Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. is a publicly traded company that owns and operates a chain of entertainment venues across North America. It is best known for combining a full-service restaurant and bar with an extensive arcade, offering a unique “Eat, Drink, Play, Watch” experience. Founded in 1982 by Dave Corriveau and James “Buster” Corley, Dave & Buster’s has expanded over the years into a major player in the entertainment and dining sector, with over 200 locations in the U.S. and Canada.
As of 2025, Dave & Buster’s is primarily owned by institutional investors, including Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and Hill Path Capital, with notable executives and insiders holding substantial stakes in the company. The company is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol PLAY.
Company Overview
Dave & Buster’s operates entertainment venues that combine restaurant dining with gaming and other forms of entertainment. The company offers a mix of video games, arcade games, and skill-based games, making it a popular destination for both families and adults.
Key Statistics and Market Position:
- Founded: 1982 in Dallas, Texas
- Headquarters: Coppell, Texas
- Number of Locations: 232 locations across North America
- Ticker Symbol: PLAY (NASDAQ)
- Revenue (2024): Approximately $2 billion (estimate)
- Employees: Over 20,000 employees
Dave & Buster’s also offers a loyalty program and regularly hosts corporate events, making it a popular spot for business gatherings and birthday parties.
Dave & Buster’s Ownership Details
| Shareholder / Owner | Ownership Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hill Path Capital LP | 20.60% | Largest individual shareholder; private equity firm, heavily invested in the company. |
| BlackRock, Inc. | 11.70% | A leading institutional investor in the company. |
| Vanguard Group, Inc. | 8.82% | A major institutional investor in Dave & Buster’s. |
| Eminence Capital LP | 8.40% | Institutional investor with a significant stake in the company. |
| Insiders (Executives & Directors) | 43.08% | Includes the CEO, board members, and other top executives of the company. |
| Public & Retail Investors | 18.56% | Individual investors and retail shareholders who own Boeing shares. |
Note: Dave & Buster’s ownership is highly concentrated in the hands of institutional investors and insiders, with Hill Path Capital LP being the largest individual stakeholder.
Hill Path Capital LP
- Hill Path Capital LP is a private equity firm and the largest institutional shareholder of Dave & Buster’s. It holds approximately 20.60% of the company’s shares. Hill Path Capital has made strategic investments in the company, helping to steer its growth. It primarily invests in mature companies and businesses with strong cash flow potential, making it a natural fit for a company like Dave & Buster’s.
Institutional Investors: BlackRock & Vanguard
- BlackRock and Vanguard are the largest institutional investors in the company, with BlackRock holding 11.70% and Vanguard holding 8.82%. These investment giants typically manage large equity portfolios for their clients, including retirement funds and mutual funds, and are well known for holding substantial stakes in large public companies like Boeing, Apple, and others.
Company Insiders
- Dave & Buster’s insiders, including top executives and board members, collectively own 43.08% of the company’s shares. This insider ownership is important because it aligns the management’s interests with those of the shareholders, ensuring that the company is focused on long-term growth.
Dave & Buster’s Leadership
The leadership of Dave & Buster’s plays a crucial role in shaping the company’s future. The CEO and other senior executives are responsible for driving the strategy, expansion, and operations of the company.
CEO: Tarun Lal (2025 – Present)
- Tarun Lal became the CEO of Dave & Buster’s in July 2025. Before his appointment, Lal had an extensive background in the restaurant and hospitality industry, including a successful tenure as President of KFC U.S. at Yum Brands. His leadership style focuses on innovation, improving customer experiences, and driving operational efficiency.
- Lal is also recognized for his work in scaling businesses and leading organizations through strategic transformations. His appointment is seen as a part of Dave & Buster’s plan to grow internationally and to evolve beyond just arcade games and bar offerings.
Recent Developments and Expansion Plans
- International Expansion: In 2025, Dave & Buster’s announced plans to open its first location in India, with future venues expected in Mexico and Europe. This global expansion aims to leverage the success of the brand and tap into growing markets.
- New Leadership: As mentioned, the appointment of Tarun Lal as CEO in 2025 signals a fresh approach in leadership and an emphasis on growth and innovation for the future. His expertise in managing large hospitality brands is expected to help Dave & Buster’s tap into new opportunities, including expanding into digital entertainment and online gaming.
- Digital Entertainment: Dave & Buster’s is expanding its business model to focus on digital games, offering online gaming options for customers and moving beyond traditional arcade models. This is seen as a long-term growth opportunity to engage with a new generation of gamers who prefer playing games on mobile and online platforms.
FAQs
1. Who owns Dave & Buster’s?
Answer: Dave & Buster’s is primarily owned by institutional investors such as Hill Path Capital, BlackRock, and Vanguard, along with company insiders, including the CEO and other senior management.
2. Who is the CEO of Dave & Buster’s?
Answer: The current CEO of Dave & Buster’s is Tarun Lal, who took over the role in July 2025.
3. Is Dave & Buster’s a publicly traded company?
Answer: Yes, Dave & Buster’s is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol PLAY.
4. How many Dave & Buster’s locations are there?
Answer: As of 2025, Dave & Buster’s operates 232 locations across North America.
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