James “Buster” Corley, one of the co-founders of Dave & Buster’s, died this week on his birthday. He was 72 years old.
Dallas Police said that Corley died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Monday after being rushed to the hospital.
Corley’s daughter, Kate Corley, said that her father had suffered “a stroke four months ago that caused severe damage to the communication and personality part of his brain.”
Dave & Busters said in a statement that Corley was an “innovative and creative force” in his role at the entertainment chain, which provides a unique experience by combining a restaurant with an extensive number of arcade games.
“His pioneering spirit and steadfast belief that ‘everybody is somebody’ set the foundation for bringing food and games to millions of Dave & Buster’s guests over the past 40 years,” the company said.
“Buster’s passion for hospitality, his demand for excellence, and the deep care he had for his team members were unparalleled,” the company added. “Our hearts go out to his family at this difficult time and while we will miss his wise counsel and his easy laugh, the legacy he and Dave built endures.”
" Everybody is somebody, everybody is a star"
RIP to Buster Corley, to whom we owe half our name and all of our thanks. You will be missed. pic.twitter.com/Ca4cWEPY4S
— Dave & Buster's (@DaveandBusters) January 4, 2023
The idea for the company started in the late 1970s when Corley was managing a restaurant that was located near an entertainment business operated by David Corriveau.
The two men teamed up to start Dave & Buster’s and launched their first location in 1982.
The company is now worth more than a billion dollars and has dozens of locations across the country.
If you or someone you know is struggling or thinking of harming themselves, please call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
