Dave & Buster’s, a beloved entertainment destination that seamlessly combines an arcade, restaurant, and bar, has remained a steadfast presence in the entertainment and dining scene since its inception in the early 1980s. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company not only weathered the storm but also expanded its reach. Over the years, Dave & Buster’s has acquired several similar brands, such as Main Event, ensuring its enduring popularity and continued growth for the foreseeable future.
The concept of marrying a restaurant with arcade games was a stroke of genius, but what truly set Dave & Buster’s apart was the addition of alcohol to the mix. This innovation shifted its primary audience from families to young adults seeking a lively and enjoyable night out. The chain’s unwavering success validates the brilliance of this concept, but the true visionaries behind it were not the namesakes Dave Chappelle and Busta Rhymes, as a persistent but inaccurate rumor suggests.
Contrary to the speculation linking the comedian and rapper to the creation of Dave & Buster’s, the real founders of the establishment were David Corriveau and James “Buster” Corley. The inaugural Dave & Buster’s location opened its doors in 1982, a time when Chappelle and Rhymes were merely ten and nine years old, respectively. Instead, Corriveau and Corley, already seasoned business owners, were the ones who conceptualized and launched the popular chain.
The duo drew inspiration from their own business endeavors. Prior to launching Dave & Buster’s, they individually operated a bar and a game parlor situated adjacent to each other. Recognizing the potential in merging these two concepts, they fused the establishments into what became the blueprint for Dave & Buster’s.
Although ownership of the franchise has changed hands over time, Corriveau and Corley are credited as the masterminds behind the success of this entertainment powerhouse. As of 2023, there are a total of 160 Dave & Buster’s locations spread across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, with plans for further expansion. The company has announced future locations in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, continuing the legacy of the original vision set forth by Corriveau and Corley.
