Dave & Buster’s (PLAY) names Charles Protell to board as Atish Shah exits
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
8-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. appointed Charles H. Protell, President and Chief Financial Officer of Golden Entertainment, to its Board of Directors and Audit Committee, effective April 27, 2026. His background spans senior finance and investment banking roles across several firms.
Director Atish Shah, current Audit Committee Chair and member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, will not stand for reelection at the June 18, 2026 annual meeting but will serve until then. After the meeting, the Board will decrease from eight to seven directors, and Nathaniel J. Lipman will become Audit Committee Chair.
Positive
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Negative
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8-K Event Classification
3 items: 5.02, 7.01, 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 7.01
Regulation FD Disclosure
Disclosure
Material non-public information disclosed under Regulation Fair Disclosure, often investor presentations or guidance.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
Board size after annual meeting: 7 directors
Current board size before change: 8 directors
Total venues: 243 venues
+3 more
6 metrics
Board size after annual meeting
7 directors
Effective as of June 18, 2026 annual meeting
Current board size before change
8 directors
Before reduction effective at 2026 annual meeting
Total venues
243 venues
Company-operated venues in North America
Dave & Buster’s stores
179 stores
In 43 states, Puerto Rico and Canada
Main Event stores
64 stores
In 22 U.S. states
Franchise stores
4 stores
Dave & Buster’s international franchise locations
Key Terms
Audit Committee, Regulation FD Disclosure, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, Emerging growth company, +1 more
5 terms
Audit Committee financial
"appointed Charles H. Protell, 51, to the Board and to the Audit Committee of the Board"
A company's audit committee is a small group of board members who act like independent inspectors for the firm's finances, overseeing how financial reports are prepared, monitoring internal controls, and managing the relationship with external auditors. Investors care because a strong audit committee reduces the risk of accounting errors, fraud, or misleading statements, making financial statements more trustworthy and helping protect shareholder value.
Regulation FD Disclosure regulatory
"Section 7 – Regulation Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure."
Regulation FD disclosure requires public companies to share important, market-moving information with everyone at the same time instead of tipping off analysts or large investors first. Think of it as making sure all players on a field hear the same announcement simultaneously; that fairness helps investors trust that stock prices reflect the same information and reduces the risk of sudden, unfair trading advantages or regulatory penalties for selective leaks.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee financial
"Mr. Shah is the Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board and is also member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee."
A nominating and corporate governance committee is a group within a company's board of directors responsible for selecting and recommending individuals to serve as company leaders, such as directors or executives. They also develop and oversee policies to ensure the company is run fairly, ethically, and transparently. This committee matters to investors because it helps ensure the company is well-managed and guided by qualified, responsible leadership.
Emerging growth company regulatory
"405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter). Emerging growth company"
An emerging growth company is a recently public or smaller public firm that qualifies for temporary, lighter regulatory and disclosure rules to reduce the cost and effort of being public. For investors, it means the company may provide less historical financial detail and face fewer reporting requirements than larger firms, so it can grow more quickly but also carries higher uncertainty—like buying a promising early-stage product with fewer user reviews.
non-employee director financial
"Mr. Protell’s compensation for his service as non-employee director will be consistent with that of the Company’s other non-employee directors."
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): May 1, 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.
On April 27, 2026, the Board of Directors (“Board”) of Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. (the “Company”) appointed Charles H. Protell, 51, to the Board and to the Audit Committee of the Board, in each case effective April 27, 2026.
There are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. Protell and any other person pursuant to which he was appointed as a director. Additionally, with Mr. Protell’s appointment to the Audit Committee, members of such Committee are now Atish Shah (Chair), Nathaniel J. Lipman, Allen R. Weiss, and Charles Protell.
Charles H. Protell is currently the President and Chief Financial Officer of Golden Entertainment, Inc. Mr. Protell joined Golden as Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Financial Officer in November 2016 and was promoted to President in August 2019. He currently serves on Golden’s compliance committee and previously also served as Golden’s Treasurer. Prior to joining Golden, Mr. Protell served as managing director at Macquarie Capital’s investment banking group since May 2011, and as co-founder and a managing director at REGAL Capital Advisors from January 2009 until its acquisition by Macquarie Capital in May 2011. Prior to co-founding REGAL Capital Advisors, Mr. Protell held various investment banking roles at Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank and CIBC World Markets. Mr. Protell received a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce from the University of Virginia.
Mr. Protell’s compensation for his service as non-employee director will be consistent with that of the Company’s other non-employee directors. Mr. Protell is not a party to any transaction that would require disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
On April 30, 2026, Atish Shah notified the Company of his decision to not stand for reelection to the Board at the Company’s 2026 annual meeting of shareholders, to be held on June 18, 2026 (the “Annual Meeting”). Mr. Shah is the Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board and is also member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Shah will continue to serve as a director until the Annual Meeting.
