Dave & Buster’s Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Dave & Buster’s, a well-known entertainment and dining brand, was founded in 1982 in Dallas, Texas. The concept originated from the merging of two separate businesses owned by Dave and Buster—an entertainment venue and a restaurant, respectively.
After noticing that patrons frequently visited both locations, they decided to combine dining, arcade games, and sports viewing under one roof. The company is currently headquartered in Coppell, Texas, and operates over 140 locations across North America.
The brand offers a distinctive “eatertainment” experience, featuring a varied menu, full-service bar, high-tech arcade games, and sports viewing.
Primarily catering to adults, Dave & Buster’s stands out by blending dining with interactive entertainment. In 2022, it expanded its audience by acquiring Main Event, which focuses on family entertainment.
While Dave & Buster’s is not currently franchising within the U.S. or Canada, it has begun exploring international franchising opportunities to extend its reach outside of North America.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Dave & Buster’s franchise? Dave & Buster’s does not offer franchise opportunities, as all of its locations are company-owned.
Therefore, it is not possible to start a Dave & Buster’s franchise, and there is no associated cost for franchising with the company.
For similar bar franchises, however, the initial investment is on average $1,300,000.
In comparison, for example, Taffer’s Tavern (a casual dining restaurant franchise brand) requires an investment upfront of $807,000 up to $1,341,000 for a franchised location.
| Franchise | Average Revenue (AUV) |
|---|---|
| Dave & Buster’s | Undisclosed |
| Taffer’s Tavern | $807,000 – $1,341,00 |
| Twin Peaks | $1,987,000 – $6,048,000 |
| Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar | $1,555,000 – $7,056,000 |
| Beef O’Brady’s Family Sports Pub | $813,000 – $1,475,000 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Dave & Buster’s franchise? Since Dave & Buster’s does not franchise its stores and all locations are company-owned, Dave & Buster’s does not publish a Franchise Disclosure Document. Therefore, it does not disclose the average revenue of its stores.
However, a similar bar franchise makes on average $1,405,000 in revenue (AUV) per year. For example, a Taffer’s Tavern franchise makes on average $3,491,000 in revenue per year.
| Franchise | Average Revenue (AUV) |
|---|---|
| Dave & Buster’s | Undisclosed |
| Taffer’s Tavern | $3,491,000 |
| Twin Peaks | $5,540,000 |
| Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar | $4,779,000 |
| Beef O’Brady’s Family Sports Pub | $1,573,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Dave & Buster’s locations are there?
As of the latest available data, Dave & Buster’s operates over 140 locations across North America. All these locations are company-owned, as the brand does not currently offer franchising opportunities in the United States or Canada.
What is the total investment required to open a Dave & Buster’s franchise?
Dave & Buster’s does not offer franchise opportunities and therefore, it is not possible to establish the initial investment to start a Dave & Buster’s franchise.
However, the total investment required to open an entertainment and bar franchise similar to Dave & Buster’s franchise ranges from $279,000 to $5,731,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Dave & Buster’s franchise?
Since Dave & Buster’s does not offer franchises and all restaurants are company-owned, the ongoing fees such as royalty fees or advertising fees associated with franchising the brand are not readily available.
Yet, similar bar franchises in the industry charge an average of 6% in royalty fees and 4%-6.5% in advertising fees ( e.g. Beerhead Bar & Eatery).
What are the financial requirements to become a Dave & Buster’s franchisee?
All Dave & Buster’s locations are company-owned, and the brand does not offer opportunities for independent ownership or franchising. Therefore, it is not possible to meet any financial requirements or apply to become a franchisee with Dave & Buster’s.
Yet, to open a Dave & Buster’s franchise internationally (outside the U.S. and Canada), prospective franchisees are expected to have a minimum net worth of $10 million, with at least $5 million in liquid assets.
How much can a Dave & Buster’s franchise owner expect to earn?
Since Dave & Buster’s is entirely company-owned and does not operate as a franchise, there is no earning disclosure for a Dave & Buster’s franchise.
Now, assuming the average gross sales for a bar franchise similar to a Dave & Buster’s franchise of $1,405,000 per restaurant. And assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $1,405,000 yearly revenue would result in about $211,000 operating profit per year.
Who owns Dave & Buster’s?
Dave & Buster’s is owned by Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol “PLAY.” The company is headquartered in Coppell, Texas, and operates all of its North American locations as company-owned stores.
Disclaimer
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