Brand Overview
Founded in 1982 in Dallas, Texas, Dave & Buster’s has become the leader in the eatertainment space, combining full-service dining, a sports bar, and a large arcade experience under one roof. Known for its motto “Eat, Drink, Play, Watch”, the brand attracts families, young adults, and corporate groups alike.
Today, Dave & Buster’s operates 150+ locations worldwide, primarily in the U.S., with international franchise operations expanding in Canada, Mexico, the Middle East, and Asia. Its unique mix of food, beverage, and entertainment revenue streams sets it apart from traditional restaurant franchises.
Investment & Financial Requirements
Owning a Dave & Buster’s franchise requires one of the highest investments in the restaurant industry, reflecting its large-scale, entertainment-focused model.
- Initial Investment Range: $7.5 million – $10 million+
- Franchise Fee: $50,000 – $100,000 (varies by market)
- Royalty Fee: ~5% of gross sales
- Marketing Contribution: ~2% of sales
- Net Worth Requirement: $10 million+
- Liquid Capital Requirement: $5 million+
Earnings & Profit Potential
Despite high startup costs, Dave & Buster’s offers multiple high-margin revenue streams that drive profitability:
- Alcohol Sales – A major contributor with high margins.
- Food Sales – Full-service menu appealing to families and groups.
- Amusement Revenue – Arcade and gaming often make up 40–50% of revenue.
- Sports & Events – Private parties, corporate events, and big-game nights boost traffic.
- Diversified Revenue Model – Less vulnerable to traditional dining downturns.
Advantages of Owning a Dave & Buster’s Franchise
- Unique Market Positioning – A leader in the “eatertainment” category.
- Multiple Revenue Streams – Food, drinks, games, and events.
- Family + Adult Appeal – Attracts both family traffic and nightlife crowds.
- Event Hosting – Strong revenue from birthdays, corporate outings, and group celebrations.
- International Growth Potential – Popular in markets where Western-style entertainment dining is in demand.
Considerations
- High Capital Requirements – Among the most expensive restaurant franchises to launch.
- Large Real Estate Footprint – Requires 30,000–45,000 sq. ft. of space in malls or entertainment centers.
- Operational Complexity – Involves managing foodservice, bar operations, arcade machines, and events.
- Selective Franchising – U.S. locations are mostly corporate-owned; franchising is focused internationally.
- ⚠️ Note: Dave & Buster’s does not currently franchise in the U.S. — its franchise opportunities are international only, typically with large multi-unit or master franchise agreements.
How Restaurant Franchise Master Can Help
At RestaurantFranchiseMaster.com, we help investors evaluate large-scale opportunities like Dave & Buster’s. Our consulting support guides you to:
- Understand capital requirements and financing options.
- Compare eatertainment concepts against traditional franchises.
- Build location strategies in malls, mixed-use centers, or international markets.
- Create marketing campaigns that maximize event, arcade, and sports traffic.
For experienced operators, Dave & Buster’s represents a premium franchise opportunity that blends dining and entertainment into a highly profitable model.
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