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Dave & Buster’s says fast-casual venture is off to slow startDave & Buster’s says fast-casual venture is off to slow start

Casual-dining arcade chain’s stock drops after it trims sales forecast

Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor

June 12, 2019

2 Min Read
Dave & Buster s T&T Tacos Social
Ron Ruggless

Dave & Buster’s Entertainment Inc., which has featured full-service dining since its founding in 1982, made its first foray into the fast-casual segment last December with the debut of T&T Tacos at a signature Dallas location, but the concept has not performed as expected, the CEO said Tuesday.

“The initial response has been slower than expected, and we are evaluating ways to increase in store awareness,” said Brian Jenkins, CEO of Dallas-based Dave & Buster’s, in the company’s first-quarter earnings call

T&T offers a menu of street tacos and beverages in an arcade-facing space that previously was a private party area.

“We expected that to perform better than it has. So, we are exploring what to do with the taco trucks, what to do with the ...

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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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