Who Is the Dave and Busters Owner? The Complete Ownership History & Structure

If you are looking for the short answer to "who owns Dave and Buster's," it is this: Dave & Buster's is a publicly traded company. This means there is no single individual, family, or "owner" who holds the keys. Instead, the company is owned by thousands of different shareholders who buy and sell its stock on the open market.

The company is officially known as Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. and is traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol PLAY.While the original founders, David Corriveau and James "Buster" Corley, were the true owners in the early days, today the power lies with major financial institutions and a board of directors that oversees the company's 200+ locations across North America.

Is Dave & Buster’s a Publicly Traded Company?

Yes. Since its Initial Public Offering (IPO) in October 2014, Dave & Buster’s has been a public entity. Because it is public, any person with a brokerage account can own a piece of the company by purchasing shares of PLAY.

However, in the world of Wall Street, "ownership" usually refers to the entities that hold the largest stakes and, therefore, have the most influence over the company's direction.

Major Institutional Shareholders (2026 Update)

As of early 2026, the ownership of Dave & Buster's is dominated by institutional investors large firms that manage money for millions of people through pension funds, 401(k)s, and private investments. Currently, over 91% of the company's shares are held by these institutions.

The primary shareholders include:

• Hill Path Capital LP: Holding approximately 20.5% of the company, Hill Path is currently the largest single shareholder and has a significant voice in the brand's strategic decisions.

• BlackRock, Inc.: One of the world’s largest asset managers, BlackRock holds roughly 11.8% of the shares.

• The Vanguard Group: Often a top holder in major U.S. companies, Vanguard owns about 8.4%.

• Nomura Holdings & Eminence Capital: These firms also hold substantial stakes, hovering between 6% and 7% each.

The C-Suite: Who Leads the Company Today?

While shareholders own the company, the day-to-day decisions are made by a hand-picked team of executives.

As of January 2026, the leadership of Dave & Buster's has undergone a significant transformation to focus on global expansion and digital innovation:

• Tarun Lal (Chief Executive Officer): Appointed in July 2025, Lal is a veteran executive (formerly President of KFC U.S.) brought in to drive the next chapter of growth.

• Tony Wehner (President of Main Event): Following the massive merger between the two brands, Wehner oversees the Main Event side of the business.

• Kevin Sheehan (Chairman of the Board): A pivotal figure in the company’s recent history, Sheehan served as interim CEO during the search for Tarun Lal and continues to lead the board.

The Main Event Merger: A New Corporate

Identity

One of the most important shifts in ownership history occurred in June 2022, when Dave & Buster’s acquired Main Event for $835 million.

This wasn't just a purchase; it was a strategic unification. Before the deal, Main Event was owned by Ardent Leisure Group and RedBird Capital.

By bringing Main Event under its umbrella, Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. now operates two distinct brands:

1. Dave & Buster’s: Focusing on young adults and sports fans.

2. Main Event: Focusing on family-centric entertainment like bowling and laser tag.

This acquisition effectively made Dave & Buster's the "parent company" of its former rival, solidifying its place as the undisputed leader in the "eatertainment" industry.

While Dave & Buster’s is now a multi-billion dollar corporate entity, its soul remains rooted in a simple observation made by two neighbors in Little Rock, Arkansas, in the late 1970s. To truly understand the Dave and Busters owner story, you have to go back to the men whose names are on the door.

The Men Behind the Name: Dave Corriveau and James Corley

In the late 1970s, James "Buster" Corley owned a restaurant known for its quality food and welcoming atmosphere. Just a few doors down, David Corriveau operated "Slick Willy’s World of Entertainment," a parlor filled with billiards and games.

The two entrepreneurs noticed a fascinating pattern: customers would frequent Buster’s for a meal and then head to Dave’s for fun—or vice versa. They realized that if they could put both concepts under one massive roof, they would create something the world had never seen.

The Coin Toss That Started It All

In 1982, they moved to Dallas, Texas, to open their first 40,000-square-foot location in an empty warehouse. There was only one problem: whose name would come first?

True to their spirit of gaming and chance, they settled the dispute with a coin toss. Dave won, and thus "Dave & Buster’s" was born. Had the coin landed on the other side, millions of people today might be heading to "Buster & Dave’s" for their weekend fun.

Honoring the Founders: The Passing of Dave and Buster

The legacy of the original owners is now a permanent part of the brand's history, though both founders have since passed away.

• David Corriveau: The "Dave" of the duo passed away in 2015 at the age of 63. He was remembered as the creative force who pioneered the "Million Dollar Midway" and the high-energy gaming side of the business.

• James "Buster" Corley: On January 2, 2023, the world lost the "Buster" half of the team. Corley passed away at age 72. His daughter, Kate Corley, shared that he had suffered a stroke four months prior that significantly altered his personality and ability to communicate. His death was a somber moment for the hospitality industry, as he was the man who insisted that "eatertainment" fare should be as high-quality as any casual dining restaurant.

