Dave & Buster's names new COO, CAO with equity pay
Dave & Buster’s expands and reshapes its senior leadership team, adding new COO and principal accounting officer with sizable equity-based compensation and protection packages.
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. (PLAY) announced key leadership changes, appointing Amanda Busby as Chief Operations Officer and Derek Sample as Chief Accounting Officer and principal accounting officer, effective August 11, 2026. Both executives bring long tenures in restaurant, hospitality, entertainment and leisure industries.
Busby’s employment agreement includes a $450,000 annual base salary, a target bonus equal to 70% of salary, and a one-time equity package of 72,464 RSUs, options for 74,294 shares at an exercise price of $8.97, and PSUs for up to 55,741 shares that vest based on same store sales performance. Sample’s agreement provides a $315,000 base salary, a target bonus of 50% of salary (prorated for 2026), and a one-time grant of 39,019 RSUs, options for 52,006 shares at $8.97, and PSUs for up to 39,019 shares.
Both agreements provide 12 months of base salary and medical premium continuation, plus earned and pro‑rated bonuses, if terminated by the company without cause or by the executive for good reason, subject to release and restrictive covenants, including non‑competition and non‑solicitation periods. The company also highlighted broader executive team appointments across marketing, technology, legal, strategy and revenue management.
Positive
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Filing Explained
Conditional equity awards, rather than completed share issuance, are the holder-relevant change; Sample was designated principal accounting officer on August 25.
This Form 8-K reports the appointments of two officers and a later designation: Derek Sample became the company’s principal accounting officer on
The related equity awards are grants with future vesting or performance conditions, so their holder consequence is potential rather than completed share dilution.
If the awards ultimately result in additional shares, the supplied definition indicates that total shares would rise and existing holders’ percentage ownership would fall absent offsetting changes. The specific resolution points are whether the RSUs and PSUs vest or are earned and whether the options meet their stock-price conditions by
8-K Event Classification
3 items: 5.02, 8.01, 9.01
3 items
Item 5.02
Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers
Governance
Key personnel changes including departures, elections, or appointments of directors and executive officers.
Item 8.01
Other Events
Other
Voluntary disclosure of events the company deems important to shareholders but not covered by other items.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, or exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
Busby base salary: $450,000 per year
Busby target bonus percentage: 70% of base salary
Busby RSUs granted: 72,464 RSUs
+5 more
8 metrics
Busby base salary
$450,000 per year
Annualized base salary under Busby Agreement
Busby target bonus percentage
70% of base salary
Target annual cash bonus opportunity
Busby RSUs granted
72,464 RSUs
One-time equity grant vesting over three years
Busby stock options
74,294 shares at $8.97
Options earnable if stock reaches specified multiples by August 31, 2029
Busby PSUs maximum shares
55,741 shares
PSUs vest based on same store sales targets
Sample base salary
$315,000 per year
Annualized base salary under Sample Agreement
Sample RSUs granted
39,019 RSUs
One-time equity grant vesting over three years
Stores operated
250 stores
Total Dave & Buster’s and Main Event stores in North America
Key Terms
restricted stock units, performance stock units, same store sales, non-competition covenant, +2 more
6 terms
restricted stock units financial
"a one-time grant of (a) 72,464 restricted stock units"
Restricted stock units are a type of company reward where employees are promised shares of stock, but they only fully own these shares after meeting certain conditions, like staying with the company for a set time. They matter because they can become valuable assets and are often used to motivate employees to help the company succeed.
performance stock units financial
"and (c) performance stock units (“PSUs”) representing up to 55,741 shares"
Performance stock units are a type of company award that grants employees shares of stock only if certain performance goals are met. They motivate employees to work toward specific company achievements, aligning their interests with those of shareholders. For investors, they can influence a company's future stock supply and reflect management’s confidence in reaching key targets.
same store sales financial
"will vest based upon the Company’s achievement of certain same store sales targets"
Same store sales measure the change in revenue generated by stores that have been open for at least a year, comparing current sales to past periods. It helps investors see how well a business is growing from its existing locations, without the influence of new store openings or closures. This metric provides a clearer picture of ongoing performance and customer demand.
