North America, August 2026 — Dave & Buster’s Inc. has appointed Amanda Busby as Chief Operating Officer (COO), bringing aboard an operations executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience across the restaurant, hospitality and entertainment industries.
In her new role, Busby will bring her experience in large-scale operations, revenue growth, operational performance and leadership development to Dave & Buster’s as the company advances its next phase of growth. Her career has centered on translating enterprise strategy into field execution while building high-performing teams and strengthening accountability, collaboration and operational discipline.
Prior to joining Dave & Buster’s, Busby spent more than four years with SSP America, most recently serving as President, Operational Excellence, Commercial, Culinary and Marketing. In that role, she led cross-functional functions across a $1.2 billion North American hospitality business spanning approximately 450 restaurants, 60 airports and 300 brands. Before that, she served as Chief Operating Officer of SSP America from 2022 to 2025, overseeing a large restaurant portfolio across the United States and Canada. During her tenure, she led operational and commercial initiatives spanning restaurant expansion, labor strategy, digital transformation, compliance and profitability.
Earlier, Busby built a 19-year career with Red Robin, progressing through several operational leadership positions before becoming Vice President of Operations. She co-led operational strategy and performance for approximately 450 restaurants representing more than $1 billion in annual revenue. Her earlier assignments included Regional Vice President, Regional Operations Director and Training General Manager, providing extensive experience across P&L management, restaurant operations, guest experience, talent development and multi-state leadership.
Busby began her earlier leadership journey in food, beverage and entertainment operations, including serving as Director of Food, Beverage and Entertainment Operations at Funsters Casino. Across her career, she has developed a reputation for combining commercial performance with a people-focused leadership approach, emphasizing trust, clear expectations, accountability and continuous development.
About Dave & Buster’s Inc.
Dave & Buster’s Inc. is an entertainment and dining company built around its “Eat, Drink, Play & Watch Sports” experience. Its venues combine restaurant dining, beverages, sports viewing and arcade entertainment, including its signature Million Dollar Midway.
The company expanded its entertainment portfolio with the acquisition of Main Event Entertainment in 2022, bringing together complementary dining and entertainment experiences. Dave & Buster’s focuses on creating integrated social and entertainment destinations for guests while providing opportunities for team members across its operations.
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