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Dave & Buster’s Q4 sales lag due to Omicron surgeDave & Buster’s Q4 sales lag due to Omicron surge

The eatertainment company will rely on its new loyalty program, new entertainment options and the waning pandemic to improve sales

Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor

March 29, 2022

2 Min Read
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Joanna Fantozzi

The eatertainment industry is still being hindered by the long-term effects of the pandemic, as Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. reported sliding revenues of 1.2% and same-store sales decline of 2.6% for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 30, 2022. The company’s performance was mostly hindered by the Omicron variant in January and the slow return to private events.

For the future, Dave & Buster’s is shifting its strategy toward store growth in new markets and new store prototypes, which will be the main focus of the incoming CEO, whenever he or she is hired following CEO Brian Jenkins’ retirement in September 2021.

“There's much more opportunity to unlock the potential of this business,” Kevin Sheehan, interim CEO of Dave & Bu...

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About the Author

Joanna Fantozzi

Senior Editor

Joanna Fantozzi is a Senior Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She has more than seven years of experience writing about the restaurant and hospitality industry. Her editorial coverage ranges from profiles of independent restaurants around the country to breaking news and insights into some of the biggest brands in food and beverage, including Starbucks, Domino’s, and Papa John’s.  

Joanna holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and creative writing from The College of New Jersey and a master’s degree in arts and culture journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. Prior to joining Informa’s Restaurants and Food Group in 2018, she was a freelance food, culture, and lifestyle writer, and has previously held editorial positions at Insider (formerly known as Business Insider) and The Daily Meal. Joanna’s work can also be found in The New York Times, Forbes, Vice, The New York Daily News, and Parents Magazine. 

Her areas of expertise include restaurant industry news, restaurant operator solutions and innovations, and political/cultural issues.

Joanna Fantozzi has been a moderator and event facilitator at both Informa’s MUFSO and Restaurants Rise industry events. 

Joanna Fantozzi’s experience:

Senior Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (August 2021-present)

Associate Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (July 2019-August 2021)

Assistant Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (Oct. 2018-July 2019)

Freelance Food & Lifestyle Reporter (Feb. 2018-Oct. 2018)

Food & Lifestyle Reporter, Insider (June 2017-Feb. 2018)

News Editor, The Daily Meal (Jan. 2014- June 2017)

Staff Reporter, Straus News (Jan. 2013-Dec. 2013)

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