non-competition covenant regulatory
"has also agreed to a non-competition covenant that extends for up to one year"
Omnibus Incentive Plan financial
"eligibility to participate in the Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan"
An omnibus incentive plan is a single, flexible program a company uses to give employees and executives different types of pay tied to performance — for example stock options, restricted shares, cash bonuses and other awards — all governed by one set of rules. It matters to investors because it determines how many new shares may be created, how leaders are motivated and how much the company will spend on compensation over time; think of it as a master toolbox that affects both costs and the total share supply.
principal accounting officer regulatory
"the Board designated Mr. Sample as the principal accounting officer of the Company"
The Principal Accounting Officer is the person responsible for making sure a company's financial records are accurate and follow the rules. They play a key role in preparing financial reports that show how well the company is doing. This helps investors, managers, and regulators trust the company's financial information.
FAQ
AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
What leadership changes did Dave & Buster’s (PLAY) announce in this 8-K?
The company appointed Amanda Busby as Chief Operations Officer and Derek Sample as Chief Accounting Officer and principal accounting officer, and announced additional executive appointments and promotions in marketing, technology, legal, strategy, and revenue management.
What is Amanda Busby’s compensation package at Dave & Buster’s (PLAY)?
Amanda Busby receives a $450,000 annual base salary, a target bonus of 70% of salary, and a one-time grant of 72,464 RSUs, options for 74,294 shares at $8.97, and PSUs for up to 55,741 shares tied to same store sales performance.
What equity awards did Derek Sample receive from Dave & Buster’s (PLAY)?
Derek Sample received a one-time grant of 39,019 RSUs, stock options for 52,006 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $8.97, and PSUs representing up to 39,019 shares, which vest based on achievement of same store sales targets.
What severance terms apply to Busby and Sample at Dave & Buster’s (PLAY)?
If terminated other than for cause or by them without good reason, each is entitled to 12 months of base salary, continued payment of monthly medical premiums for 12 months, any unpaid earned bonus, and a pro‑rated bonus for the year of termination, subject to a release and covenants.
Are there non-compete obligations for the new Dave & Buster’s (PLAY) executives?
Yes. Both Amanda Busby and Derek Sample agreed to a non‑competition covenant lasting up to one year after termination and a non‑solicitation covenant lasting up to two years, as set out in their employment agreements.
How many locations does Dave & Buster’s (PLAY) currently operate?
Dave & Buster’s operates 250 stores in North America, including 184 Dave & Buster’s branded stores in 43 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, and 66 Main Event branded stores in 24 states. It also has six Dave & Buster’s franchise stores internationally.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 11, 2026
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(State of incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (IRS Employer Identification Number) | ||||||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | ||
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (214 ) 357-9588
Check the appropriate box if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the reporting obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
| Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act | |||||
| Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 of the Exchange Act | |||||
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) Exchange Act | |||||
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) Exchange Act | |||||
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Section 5 -– Corporate Governance and Management
Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
Appointment of Amanda Busby as Chief Operations Officer
On August 11, 2026, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. (the “Company”) appointed Amanda Busby as Chief Operations Officer.
Ms. Busby, age 53, brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across the restaurant, hospitality and entertainment industries. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Busby served as President of Operational Excellence, Commercial, Culinary and Marketing of SSP America, Inc. (“SSP America”) from July of 2025 to August of 2026 and Chief Operating Officer of SSP America from January of 2022 to July of 2025, where she led operations for a business consisting of more than 450 restaurants across nearly 60 airports throughout North America. Prior to SSP America, Ms. Busby spent 19 years with Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., ultimately serving as Vice President of Operations.
Effective as of August 11, 2026, in connection with Ms. Busby’s appointment as Chief Operations Officer of the Company, Ms. Busby and the Company entered into an employment agreement (the “Busby Agreement”), which provides for, among other things, (i) an annualized base salary of $450,000 per year, (ii) an annual cash bonus with a target bonus of 70% of Ms. Busby’s annual salary, (iii) eligibility to participate in the Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”) and (iv) eligibility to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans as in effect from time-to-time on the same basis as generally made available to other similarly situated employees of the Company. In connection with her appointment, on August 31, 2026, Ms. Busby received a one-time grant of (a) 72,464 restricted stock units (“RSUs”) that will vest in three substantially equal installments on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of the grant, (b) a stock option representing the right to purchase 74,294 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Common Stock”) with an exercise price of $8.97 per share that will become earned if the Company’s stock price reaches specified multiples of the exercise price by August 31, 2029 and will vest annually in three substantially equal installments thereafter, and (c) performance stock units (“PSUs”) representing up to 55,741 shares of Common Stock that will vest based upon the Company’s achievement of certain same store sales targets over the performance period.
