For over two decades, Dave & Buster’s has been a popular entertainment destination in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, known for its arcade games, food, drinks, and social atmosphere. However, recent reports suggest that this long-standing fixture at 1030 N. Clark Street may be relocating to a new, even more prominent location: Water Tower Place on Michigan Avenue. This potential move has sparked discussions and some controversy within the local community, raising questions about the future of entertainment in both locations.
The news of a possible relocation surfaced during a community meeting where officials announced that Dave & Buster’s had signed a lease to occupy the fourth floor of Water Tower Place, a well-known shopping mall on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. This move would place Dave & Buster’s in a significantly more upscale and tourist-heavy area, potentially broadening its reach and attracting a different clientele. The proposed space in Water Tower Place is substantial, reportedly encompassing about half of the fourth floor at 835 N. Michigan Avenue, with an anticipated opening in 2020, according to initial reports.
However, the announcement wasn’t met with universal enthusiasm. Some residents expressed strong opposition at the community meeting, with concerns ranging from the perceived impact on Water Tower Place’s image to worries about safety and the type of crowd the new location might attract. Regrettably, some of this opposition included racially charged language and classist undertones, with some residents expressing a desire to keep Dave & Buster’s, and by extension, certain types of patrons, out of the prestigious Michigan Avenue area. These reactions, while not representative of the entire community, highlight existing social and economic divides within Chicago and the complexities of neighborhood development.
Despite the negative reactions from a vocal minority, the potential move to Water Tower Place presents a significant opportunity for Dave & Buster’s. The company, headquartered in Dallas, already operates multiple locations in the Chicago area and across North America, and this move could be seen as a strategic effort to modernize and expand its presence in a key market. As Alderman Brian Hopkins (2nd Ward) mentioned, Dave & Buster’s views this relocation as a chance to “expand its footprint in Chicago and redesign its space.” This aligns with the company’s broader strategy of adapting to the evolving entertainment landscape.
The traditional arcade business model has shifted significantly with the rise of mobile gaming and home entertainment. Dave & Buster’s, recognizing this trend, has been adapting by focusing more on the sports bar and dining aspects of its business, while still offering a robust arcade experience. The new location at Water Tower Place could reflect this evolution, potentially featuring a more streamlined arcade area alongside an enhanced dining and bar experience. This adaptation is crucial for Dave & Buster’s to remain relevant and competitive in the modern entertainment market, especially in a sophisticated city like Chicago.
While the move is not yet finalized and community concerns remain, the potential relocation of Dave & Buster’s from its long-time Clark Street location to Water Tower Place signifies a notable shift in Chicago’s entertainment landscape. It reflects both the evolving nature of entertainment businesses and the ongoing dynamics of neighborhood development and perception in a major urban center. Whether this move ultimately happens remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly sparked a conversation about entertainment, community, and the changing face of Chicago’s iconic Magnificent Mile.
