Who Started Dave and Buster's? The 2026 Story of the Founders & Ownership

If you’ve ever traded in a mountain of tickets for a prize or shared a massive plate of wings while playing Skee-Ball, you’ve participated in a retail revolution called "eatertainment." But who started Dave and Buster's?

The answer lies with two real men: David "Dave" Corriveau and James "Buster" Corley. In December 1982, these two entrepreneurs opened the very first Dave & Buster's in a 35,000-square-foot warehouse in Dallas, Texas.

The brand was born from a simple observation: people love to eat, and people love to play, but in the late 1970s, they had to go to two different places to do it. 

Dave and Buster decided to put them both under one roof, and in doing so, they created a business that is now worth over $700 million and operates more than 230 venues (including the Main Event brand) across North America and beyond.

The Little Rock Origin Story: Neighbors with a Vision

The story didn't actually start in Dallas; it started in Little Rock, Arkansas, in the late 1970s.

At the time, Buster Corley owned and operated a popular restaurant known for its quality food and friendly service. Just a few doors down, Dave Corriveau ran a game parlor called "Slick Willy’s World of Entertainment."

The two men noticed a recurring pattern: their customers were constantly walking back and forth between the two establishments. People would grab a drink at Buster’s, then head over to Dave’s to play pool or arcade games, then go back to Buster’s for dinner.

They realized that if they could combine Dave’s expertise in gaming with Buster’s talent for hospitality and food, they would have something entirely new. They packed up their lives, moved to Dallas, and found an empty warehouse on "Restaurant Row."

The Famous Coin Toss

There was only one problem: whose name would go first? Being friends and equal partners, they decided to settle it the only fair way they knew how—a coin toss. Dave won the toss, and the name "Dave & Buster’s" was etched into history.

The Founder Roles: Divide and Conquer

From the beginning, the two founders had a clear division of labor that allowed the business to thrive:

• Dave Corriveau was the "entertainment guy." He focused on the Midway, the arcade games, and the "Play" aspect of the brand.

• Buster Corley was the "hospitality guy." He oversaw the kitchen, the bar, and the service standards.

This "Eat, Drink, Play" motto wasn't just a marketing slogan; it was the DNA of the company.

Who Owns Dave & Buster’s in 2026?

The ownership of the company has changed significantly since the 1980s. While Dave and Buster were the original co-CEOs and owners, they sold a majority stake to Edison Brothers Stores in 1989 to fund expansion.

Today, Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. is a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol PLAY. As of January 2026, the ownership is primarily held by large institutional investors:

Shareholder	Ownership Percentage (Approx. Jan 2026)
Hill Path Capital LP	16.3%
BlackRock, Inc.	11.8%
The Vanguard Group	8.4%
Nomura Holdings	6.9%

2026 Leadership: The New Guard

Following the departure of Chris Morris in late 2024, the company is now led by a new executive team focused on a "Back-to-Basics" turnaround plan:

• Tarun Lal (CEO): Appointed in July 2025, Lal is a veteran from Yum! Brands (former President of KFC U.S.) tasked with reviving sales.

• Tony Wehner (COO): Oversees the domestic operations and the integration of the Main Event brand.

• Antonio Bautista (President of International Development): Appointed in January 2026 to lead the brand’s massive push into India and other global markets.

The Legacy of the Founders: Remembering Dave and Buster

Tragically, both of the original founders have passed away. David Corriveau died in 2015 at the age of 63. More recently, in January 2023, James "Buster" Corley passed away at the age of 72.

The company released a statement at the time of Buster's passing, calling him an "innovative and creative force" whose pioneering spirit set the foundation for bringing food and games to millions. Even as the company moves into its 2026 "Next Chapter" under Tarun Lal, the culture of "everybody is somebody" remains the heart of the brand.

Conclusion: The "Eatertainment" Empire That Dave and Buster Built

The story of Dave & Buster’s is a classic American tale of friendship, innovation, and a perfectly timed coin toss. By combining the social atmosphere of a restaurant with the high-energy excitement of an arcade, David Corriveau and James "Buster" Corley didn’t just start a business; they pioneered an entire industry.

As of January 2026, the brand is entering its most ambitious chapter yet. While the ownership has shifted from two neighbors in Little Rock to global institutional giants like Hill Path Capital and BlackRock, the "Eat, Drink, Play, Watch" philosophy remains unchanged. 

Under the new 2026 leadership of CEO Tarun Lal and President of International Development Antonio Bautista, the company is now taking that original Dallas warehouse dream to the global stage, with major expansions into India and a renewed focus on the Main Event integration.

The legacy of the founders endures in every ticket earned and every meal shared. Dave and Buster proved that if you listen to what the customers want—and aren't afraid to settle a naming dispute with a coin flip—you can build something that changes the way the world plays.