Dave & Buster’s completes acquisition of Main Event, names Chris Morris CEODave & Buster’s completes acquisition of Main Event, names Chris Morris CEO

Joanna Fantozzi

Eatertainment company Dave & Buster’s completed the acquisition of Texas-based bowling and arcade entertainment company, Main Event, from Ardent Leisure Group Limited and RedBird Capital Partners for an unspecified amount, the company announced Wednesday.

As previously announced, Main Event CEO Chris Morris will transition to head Dave & Buster’s, replacing Brian Jenkins who retired last September. Morris will also serve as a member on the board of directors.

“We are very excited to officially welcome the Main Event team to Dave & Buster’s and to begin capitalizing on the enormous opportunity that this combination creates,” Kevin Sheehan, Dave & Buster’s chairman said in a statement. “These two brands perfectly complement each other, and their joining puts our company in a strategically unparalleled position for accelerated, profitable growth under the leadership of Chris Morris. Chris’ track-record of effective execution and prudent leadership will be invaluable in unlocking additional value for our shareholders.”

Chris Morris served as president and CEO of Main Event for the past four years. Prior to that, he was a president at California Pizza Kitchen and has held other executive positions at On the Border and CEC Entertainment.

“I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to lead Dave & Buster’s at such an exciting inflection point for the company,” Morris said in a statement. “We have created a combination of brands and people that will enhance our relationships with our guests and allow us to provide them with even better experiences. […] On behalf of the entire Dave & Buster’s family, I would like to thank Kevin for his leadership and recognize his success at accelerating change at the company.”

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