Skip to main content

Dave & Buster’s to launch 20 new FECs in Australia and India

News
dave and busters

To ensure a successful international expansion, Dave & Buster’s has implemented several initiatives

Dave & Buster’s is opening 20 family entertainment centres (FECs) in India and Australia as part of its global expansion plans.

In partnership with the Malpani Group, the FEC operator will open 15 stores in India. It will launch five stores in Australia through a deal with NightOwl Entertainment.

Since announcing its expansion plans in 2022, Dave & Buster’s has committed to opening 31 new stores in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa regions.

Antonio Bautista, chief international development officer for Dave & Buster’s, said India’s “vibrant economy has ranked the country in the top five globally”.

On Australia, he said the country’s “dynamic market presents a significant opportunity for growth”.

FEC operator’s global expansion

To ensure a successful international expansion, Dave & Buster’s has implemented several initiatives, including localised menu offerings, a dynamic pricing model, and global marketing programmes.

Jai Malpani, director of the Malpani Group, said Dave & Buster’s’ “expertise in family entertainment and dining experiences will complement our portfolio”.

David Heaton, founder and CEO of NightOwl Entertainment, added: “We’re incredibly excited to partner with the brand that pioneered location-based entertainment and continues to be the point of reference globally in this space.

“We’re confident that together, we’ll bring unparalleled experiences to our customers.”

Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Texas, Dave & Buster’s owns and operates 200 venues in North America through its Dave & Buster’s and Main Event brands.

main event
Image credit: Main Event

Dave & Buster’s has 152 stores in 41 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Main Event operates 52 FECs in 17 states across the US.

Main Event, which was owned by Ardent Leisure, was acquired by Dave & Buster’s last year in an all-cash deal valued at $835 million.

When the deal closed, Main Event CEO Chris Morris was made CEO of Dave & Buster’s. “Main Event is a perfect complement to Dave & Buster’s – and I feel very honored to lead the growth of both brands,” he said.

Lead image credit: Dave & Buster’s

Share this

Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

More from this author

More from this author

Related content

Your web browser is out of date. Update your browser for more security, speed and the best experience on this site.

Find out how to update