Finally! The buzz around town about the opening of Dave & Busters will come to fruition this Saturday, September 22nd when the Orland Park location opens its doors for the grand opening. It is on the site that formerly housed the Orland Square Theaters just off of 151st and LaGrange Road which has been vacant for over 11 years.
I, for one, am super excited about the space being occupied and that a venue that is sure to be successful will be in operation.
Dave & Buster’s is described as “the sports destination that combines great food and big fun.” Although, I like my friend’s recent description a bit better; she said “Think Chuck-e-Cheese, but for adults.”
I can’t wait to check it out.
“We are excited to bring the sports and entertainment fans of Orland Park and surrounding communities the fun and welcoming atmosphere Dave and Buster’s is known for,” said Gary Passardi, Regional Operations Director, “and adding lively staff members to our team is the key to creating an unbeatable experience for our guests.”
Throughout the last six weeks, Dave & Buster’s hired approximately 205 employees. A search on the company website still shows a short list of jobs that are available, including Line Cook, Captain and Maintenance positions.
The Orland Park location will accommodate up to 850 people and boast 25,000 square feet of sports, fun and food just south of Orland Square Mall at 49 Orland Square.
Dallas-based Dave & Buster’s is part bar, part restaurant and the rest adult arcade. Existing stores are in Addison and at 1030 N. Clark St. in Chicago. The Orland Park location is third Dave & Buster’s in Illinois.
Guests of the new Dave & Buster’s will enjoy trying new menu items like Pretzel dogs, adult snow cones and a new gourmet burger line while watching their favorite team on the massive flat screen TV’s surrounding the sports bar and perfectly positioned within the restaurant. The Orland Park and surrounding communities will find good times, great food and sports fun around the corner this fall.
Orland Park Mom had some questions about this new Orland Park venue and General Manager Mike McCormick was more than happy to oblige:
OPM: What can you tell me about Dave and Busters as a company (history)?
MM: Dave & Buster’s was created in Dallas in the late 70’s when two men named Dave & Buster combined their separate businesses in an empty warehouse. By December of 1982, doors opened to the very first “Dave & Buster’s,” a destination for big fun and great food served by the friendliest people in town. Perseverance and scores of talented people put Dave & Buster’s on the map for good and today, the D&B family has grown to include locations across the country and around the world.
OPM: Why Orland Park?
MM: At Dave & Buster’s, we always seek strong communities where fun lives. Orland Park is one of Chicago’s most vibrant suburban communities, a great place that people from neighboring areas frequent and a natural next location for Dave & Buster’s.
OPM: When is the proposed grand opening date?
MM: Our grand opening will be Saturday, September 22nd and we could not be more excited. When the doors open, we will welcome the entire community with a portion of the proceeds benefiting local non-profit Do it Stevie’s Way. We strive to be part of the communities where we live and are excited for our grand opening to be fun, engaging and community-based.
OPM: Will there be any grand opening festivities?
MM: Yes! Throughout the weekend there will be appearances from The Score 670, the Bears drum line and mascot as well as giveaways, great games and of course, amazing food and drink.
OPM: Tell me about the jobs/positions that are/will be available.
MM: Dave & Buster’s, the sports destination that combines great food and big fun, will bring more than 200 open positions including bartenders, servers, cooks and host staff. Lively staff members are the key to creating an unbeatable experience for our guests. Dave & Buster’s will hire approximately 205 employees at this location.
OPM: Why work for Dave and Busters?
MM: We employee the friendliest people in town who help to build and exciting and fun atmosphere! Working here is not only a great opportunity but it’s a great way to be a part of an exciting community that celebrates each other and our customers.
OPM: How does D & B’s plan to involve/give back to the community?
MM: At our grand opening Saturday the 22nd we are honored to benefit Do It Stevie’s Way, a local scholarship foundation created in memory of Steven Bajenski. We always look for opportunities to give back to the community.
OPM: Hours of operation once open for business?
MM: Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – Midnight
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
OPM: Will D & B’s offer “school nights” as fundraisers?
MM: At this moment, we do not have plans for that but would certainly be open to have the initial conversations.
OPM: What else would you like me to tell the community about D & B’s?
MM: Dave & Buster’s is unique because we appeal to many different audiences. Families, sports lovers and young adults alike will all have a great time at D&B because we strive to deliver fun for all. Come join us when we open our doors to big fun on September 22!
OPM: what would you like the financial control persons in the area (AKA moms) to know about D & B’s?
MM: Dave & Buster’s combination of entertainment, food and games at an affordable price is a perfect choice for any family day out. Moms can appreciate our new menu items including a gourmet burger line, adult snow cones and pretzel dogs. While their children will enjoy the hundreds of games on the midway.
Thank you to Mike for taking the time to be interviewed!
I am looking forward to visiting Dave & Buster’s this weekend and just so you know, the high score on the games that reads OPM, yeah, that would be me. I am intrigued by this “adult snow cone” and think the kids may need to stay home. See you there!
Orland Park Mom 