Home > News & Advice > News Obituaries > James “Buster” Corley (1951–2023), co-founder of Dave & Buster’s 

James “Buster” Corley (1951–2023), co-founder of Dave & Buster’s 

by Linnea Crowther

James “Buster” Corley was the co-founder of the Dave & Buster’s chain of restaurants with arcades. 

Dave & Buster’s 

Corley started out in business as the owner of a bar called Buster’s in Little Rock, Arkansas, named after his own nickname since childhood. In 1982, he teamed up with David Corriveau (1951–2015), who owned a gaming business next door, to create Dave & Buster’s. They opened their first Dave & Buster’s in Dallas, a mash-up of their two previous businesses as a full-service restaurant with an extensive video arcade. Over the years, they expanded to more than 150 locations. Corley served as CEO of Dave & Buster’s at one point. 

Notable quote 

“[T]here could not be any better relief for stress that’s legal and public than Dave & Buster’s.” —from a 1996 interview for the Washington Post 

Tributes to James “Buster” Corley 

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Buster of Dave & Buster’s. I had the privilege to open the very 1st Dave and…

Posted by Sherry Jo Matt on Wednesday, January 4, 2023

I’m grief-stricken and devastated to hear the tragic news of Buster’s death. I think and speak of Buster often, as he…

Posted by Debbie Cerda on Wednesday, January 4, 2023

R.I.P. back in the day 1990-2001 I dined & played video games at Dave & Buster's in NJ & NY

Posted by Karmyn Caraballo on Tuesday, January 3, 2023

Full obituary:The Dallas Morning News 

View More Legacy Videos

More Stories