Dave & Buster's: At the finish line
It was a huge win to bring the first Dave & Buster’s to South Dakota. But like other projects affected by the global pandemic, not everything took place the way it was originally planned. Here’s a look back at the process of bringing Dave & Buster’s to South Dakota, and more specifically, Lake Lorraine.
May 2018
Representatives from Van Buskirk Companies and Dave & Buster’s visited at the annual ICSC conference in Las Vegas. This conference of brokers and brands is where deals come together. Dave & Buster’s had been on the “most wanted” list by Sioux Falls residents for several years.
March 2019
The project was approved and lease negotiations began.
June 2019
A lease was officially signed for property at Lake Lorraine.
July 2019
Friessen Development, Inc. and Van Buskirk Companies held a press conference officially announcing that Dave & Buster’s would bring a smaller version of its restaurant/bar/arcade to Lake Lorraine.
March 2020
“Stop all construction until further notice” was the message sent company-wide at Dave & Buster’s due to COVID-19.
April 2020
The Sioux Falls arcade was one of 14 Dave & Buster’s under construction at the time of the construction halt. The exterior of the Lake Lorraine building was completed and ready to turn over to Dave & Buster’s to finish. The initial plan was that the Lake Lorraine location would open in August 2020. At this time, all Dave & Buster’s locations were temporarily closed.
Throughout 2020-2021
Van Buskirk Company representatives continued conversations with Dave & Buster’s representatives, touting South Dakota’s business climate and encouraging them to resume construction at the Sioux Falls location.
July 2021
Dave & Buster’s representatives confirmed that work would continue on the Sioux Falls location after confirming bids for the remainder of the project.
April 2022
Dave & Buster’s will officially open at Lake Lorraine! Friessen Development, Inc. and Van Buskirk Companies are excited for opening day on Monday, April 4.
