Photo courtesy of Luis Suñer- El Mañana
McAllen- McAllen will soon add another dynamic dining and entertainment option to South Texas with the planned opening of Dave & Buster's. City leaders made the announcement April 27 during a press conference at McAllen City Hall. The new attraction will cement McAllen as the region’s entertainment hub and serve flourishing residential and high-traffic areas along Expressway 83.
Mayor Jim Darling said that adding signature venues like Dave & Buster’s has been a longtime strategic goal for the city and not only will grow the retail base, but serve international visitors using the Anzalduas Bridge and McAllen-Hidalgo crossing.
“Dave and Busters will provide the greater McAllen area with a very unique and exciting venue,” Mayor Darling said. “Dave & Buster’s location in the McAllen Convention Center area will be a great addition - offering an even greater variety of entertainment opportunities. This is just another example of how our city is a vibrant, energetic, viable place for growth.”
The new Dave & Buster's will be built along Expressway 83 and 29th street. Each location has a full-service restaurant and a video arcade, along with skill games and a sports bar. The company has more than 70 locations across the United States and the closest restaurant to the Rio Grande Valley is currently in San Antonio.
“Dave & Buster’s is an iconic company that provides families with great entertainment around the country. The fact that there was not one in the Rio Grande Valley was an important factor for us,” City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E. said. “It’s a huge win for the citizens of McAllen but also for the entire region because people will travel to go to a Dave & Buster’s.”
Diversifying development is an integral part of McAllen’s strategic plan. More than $100 million in new restaurants, hotels and stores have opened their doors on McAllen’s west side as the city expands its commercial and retail presence around the Convention Center corridor.
"Dave & Buster's is thrilled to open in McAllen, bringing hundreds of jobs and a unique, high-energy venue offering the latest in entertainment to the city. Dave & Buster's is unlike anything McAllen has seen before, with a one-of-a-kind gaming experience, innovative food & beverage and ultimate sports viewing,” said President Dolf Berle. “We are excited to introduce the Dave & Buster’s brand to local residents, and look forward to contributing to McAllen's growth and future.”
The Dallas-based company will join the Embassy Suites Hotel, La Quinta Inns & Suites, the McAllen Performing Arts Center, various unique restaurants and shopping centers such as Zoe’s Kitchen, Corner Bakery, Starbucks and Shops At 29 that have opened up around the convention center.
“Dave & Buster's 30,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility is the perfect complement to Shops At 29 and expands our offering to over 200,000 square feet of shopping, dining and entertainment,” said Developer Will Collins, Terracor Real Estate Services. “We are extremely grateful to the City of McAllen for their support.”
The company plans to break ground in 30 days for the entertainment venue and have it open by the first quarter of 2017.
“We will continue to work to bring exciting entertainment venues around the convention center. As we continue to plan for the future of the convention center, providing venues for the tourists, the travelers and our business professionals is a priority,” Rodriguez said. “Dave & Buster’s is a destination and this definitely helps us towards our goal of becoming a destination city.”