Upon a termination of the Busby Agreement for reasons other than a termination by Ms. Busby without “good reason” or for “cause” by the Company (as such terms are defined in the Busby Agreement), subject to the execution of a release of claims and continued compliance with the restrictive covenants contained in the Busby Agreement, Ms. Busby is entitled to (i) continued payment of her base salary for 12 months, (ii) any unpaid bonus for a completed fiscal year based on actual performance, (iii) a pro-rata bonus for the fiscal year of termination based on actual performance and (iv) continued payment of monthly medical premiums under the Company’s group health insurance plan for 12 months. Ms. Busby has also agreed to a non-competition covenant that extends for up to one year following termination and a non-solicitation covenant that extends for up to two years following termination.
The foregoing description of the Busby Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the Busby Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
There are no family relationships between Ms. Busby and any director or executive officer of the Company, and there are no transactions involving Ms. Busby requiring disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
Appointment of Derek Sample as Chief Accounting Officer
On August 11, 2026, the Board appointed Derek Sample as Chief Accounting Officer of the Company, and on August 25, 2026, the Board designated Mr. Sample as the principal accounting officer of the Company.
Mr. Sample, age 40, brings more than 20 years of finance and accounting leadership experience across the leisure and hospitality, aviation, energy and professional services industries. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Business Transformation of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (“Six Flags”) from July of 2024 to July of 2026. Prior to that role, Mr. Sample served as Chief Accounting Officer of Six Flags prior to the merger of Six Flags and Cedar Fair, L.P., from September of 2022 to July of 2024.
Mr. Sample also served as Corporate Controller for PHI Aviation, LLC, from June of 2021 until September of 2022. He began his career with KPMG LLP.
Effective as of August 11, 2026, in connection with Mr. Sample’s appointment as Chief Accounting Officer of the Company, Mr. Sample and the Company entered into an employment agreement (the “Sample Agreement”), which provides for, among other things, (i) an annualized base salary of $315,000 per year, (ii) an annual cash bonus with a target bonus of 50% of Mr. Sample’s annual salary (prorated for fiscal year 2026), (iii) eligibility to participate in the LTIP and (iv) eligibility to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans as in effect from time-to-time on the same basis as generally made available to other similarly situated employees of the Company. In connection with his appointment, on August 31, 2026, Mr. Sample received a one-time grant of (a) 39,019 RSUs that will vest in three substantially equal installments on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of the grant, (b) a stock option representing the right to purchase 52,006 shares of Common Stock with an exercise price of $8.97 per share that will become earned if the Company’s stock price reaches specified multiples of the exercise price by August 31, 2029 and will vest annually in three substantially equal installments thereafter, and (c) PSUs representing up to 39,019 shares of Common Stock that will vest based upon the Company’s achievement of certain same store sales targets over the performance period.
Upon a termination of the Sample Agreement for reasons other than a termination by Mr. Sample without “good reason” or for “cause” by the Company (as such terms are defined in the Sample Agreement), subject to the execution of a release of claims and continued compliance with the restrictive covenants contained in the Sample Agreement, Mr. Sample is entitled to (i) continued payment of his base salary for 12 months, (ii) any unpaid bonus for a completed fiscal year based on actual performance, (iii) a pro-rata bonus for the fiscal year of termination based on actual performance and (iv) continued payment of monthly medical premiums under the Company’s group health insurance plan for 12 months. Mr. Sample has also agreed to a non-competition covenant that extends for up to one year following termination and a non-solicitation covenant that extends for up to two years following termination.
There are no family relationships between Mr. Sample and any director or executive officer of the Company, and there are no transactions involving Mr. Sample requiring disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
Item 8.01 Other Events
Additional Leadership Appointments and Promotions
On August 24, 2026, the Company issued a press release announcing the appointments of Ms. Busby and Mr. Sample, as well as additional executive leadership appointments and promotions, including Jeremy Tucker as Chief Marketing Officer, Kevin Fish as Chief Technology and Digital Officer, Rachel Morgan as Chief Legal and Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary, and Aldo Rosales as Chief Strategy and Revenue Management Officer. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
Section 9 – Financial Statements and Exhibits
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(d) Exhibits.
