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American 'eatertainment' chain Dave & Buster’s combines restaurant dining with arcade games

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Leah C. Salterio

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:880px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17603474056411-Dave &amp; Buster&#x27;s bar area.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="American &#x27;eatertainment&#x27; chain Dave &amp; Buster’s combines restaurant dining with arcade games. Handout"/><span class="fr-inner">American &#x27;eatertainment&#x27; chain Dave &amp; Buster’s combines restaurant dining with arcade games. <em>Handout</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA -- After more than four decades of bringing food and fun together across North America, the iconic American “eatertainment” brand Dave &amp; Buster’s has finally opened its doors in the Philippines — its first stop in Southeast Asia. </p><p>The massive 1,700-square-meter space at Opus Mall fuses a state-of-the-art arcade, full-service restaurant, and bar in one dynamic venue, introducing Manila to a new way to play, dine, and unwind.</p><p>Dave and Buster’s is the newest addition to the growing list of dining places of The Bistro Group, that started with TGI Friday’s more than 30 years ago.</p><p>According to Antonio Bautista, chief international development officer, Dave &amp; Busters, it was a “no-brainer” for Dave &amp; Buster’s to choose Manila and open its first branch in Southeast Asia here in the Philippines. </p><p>“When we learned that The Bistro Group was interested, we know it is one of the most respectable F&amp;B (food and beverage) operators not just in the Philippines, but Southeast Asia,” he said. “The Philippines is one of the most important markets, one of the largest, in Southeast Asia. For us to be able to be a part of the portfolio of The Bistro Group is a privilege.</p><p>“We are delighted to be in Manila, delighted to be at Opus Mall and certainly, delighted to partner with The Bistro Group, whom we have known for two decades. We are excited to bring Western brands to Southeast Asia. We are happy with how the brand has been executed and presented.”</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:880px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17603474569642-Arcade games (7).jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="American &#x27;eatertainment&#x27; chain Dave &amp; Buster’s combines restaurant dining with arcade games. Handout"/><span class="fr-inner">American &#x27;eatertainment&#x27; chain Dave &amp; Buster’s combines restaurant dining with arcade games. <em>Handout</em></span></span></span>Beyond its 150 locations across the United States, Dave &amp; Buster’s has expanded to Canada, Puerto Rico, and Australia, with new branches recently opened in India and more underway in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. The company is also in talks for future openings across Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. </div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Distinct concept</strong></div><p>For The Bistro Group president Jean Paul Manuud, Dave &amp; Buster’s “just crossed our path at the right time. We find this brand as fulfilling as far as the empty space among all the brands that we have.&quot;</p><p>“I’ve never been excited like this seeing the brand’s opening,&quot; Manuud said at the restaurant&#x27;s opening last Friday. &quot;We thought Dave &amp; Buster’s resonates very well among our family-driven culture that Filipino has. It is the only brand that we have that marries entertainment at the same time and restaurant-type.”</p><p> While The Bistro Group’s Hard Rock Café focuses on live music and entertainment, Dave &amp; Buster’s brings a distinct concept to the portfolio — one that seamlessly combines dining with a dynamic arcade experience.</p><p>“It’s social entertainment,” said Manuud. “It cuts across all demographics, regardless of age or preference. It’s fun and exciting just seeing the brand — it’s a powerful name.”</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:880px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17603475029824-Dave &amp; Busters _ the future of play.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="American &#x27;eatertainment&#x27; chain Dave &amp; Buster’s combines restaurant dining with arcade games. Handout"/><span class="fr-inner">American &#x27;eatertainment&#x27; chain Dave &amp; Buster’s combines restaurant dining with arcade games. <em>Handout</em></span></span></span></div><p>He added, “We were impressed by Dave &amp; Buster’s holistic approach to hospitality. It’s a concept that could easily pioneer a new category in the Philippines, being the first of its kind in the local F&amp;B landscape.</p><p>“Entering the ‘eatertainment’ sector with a globally recognized brand is an exciting development for The Bistro Group. This collaboration strengthens our portfolio and allows us to offer unparalleled dining and entertainment experiences in the Philippines. Dave &amp; Buster’s is a distinctive brand with strong market appeal.”</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Fun and food</strong></div><p>With a seating capacity of over 300, Dave &amp; Buster’s offers plenty of room for everyone to dine, play, and hang out comfortably.</p><p>It brings the full arcade experience from the U.S. to Manila, with more than 50 state-of-the-art games and attractions you won’t find anywhere else in the country. Race your friends on Mario Kart DX, aim for victory in Water Gun Fun or NBA Superstars Worldwide, and relive your childhood with classics like The Addams Family and E-Claw Cosmic Crane. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:880px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17603475369016-Dave &amp; Busters&#x27;_winner.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="American &#x27;eatertainment&#x27; chain Dave &amp; Buster’s combines restaurant dining with arcade games. Handout"/><span class="fr-inner">American &#x27;eatertainment&#x27; chain Dave &amp; Buster’s combines restaurant dining with arcade games. <em>Handout</em></span></span></span></div><p>For thrill-seekers, there’s Godzilla VR, where you can step into a full-blown virtual-reality battle, and the brand-new Fast &amp; Furious arcade ride that’s all about speed, lights, and adrenaline.</p><p>Beyond the arcade, the fun continues. There’s a billiards hall reimagined for the modern gamer — with pro-quality tables, sleek lighting, and lounge-style comfort — plus a private videoke room where you can belt out your favorites between rounds of play.</p><p>Of course, this is still The Bistro Group, so the food hits just as hard as the games. The menu serves up all-American comfort favorites like steaks, burgers, and salads, but with a Filipino twist — think crispy pata, beef salpicao, and adobong bagnet that feel right at home beside your classic bar bites.</p><p>“It’s a good balance between a restaurant and a gaming arcade,” said Manuud. “While the kids have fun and eat, the dads stay at the bar. We are targeting a wide range of market that we expect.”</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:880px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17603475794015-DandB_GamedayGrub.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="American &#x27;eatertainment&#x27; chain Dave &amp; Buster’s combines restaurant dining with arcade games. Handout"/><span class="fr-inner">American &#x27;eatertainment&#x27; chain Dave &amp; Buster’s combines restaurant dining with arcade games. <em>Handout</em></span></span></span></div><p>With strong early buzz, The Bistro Group is already eyeing future expansion. &quot;We’ll start to expand in Metro Manila. There are key cities here that we can still tap to have Dave &amp; Buster’s. This is a pioneering concept as far as the market is concerned,” Manuud said. </p><p> “We want to make sure that we have a solid operation, so our team will be able to execute the brand promise.” </p>

<p>The wait is over for Filipino fans of food and arcade fun. Dave &amp; Buster’s has officially opened its first branch in Southeast Asia at Opus Mall with over 50 arcade machines, a full bar, and a menu that mixes American classics with local favorites.</p>

The wait is over for Filipino fans of food and arcade fun. Dave & Buster’s has officially opened its first branch in Southeast Asia at Opus Mall with over 50 arcade machines, a full bar, and a menu that mixes American classics with local favorites.

Game, eat, repeat: Dave & Buster’s finally lands in Manila

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Game, eat, repeat: Dave & Buster’s finally lands in Manila

Leah C. Salterio

Published Oct 13, 2025 05:31 PM PHT

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Dave & Buster’s

The Bistro Group

Opus Mall

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