post Oak Mall in College Station. Dave & Buster's officially opened at Post Oak Mall in College Station, transforming the former Conn's HomePlus space into a vibrant entertainment venue with arcade games, sports vi...

Associated Press
Oct 19th, 2026
Dave & Buster's opens in College Station on October 26, with free games for first 100 guests

Dave & Buster's will open a new venue at 1502 Harvey Road, College Station, Texas, on October 26, 2026. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 10:45, and doors open at 11:00. The first 100 guests in line get free video game play for the day. The site features a 40-foot screen, more than 30 HDTVs, a Human Crane game, and a new chef-crafted menu. Opening offers include entrees for $4.99 with a power card purchase and half-price games every Sunday and Wednesday. Military and first responders get 15% off food and non-alcoholic drinks. "Opening our doors in College Station is a massive milestone for our entire team," said general manager Matt Shoemaker. The company, based in Coppell, Texas, operates 251 venues across North America.

Townsquare Media
Oct 14th, 2026
Take a look inside Dave & Buster's in Lansing.

Take a look inside Dave & Buster's in Lansing. The new Dave & Buster's in Lansing is now open! Get your first look inside and see what this new location has to offer! Gallery Credit: JR

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