The legendary American brand Dave & Buster’s, known for its “Eat. Drink. Play. Watch.” philosophy, is arriving in Mumbai after what seems like an eternity. The brand has redefined entertainment by uniting arcade gaming, chef-driven food & drink and the social ambiance anticipated in Dreamscape locations both in the U.S. and internationally, with 152 locations in 41 states. After a successful rollout of Dave & Buster’s in Bangalore, it is now ready to spread its wings to Americas de bon ton ever after coming to India & find its home in a city of energy, nightlife & experiences to bring out the best to you, the city of Mumbai, India’s financial and cultural capital.
This represents a key milestone in the launching of the international brand as it aims to capitalise on India’s booming entertainment market, fuelled in part by a young, experiences-driven demographic and increasing disposable incomes. Collaborating with the Malpani Group, Dave & Buster’s plans to provide the same international experience in India but with some modifications to suit local preferences. In this executive feature, Antonio Bautista and Shreya Malpani discuss the vision, challenges, and roadmap for the Indian brand. Antonio Bautista, Chief International Development Officer, Dave & Buster’s
On global strategy and India expansion:
“Our global franchising strategy identifies key markets across APAC, EMEA, and LATAM. India – a global socioeconomic powerhouse, was clearly at the forefront in Asia. It’s a market receptive to international brands, pro-business in its policies, with a dynamic social and demographic profile where disposable income allocation to entertainment continues to grow at double-digit rates. This is also a market where we believe store deployment can be both accelerated and meaningful, aligning perfectly with our objective to establish a strong and scalable presence in high-potential regions.”
On choosing the right partner in India:
“The ideal partners possess financial capability, market knowledge, and industry expertise. Beyond that, we look for cultural alignment in how we conduct business, strong organizational chemistry, and a presence in a market whose socioeconomic environment supports sustainable growth. Our partners in India tick all these boxes and they do so immaculately.” Shreya Malpani, Director, Malpani Group
On market research and timing:
“India’s entertainment market is evolving fast, fuelled by rising disposable incomes, a young and experience-driven population, and growing demand for unique leisure options, along with a strong GDP growth, the market is set for substantial growth in entertainment. There’s a huge untapped potential for adult-focused entertainment, with a clear cultural shift toward multi-dimensional, high-quality experiences. As the exclusive franchise partner for India, we see this as the perfect time to bring fresh, innovative offerings to an audience ready for them. Our research showed that urban centres like Bangalore and Mumbai have the right mix of disposable income, social culture, and appetite for something new.”
On local adaptations:
“While keeping Dave & Buster’s core DNA intact, we’ve made several changes for the Indian market. We’ve added bowling, a familiar and already popular concept here to our mix, alongside globally loved games and VR. Around 35-40% of our menu is localised to suit Indian tastes, with a balance of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Our drinks feature signature D&B cocktails as well as flavours tailored for local preferences, ensuring every guest finds something familiar yet exciting.”
On cultural and operational challenges:
“Introducing a concept like Dave & Buster’s meant addressing both consumer education and operational adaptation. From sourcing equipment that meets Indian compliance standards to training teams in delivering the signature D&B guest experience, there were steep learning curves. We were determined to uphold the global standards Dave & Buster’s is known for, ensuring that guests here enjoy the same quality and attention to detail as anywhere else in the world. We overcame challenges through meticulous planning, close collaboration with our U.S. team, and hands-on staff training.”
Standing Apart in a Competitive Market
On differentiation from India’s gaming lounges and esports hubs:
“While India has gaming lounges and arenas, Dave & Buster’s stands out by
combining high-end gaming, immersive VR, a full-service restaurant, a sports bar, and large-scale match screenings, under one roof. It’s not just about gaming; it’s about creating a social hub where guests can spend an entire evening without needing to go elsewhere.”
On long-term vision:
“We’re committed to building Dave & Buster’s into a leading indoor entertainment brand in India. Our vision includes opening 15 locations in the next 5-7 years across major metros and select tier-2 cities with high growth potential. Each venue will carry the same global standard while incorporating local flavour to keep it relevant and fresh.”
On what Mumbai guests can expect:
“A first-timer at Dave & Buster’s Mumbai can expect a space that mirrors the city’s own spirit, fast-paced, vibrant, and full of life. From the moment they walk in, the energy is electric, with cutting-edge arcade games, glow-in-the-dark bowling, immersive VR, and massive screens for live sports. The gourmet food and crafted cocktails keep the experience going, whether you’re here for a quick game or an entire evening. They’ll walk away feeling exhilarated, like they’ve just spent hours in a place that’s as dynamic, colourful, and high-energy as Mumbai itself.”