A Timeline of Ownership: From Founders to Wall Street

The transition from a "mom-and-pop" duo to a global public company happened in several distinct stages:

1. The Founding Era (1982–1989) Dave and Buster operated as co-CEOs, growing the brand from a single Dallas warehouse into a local phenomenon.

2. The Edison Brothers Investment (1989–1995) To fund a massive national expansion, the founders sold a majority stake (roughly 80%) to Edison Brothers Stores, a conglomerate based in St. Louis. This gave the brand the capital it needed to move into cities like Houston, Atlanta, and Philadelphia.

3. The First Public Launch (1995–2005) Edison Brothers spun off the company, and Dave & Buster’s went public for the first time. During this era, they acquired their biggest competitor, Jillian’s, after it filed for bankruptcy in 2004.

4. The Private Equity Years (2005–2014) The company was taken private twice during this decade first by Wellspring Capital Management in 2005, and later sold to Oak Hill Capital Partners in 2010. These firms helped professionalize the operations and prepare the brand for its permanent return to the stock market.

5. The Modern Public Era (2014–Present) Since its second IPO in 2014, the company has remained public. This period is defined by the Main Event acquisition and the shift toward institutional ownership by firms like Hill Path Capital.

As we move into 2026, the Dave and Busters owner (Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc.) is no longer just a North American arcade chain. Under the leadership of CEO Tarun Lal, the company has transformed into a global "experience" powerhouse, merging high-tech gaming with a revitalized culinary strategy.

What Does Dave & Buster’s Own Today?

The company’s portfolio has expanded significantly beyond the original "Eat, Drink, Play, Watch" model. Today, the corporate entity manages a dual-brand strategy that covers two distinct market segments:

• Dave & Buster's (The Adult Playground): With over 170 locations, these venues focus on young adults, sports fans, and social "dwellers." The current strategy involves remodeling older stores to include massive "WOW" sports walls and high-end VIP lounges.

• Main Event (The Family Hub): Since the 2022 acquisition, the company has integrated over 60 Main Event locations. These centers are designed for families, featuring bowling lanes, multi-level laser tag, and escape rooms.

Digital Innovation & The "DING-DING-DING" Economy

Ownership has leaned heavily into technology to drive revenue. The company moved away from physical tokens and paper tickets years ago, but the latest push is even more digital:

• The Digital Power Card: Integrated into Apple Wallet and Google Pay via the Dave & Buster’s app, allowing for "contactless" play.

• Skill-Based Social Wagering: In a bold move, the company partnered with Lucra to allow loyalty members (18+) to engage in peer-to-peer social betting on skill-based games like Skee-Ball and Hot Shots basketball. This turns a casual game with friends into a competitive, high-stakes experience.

Global Expansion: Dave & Buster’s Goes International

Perhaps the biggest change in ownership strategy in 2025–2026 is the aggressive move into international markets. 

After a failed attempt in the UK decades ago, the company has found a winning formula through franchising:

• India: Partnering with the Malpani Group, the first flagship store opened in Bangalore (2024), followed by a massive 21,000 sq. ft. location in Mumbai in late 2025. Plans are in place for 15 more locations across India.

• The Philippines: In collaboration with The Bistro Group, Dave & Buster’s recently opened in Manila at the Opus Mall.

• Middle East & Australia: Development deals are currently underway to bring the brand to Riyadh, Cairo, and Perth.

Workforce and Economic Impact

As of early 2026, the company employs approximately 23,500 people. This massive workforce includes everything from "Game Techs" who maintain the 100+ arcade machines per store to "Mixologists" and culinary experts responsible for the brand's new, higher-quality menu.

Conclusion

From a simple coin toss between two friends in a Dallas warehouse to a global entertainment titan traded on the NASDAQ, the story of the Dave and Busters owner is one of constant evolution. 

While the original founders are gone, their legacy of "Everybody is Somebody" lives on in a brand that continues to define how the world plays. Whether you are a shareholder of PLAY stock or just a fan of the "Million Dollar Midway," Dave & Buster's remains the undisputed king of the arcade.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does a celebrity own Dave & Buster’s? 

No. While many celebrities are fans of the brand, Dave & Buster’s is owned by public shareholders. It is not a celebrity-backed venture like some other restaurant chains.

Who is the current CEO of Dave & Buster’s? 

As of mid-2025, Tarun Lal is the CEO. He joined the company from Yum! Brands (KFC) with a mission to lead international growth and digital transformation.

Is Dave & Buster’s a franchise? 

In the United States, almost all locations are corporate-owned. However, for international markets like India, Australia, and the Philippines, the company uses a franchise model with local partners.

Where is the headquarters? 

The company remains headquartered in Dallas, Texas, staying true to the roots where Dave and Buster opened their first location in 1982.