10.1# Employment Agreement, dated as of August 11, 2026, by and among Dave & Buster’s Management Corporation, LLC, Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. and Amanda Busby.
99.1 Press release dated August 24, 2026.
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (the Cover Page Interactive Data File is embedded within the Inline XBRL document).
# Certain of the exhibits and schedules to this Exhibit have been omitted in accordance with Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. Agrees to furnish a copy of all omitted exhibits and schedules to the SEC upon request.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| DAVE & BUSTER’S ENTERTAINMENT, INC. | ||||||||
Date: September 21, 2026 | By: | /s/ Rachel Morgan | ||||||
| Rachel Morgan | ||||||||
| Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary | ||||||||
Exhibit 99.1
Dave & Buster’s Strengthens Executive Leadership Team
to Support Growth, Operational Excellence and Innovation
DALLAS, August 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: PLAY) (“Dave & Buster's” or “the Company”), an owner, operator, and franchisor of entertainment and dining venues, today announced a series of executive leadership appointments and promotions designed to strengthen the company's capabilities across operations, marketing, strategy, finance, revenue management, technology, and governance.
In addition to the recent announcement of the appointment of Darin Harper as Chief Executive Officer, the Company is pleased to announce additional recent hires and promotions. Amanda Busby joined the Company this month as Chief Operations Officer, coming with decades of experience at SSP America and Red Robin. Additionally, the Company recently promoted Rachel Morgan to serve as Chief Legal and Administrative Officer & Corporate Secretary, expanding her responsibilities to include oversight of both the legal and human resources organizations. The Company also promoted Aldo Rosales to Chief Strategy & Revenue Management Officer.
These new hires and promotions join other recent executive team additions including Jeremy Tucker as Chief Marketing Officer, Kevin Fish as Chief Technology and Digital Officer, and Derek Sample as Chief Accounting Officer.
Collectively, these leaders bring decades of experience across some of the world's most respected consumer, hospitality, entertainment, restaurant, media, and technology organizations.
“We believe Dave & Buster's and Main Event have exciting and significant near-term opportunities ahead of us,” said Darin Harper, Chief Executive Officer. “Realizing that potential requires exceptional talent, strong execution, and leaders who share a commitment to serving our guests, developing our team members, and delivering long-term value for our shareholders. Amanda, Jeremy, Aldo, Kevin, Rachel, and Derek, each bring capabilities that directly support our strategic priorities. Together, they strengthen our ability to elevate operations, build our brands, drive sustainable revenue growth, accelerate digital innovation, and maintain the strong governance and discipline necessary to support long-term success and drive shareholder value. What excites me most beyond any individual appointment is the strength of the team we're building together. I am excited about what we will accomplish together as we continue shaping the future of our company.”
“On behalf of the entire Board, we are extremely excited about these enhancements to the leadership team,” said James Chambers, Chair of the Board. “We have high confidence in the direction of this business and its Back-to-Basics strategy, and we believe there is a significant amount of value to be created at this Company. This leadership team is the right one to capitalize on this opportunity, and the Board looks forward to working closely with them to drive same store sales and EBITDA growth, significant cash flow generation, and meaningful increases in shareholder value.”
About Amanda Busby
Appointed Chief Operations Officer
Amanda brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across the restaurant, hospitality, and entertainment industries and has built a reputation for delivering strong business results through operational excellence, revenue growth, organizational development, and disciplined execution.
Prior to joining Dave & Buster's, Amanda served as Chief Operations Officer of SSP America, where she led operations for a billion-dollar business consisting of more than 450 restaurants representing over 300 brands across nearly 60 airports throughout North America. She later served as President, Operations Excellence, adding oversight of marketing, culinary and training to her existing operations role, and led an integrated organization that included Commercial & Marketing, Culinary, Training, and Operations Excellence.
Before SSP America, Amanda spent 19 years with Red Robin, advancing from Training General Manager through progressively broader leadership roles before ultimately serving as Vice President of Operations, overseeing 230 restaurants across one of the industry's leading casual dining brands.
