Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. announced on August 11, 2026, that the Board of Directors has appointed Amanda Busby as the company's Chief Operations Officer. Ms. Busby, age 53, brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in the restaurant, hospitality, and entertainment sectors. Prior to joining Dave & Buster's, she served as President of Operational Excellence, Commercial, Culinary, and Marketing at SSP America, Inc., where she led operations for a business with over 450 restaurants across nearly 60 airports in North America. Previously, she spent 19 years at Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., ultimately serving as Vice President of Operations.
In connection with her appointment, Ms. Busby entered into an employment agreement effective August 11, 2026. The agreement stipulates an annualized base salary of $450,000, with a target annual cash bonus of 70% of her salary. She is also eligible to participate in the company's 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan and standard employee benefit plans. On August 31, 2026, she received a one-time grant of 72,464 restricted stock units (RSUs), a stock option to purchase 74,294 shares with an exercise price of $8.97 per share, and performance stock units (PSUs) representing up to 55,741 shares. The RSUs and options will vest in three installments over three years, while the PSUs will vest based on the achievement of same-store sales targets.
The company also announced the appointment of Derek Sample as Chief Accounting Officer, effective August 11, 2026, with the designation of principal accounting officer following on August 25, 2026. Mr. Sample, age 40, brings over 20 years of finance and accounting experience, most recently serving as Vice President of Business Transformation at Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. His employment agreement includes an annualized base salary of $315,000 and a target annual cash bonus of 50% of his salary. On August 31, 2026, he received a grant of 39,019 RSUs, a stock option to purchase 52,006 shares with an exercise price of $8.97 per share, and PSUs representing up to 39,019 shares, all subject to vesting schedules tied to performance metrics.
The filing notes that both executives have agreed to non-competition and non-solicitation covenants following termination. Additionally, the company reported on August 24, 2026, the appointment of 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.
