James “Buster” Corley, co-founder of Dave & Buster’s, has died at the age of 72, according to his daughter Kate Corley.
“His pioneering spirit and steadfast belief that ‘everybody is somebody’ set the foundation for bringing food and games to millions of Dave & Buster’s guests over the past 40 years,” according to a company statement sent to CNN.
Corley founded the eatertainment chain in 1982 alongside David Corriveau in Dallas after seeing that customers would frequent both Corley’s restaurant and Corriveau’s arcade which they previously owned.
The two operated as co-CEOS until the chain was sold in 2007 to a private equity firm. Corriveau died in 2015.
Dave & Buster’s is now a publicly traded company and saw over 50% same-store sales increases in its most recent quarter, mostly due to the acquisition of Main Event Entertainment in 2022.
“Buster’s passion for hospitality, his demand for excellence, and the deep care he had for his team members were unparalleled. Our hearts go out to his family at this difficult time and while we will miss his wise counsel and his easy laugh, the legacy he and Dave built endures,” the release continued.
Corley was found Monday at his home after suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to WFAA, a CNN affiliate, Corley had a stroke four months ago that “caused severe damage to the communication and personality part of his brain.” The family asked for privacy at this time.
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