Amanda is widely recognized for her people-first leadership style and her belief that exceptional performance is achieved through trust, accountability, clear expectations, and continuous development. She will play a key role in strengthening operational execution, supporting field teams, and elevating the guest experience across the Dave & Buster's system.
About Jeremy Tucker
Appointed Chief Marketing Officer
Jeremy has led innovative marketing initiatives at globally recognized organizations including Doritos, The Walt Disney Company, Spin Master, Planet Fitness, and AutoNation. His accomplishments include helping pioneer Doritos' groundbreaking "Crash the Super Bowl" campaign and launching one of the brand’s earliest gaming integrations, helping establish new standards for consumer engagement and brand participation.
Most recently, Jeremy served as Chief Marketing Officer at AutoNation, where he led marketing strategy, creative, media, digital marketing, customer experience, and brand development across more than 300 locations nationwide. He previously served as Chief Marketing Officer of Planet Fitness, helping strengthen the brand's relationship with members and communities during a transformative period for the industry.
About Aldo Rosales
Promoted to Chief Strategy & Revenue Management Officer
In this newly expanded role, Aldo will lead the dual mission of developing the company's long-term growth roadmap while designing and implementing pricing and promotional initiatives that drive immediate revenue growth and performance improvement.
Previously, Aldo was Global Head of Strategy & Operations at QuantumBlack, AI by McKinsey, and an Associate Partner at McKinsey & Co.
About Kevin Fish
Appointed Chief Technology & Digital Officer
Kevin brings more than 25 years of experience leading technology organizations and large-scale digital transformation initiatives across the restaurant, retail, and professional services industries. Prior to joining the company, Kevin held senior leadership positions with organizations including Wingstop, Pizza Hut, FedEx Office, Ernst & Young, and Capgemini. Throughout his career, he has developed deep expertise across digital product development, e-commerce, guest-facing technology, marketing technology, enterprise systems, and delivery platform integrations.
About Rachel Morgan
Appointed Chief Legal & Administrative Officer & Corporate Secretary
Rachel brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience overseeing legal, governance, compliance, risk management, and human resources functions for large, complex public companies.
Most recently, she served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of Nexstar Media Group, where she led both the Legal and Human Resources organizations and advised executive leadership and the Board of Directors on matters including corporate governance, executive compensation, enterprise risk, regulatory strategy, and organizational culture.
Throughout her career, Rachel has successfully navigated significant legal and business challenges involving labor and employment matters, litigation management, regulatory affairs, mergers and acquisitions, compliance programs, and enterprise risk management. Her ability to combine legal expertise with practical business judgment has made her a trusted advisor to management teams and boards alike.
About Derek Sample
Appointed Chief Accounting Officer
Derek brings nearly 20 years of finance and accounting leadership experience across the leisure and hospitality, aviation, energy, and professional services industries, with a focus on people, processes, and technology to strengthen financial operations, improve scalability, and support organizational transformation.
Most recently, he served as Chief Accounting Officer of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation and led the business transformation organization established following the merger of Six Flags and Cedar Fair. In that role, he oversaw post-merger integration efforts and enterprise-wide technology modernization initiatives designed to simplify processes, improve financial visibility, and support long-term growth. He began his career with KPMG.
About Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc.
Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Coppell, Texas, Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. is the owner and operator of 250 stores in North America that offer premier entertainment and dining experiences to guests through two distinct brands: Dave & Buster’s and Main Event. The Company has 184 Dave & Buster’s branded stores in 43 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada and offers guests the opportunity to “Eat Drink Play and Watch” all in one location. Each store offers a full menu of entrées and appetizers, a complete selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and an extensive assortment of entertainment attractions centered around playing games and watching live sports and other televised events. The Company also operates 66 Main Event branded stores in 24 states across the country, and offers state-of-the-art bowling, laser tag, hundreds of arcade games and virtual reality, making it the perfect place for families to connect and make memories. Internationally, the Company is in early-stage growth as a franchisor of its brands with six Dave & Buster’s franchise stores currently open. For more information about each brand, visit daveandbusters.com and mainevent.com.
For Investor Relations Inquiries:
Investor@daveandbusters.com