Dave & Buster’s Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs
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.
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 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.
What funding options are available for a Dave & Buster’s franchise?
Most franchise buyers in Dave & Buster’ss investment range finance their unit through an SBA 7(a) loan, with some multi-unit operators using SBA 504 loans. Buyers with rollable retirement funds sometimes use a ROBS structure. See SharpSheets financial model hub for guidance.
How long does it take to pay back a Dave & Buster’s franchise investment?
Payback periods typically run 3-7 years depending on investment level, location performance, and financing structure. Actual payback varies significantly by unit performance and debt service obligations.
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.
SharpSheets Editorial Team | sharpsheets.io | Last Updated: July 2026
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