Mr. Shah’s decision to not stand for reelection at the Annual Meeting is not the result of any disagreement with the Company or the Board on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices, or any other matter. In connection with Mr. Shah’s decision to not stand for reelection at the Annual Meeting, the Board determined to decrease the number of directors on the Board from eight to seven, effective as of the date of the Annual Meeting. Also effective as of the date of the Annual Meeting, the Board has determined that Nathaniel J. Lipman will serve as the Chair of the Audit Committee.
Section 7 – Regulation FD
Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.
On May 1, 2026, the Company issued a press release announcing the appointment of Mr. Protell to the Board of the Company, among other things. A copy of the press release is furnished with this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
The information furnished under this item shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any other filing under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.
Section 9 – Financial Statements and Exhibits
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(d)Exhibits.
99.1 | Press release issued May 1, 2026 | |||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document). | |||||||
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: May 1, 2026 | By: | /s/ Rodolfo Rodriguez, Jr. | ||||||
| Rodolfo Rodriguez, Jr. | ||||||||
| Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary | ||||||||
Exhibit 99.1
Dave & Buster’s Announces Board of Directors Transitions
DALLAS, May 1, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc., (NASDAQ: PLAY), ("Dave & Buster's" or "the Company") today announced the appointment of Charles Protell to the Company’s Board of Directors and Audit Committee of the Board, effective April 27, 2026.
On April 30, 2026, Atish Shah notified the Company of his decision to not stand for reelection to the Company’s Board of Directors at the Company’s 2026 annual meeting of shareholders, to be held on June 18, 2026 (the “Annual Meeting”). Mr. Shah is the Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board and is also a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Shah will continue to serve as a director until the Annual Meeting.
“On behalf of the Board, we are pleased to welcome Charles to our team,” said Kevin Sheehan, Board Chair. “Charles has an exceptional background in entertainment management and broader finance that we believe will be a tremendous asset to our organization for many years to come. We would also like to take the opportunity to thank Atish for his over five years of service as a member of our Board. His dedication as the Chair of our Audit Committee will not be forgotten and we wish him the very best in his undoubtedly bright professional future.”
About Charles Protell
Mr. Protell is currently the President and Chief Financial Officer of Golden Entertainment. He joined Golden as Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Financial Officer in November 2016 and was promoted to President in August 2019. Mr. Protell currently serves on Golden’s compliance committee and previously also served as Golden’s Treasurer. Prior to joining Golden, Mr. Protell served as managing director at Macquarie Capital’s investment banking group since May 2011, and as co-founder and a managing director at REGAL Capital Advisors from January 2009 until its acquisition by Macquarie Capital in May 2011. Prior to co-founding REGAL Capital Advisors, Mr. Protell held various investment banking roles at Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank and CIBC World Markets. Mr. Protell received a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce from the University of Virginia.
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 243 venues 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 179 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 64 Main Event branded stores in 22 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 four Dave & Buster’s franchise stores currently open. For more information about each brand, visit daveandbusters.com and mainevent.com.
For Investor Relations Inquiries:
Cory Hatton, Head of Entertainment Finance, Investor Relations & Treasurer
Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc.
Cory.Hatton@daveandbusters.com
1
FAQ
What board changes did Dave & Buster’s (PLAY) announce on May 1, 2026?
Dave & Buster’s announced that Charles H. Protell joined its Board and Audit Committee effective April 27, 2026. The company also disclosed that director Atish Shah will not stand for reelection at the June 18, 2026 annual meeting and will serve until that date.
Who is Charles H. Protell, the new Dave & Buster’s (PLAY) board member?
Charles H. Protell is President and Chief Financial Officer of Golden Entertainment. He previously served as Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Financial Officer there, and held senior investment banking roles at Macquarie Capital, REGAL Capital Advisors, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank and CIBC World Markets.
Why is Dave & Buster’s (PLAY) director Atish Shah leaving the board?
Atish Shah notified Dave & Buster’s that he will not stand for reelection at the 2026 annual meeting on June 18, 2026. The company stated his decision is not due to any disagreement regarding its operations, policies, practices, or any other matter and he will serve until the meeting.
How will Dave & Buster’s (PLAY) board and Audit Committee change after the 2026 annual meeting?
Following the June 18, 2026 annual meeting, Dave & Buster’s board size will decrease from eight to seven directors. At that time, Nathaniel J. Lipman will become Chair of the Audit Committee, whose members will include Lipman, Allen R. Weiss and Charles Protell, among others noted.
How large is Dave & Buster’s (PLAY) current store base in North America?
Dave & Buster’s owns and operates 243 venues in North America under its Dave & Buster’s and Main Event brands. This includes 179 Dave & Buster’s stores in 43 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, plus 64 Main Event locations in 22 U.S. states offering family entertainment experiences.
Does Dave & Buster’s (PLAY) have any international franchise locations?
Yes. Dave & Buster’s is in early-stage international growth as a franchisor of its brands. The company reports that four Dave & Buster’s franchise stores are currently open outside its core company-operated North American footprint, complementing its owned venues in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.