Key Takeaways
- Dave & Buster’s is set to open its first location in Sonoma County on January 26, at the Santa Rosa Plaza.
- The new location will be one of the largest in the company, with 43,000 square feet of space and hundreds of arcade games.
- The venue will offer a range of menu options, including game day wings, protein bowls, and handcrafted cocktails.
- Dave & Buster’s is committed to community involvement, with initiatives such as the Play Academy program, which combines learning with arcade fun for middle school and high school students.
- The company has a goal of opening 10 to 15 more locations over the next couple of years, but none are planned for the Bay Area at this time.
Introduction to Dave & Buster’s
Dave & Buster’s, a Texas-based national chain, is preparing to open its first location in Sonoma County, California. The new venue will be located at the Santa Rosa Plaza, in the 43,000-square-foot space that previously housed retailer Forever 21. This will be the company’s second location in the North Bay, after Fairfield, and one of five locations in the Bay Area. The new Dave & Buster’s will offer a unique entertainment experience, combining a restaurant, sports bar, and arcade games, which the company refers to as "eater-tainment" for adults and families.
Job Opportunities and Hiring Process
Hiring is currently underway to fill 170 jobs for the Santa Rosa store, including game attendants, hosts, servers, front-of-office staff, bartenders, line cooks, and technicians. Interested applicants must first apply online to secure a time slot for an in-person interview, which will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott. The management and sales team has already been set, according to general manager Yamen Sirrieh, who has been with the company for nine years and has opened over 20 stores. Sirrieh noted that the new location will be one of the largest in the company, allowing for events, party rooms, and VIP rooms.
Venue Features and Menu Options
The Santa Rosa Dave & Buster’s will feature hundreds of arcade games, including Pacman Rollers and Godzilla Virtual Reality, as well as immersive sports viewing. The menu will include a range of options, such as game day wings, protein bowls, burgers, and shareable appetizers, along with handcrafted cocktails, beer, and specialty drinks. One of the company’s newest games, the human crane, will also be available, where players are strapped to a harness and lowered into a large metal box to grab prizes. The venue’s large size, approximately 43,000 square feet, will allow for a wide range of activities and events, making it an ideal destination for families and visitors.
Community Involvement and Future Plans
Dave & Buster’s is committed to community involvement, with initiatives such as the Play Academy program, which combines learning with arcade fun for middle school and high school students. The program, which is accredited, allows students to apply concepts in physics, finance, health, and strategy through interactive games. The company has a goal of opening 10 to 15 more locations over the next couple of years, although none are planned for the Bay Area at this time. According to Sirrieh, the company is excited to bring its unique entertainment experience to the Santa Rosa community and looks forward to being a part of the area’s growth and development.
Conclusion and Expectations
The opening of Dave & Buster’s in Santa Rosa is expected to bring a new level of entertainment and dining options to the area. With its unique combination of arcade games, sports viewing, and menu options, the venue is likely to attract a wide range of customers, from families to adults. The company’s commitment to community involvement, through initiatives such as the Play Academy program, is also expected to have a positive impact on the local community. As the company continues to expand and grow, it will be interesting to see how the new location in Santa Rosa contributes to its overall success and reputation.


