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Dave & Buster’s, the iconic American brand known for combining Eat, Drink, Play, and Watch under one roof, has officially entered the Indian market under the leadership of the Malpani Group. In an exclusive interaction, Shreya Malpani, Director at Malpani Group, shares how the brand is localizing its offerings, expanding strategically, and carving a niche in India’s competitive F&B and entertainment space.
Dave & Buster’s is a well-loved brand in the US. How do you envision adapting its concept for Indian audiences while retaining its core identity?
Dave & Buster’s will stay true to its global identity of Eat, Drink, Play, and Watch under one roof. For India, we’ve localized around 35–40% of the menu to suit the Indian palate and added concepts like bowling, which are already popular here. The goal is to keep the immersive fun that the brand is known for, while making it culturally relevant.
What inspired the decision to bring Dave & Buster’s to India, and how does this market fit into the brand’s global expansion plans?
India has one of the world’s youngest and fastest-growing consumer bases, with rising disposable incomes and a growing demand for high-quality leisure. The market is moving toward multi-dimensional, experience-driven destinations. This makes India the perfect fit for Dave & Buster’s global expansion, offering a unique space for adults and young adults.
Will Dave & Buster’s expansion in India follow a master franchise, area development, or individual franchise model?
Malpani Group holds the exclusive master franchise rights for Dave & Buster’s Pan-India. This gives us the ability to scale the brand across the country in a structured, consistent way, while ensuring every location lives up to the world-class standards Dave & Buster’s is known for.
Dave & Buster’s offers a unique blend of dining, gaming, and entertainment. How will you position this USP to stand out in India’s competitive F&B and leisure space?
What makes Dave & Buster’s unique is that there is something for everyone. Whether it is families, young adults, or groups of friends, each guest finds their own way to enjoy the space. The concept matches the energy and pace of cities like Mumbai and Bangalore — fast, vibrant, and always on the move.
Each pillar — Eat, Drink, Play, and Watch — is equally important. From a diverse food and beverage program to a full arcade and bowling experience, and from watching live sports to enjoying cocktails at the bar, every element has been curated to the same high standard. This balance is what makes Dave & Buster’s stand apart. It is not just a restaurant or a gaming zone, but a complete lifestyle destination.
Which cities or regions will be your priority for the first phase of rollout in India?
We have already launched in Bangalore and Mumbai. Next, we are focusing on markets like Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, and Pune — metros with strong youth demographics, vibrant corporate hubs, and a growing appetite for premium lifestyle experiences.
How do you plan to manage operational consistency and brand experience across multiple Indian locations?
Operational consistency is critical to us. Our teams undergo rigorous training with direct inputs from the US operations, and we have built strong SOPs across food, beverage, guest service, and game maintenance. With centralized oversight and empowered local leadership, our aim is that every guest, no matter the city, experiences the same wow factor at Dave & Buster’s India.
Where do you see Dave & Buster’s India in the next five years in terms of outlet count and brand recognition?
Over the next five to seven years, our plan is to open 15 outlets across India. By then, we expect Dave & Buster’s to be firmly established as the go-to destination for indoor entertainment and dining, with strong brand recall and recognition among India’s young audiences.
