Analysis based on 300+ posts, 67 reels, and content from 2025-2026
Dave & Buster's speaks like your witty, fun friend who's always down for a good time. The brand is:
Serious ←——————●——→ Playful
(Leans heavily playful)
Corporate ←——————●——→ Human
(Very human, almost zero corporate-speak)
Formal ←——————●——→ Casual
(Ultra casual, internet-native)
The Confident Statement:
"Lock in. Strap in. The Human Crane is now nationwide." "Traveling is overrated." "Our curbs won't betray you, @joejonas"
The Relatable Meme Voice:
"1/2 price games have done wonders for my mental health." "It autocorrected to PLAYOFFS @ D&B. It must know something I don't." "Fitness influencers: 'Do 20 squats.' Me: No, it's all about the mind games."
The Hype Moment:
"Let's GOOOOOOOAKHIQWYTUYWJANJVIHAZMNV!" "Ready, set, GO! 🚨"
Pop Culture Tie-In:
"We did it for the realm." (Game of Thrones) "Fire & Buster's? Dave & Ash?" (Avatar reference) "Forget brooms… real witches ride the human crane."
| Use This | Not This | |----------|----------| | "1/2 price games" | "50% off arcade games" | | "game day" | "sports viewing event" | | "vibe" / "vibes" | "atmosphere" | | "hit different" | "is unique" | | "lowkey" / "fr" | formal equivalents | | "let's go" | "we're excited" | | "fire" / "goes hard" | "excellent" | | "run don't walk" | "hurry in" |
Frequency: ~40% of content Key Messages:
Sample Captions:
"Testing the $19.99 Eat & Play Combo to see if it's actually worth it... 👀" "We take the 'play' in Eat & Play Combo very seriously!"
Frequency: ~25% of content Key Messages:
Sample Captions:
"1/2 price games have done wonders for my mental health." "PSA: Strong winds have officially brought 1/2 price games to every D&B Sun-Thurs 💨"
Frequency: Heavy in late 2025, ongoing Key Messages:
Frequency: ~10% of content Key Messages:
Sample Captions:
"There is an 100% chance I'll be in the human crane at midnight." "Forget brooms… real witches ride the human crane."
Frequency: Seasonal peaks (playoffs, UFC, etc.) Key Messages:
#DaveAndBusters (or #daveandbusters)
#EPCAtDnB - Eat & Play Combo
#DnBNewMenu - Menu launch
#DnBHumanCrane - Human Crane content
#WatchAtDnB - Sports content
#AllNewDnB - Rebrand content
#DaveAndBustersPartner
#ad or #sponsored
| Format | % of Content | Purpose | |--------|--------------|---------| | UGC/Influencer Reposts | 45% | Authenticity, reach | | Original Brand Content | 30% | Promotions, announcements | | Memes/Pop Culture | 15% | Engagement, shareability | | Food Photography | 10% | Menu promotion |
creds to @[username]
cc @[username]
cc @[username] on TT (for TikTok)
IG: @[username]
TT: @[username]
TikTok: @[username]
📍 @daveandbusters
🎥 : @[username]
Tier 1: Celebrity Athletes (Major Campaigns) | Creator | Platform | Category | Partnership Type | |---------|----------|----------|------------------| | @cooper_flagg | IG | NBA (#1 Draft Pick, Mavs) | Campaign ambassador, giveaway collabs | | @tonibreidinger | IG/TT | NASCAR Driver | Official sponsorship, race branding | | @_micahparsons11 | IG | NFL (Cowboys) | Human Crane promo | | @antdavis23 | IG | NBA | Watch party content | | @gilbert_burns | IG | UFC Fighter | Fight night promos | | @themoroccandevil | IG | UFC Fighter | Fight night promos | | @mathieu_era | IG | NFL | 1-on-1 content |
Tier 2: Food & Lifestyle Micro-Influencers (Ongoing Content) | Creator | Platform | Niche | Content Style | |---------|----------|-------|---------------| | @hougottatrythis | IG | Houston Food | Local food reviews | | @kmmcrea | IG/TT | Lifestyle | Fun day content | | @Mrs.Myrna | IG | CA Lifestyle | Family fun | | @roshnichandihok | IG/TT | Lifestyle | Date night, friends | | @lolaaarodriguezz | IG | Content | Menu reviews | | @roadtriparcadeadventures | IG | Arcade | Gaming content |
Tier 3: TikTok Native Creators (Viral/Trending)
| Partner | Type | Activation | |---------|------|------------| | @makeawishamerica | Charity | Super Bowl wish experiences | | @backyardsportsofficial | Gaming | In-store events, All-Star events | | @kingshawaiian | Food Brand | Menu collaboration (Triple Play Platter) | | @dallasmavs | Sports Team | Cooper Flagg campaign, merch giveaways | | @zillanational | Esports | Gaming events | | @netflix | Entertainment | Running Point show tie-in |
What They Look For:
Content Requirements:
Campaign Activation Types:
Mandatory:
#DaveAndBustersPartner
#ad or #sponsored
Campaign-Specific:
#EPCAtDnB (Eat & Play Combo)
#DnBNewMenu (Menu content)
#AllNewDnB (Renovated locations)
#DBFlaggChallenge (Cooper Flagg campaign)
#daveandbustersduo (Date Night Duo)
Based on transcription analysis of 67 reels
| Type | % of Videos | Description | |------|-------------|-------------| | Music-Only/Trending Audio | ~50% | Montages, memes, quick cuts synced to beats | | Voiceover + Music | ~35% | Creator talking over background music | | Direct-to-Camera Talking | ~15% | Vlog-style, authentic creator content |
Opening Hooks (First 3 seconds):
Common Voiceover Patterns:
"I didn't expect it to be this good" "This is actually insane" "I came here expecting arcade food and left feeling like I want to come back just for the food" "You wouldn't believe this is Dave & Busters"
"For under $20 you can get a full meal and gameplay" "The value is truly unmatched" "$19.99 gets you a full entree and a $10 power card" "You can upgrade to 90 minutes of unlimited gameplay"
"Bold flavors, big portions" "Perfectly grilled, juicy in the middle" "This burger has a kick that wakes you up" "Look at these items on the menu - look at the salads, the burgers, the pasta"
"Dave & Buster's really said dinner, drinks, and games all simplified" "Dave & Buster's isn't just for games anymore" "It's our new go-to spot"
Food Review Style:
"I bet you wouldn't have guessed where I'm at right now because this is Dave & Buster's. Your favorite spot for games and fun just dropped a whole new menu and it's actually insane. From mistaken ribs to elevated food... I came here expecting some arcade food and left feeling like I want to come back just for the food. I washed it down with a mocktail and then ordered just one more thing. So yeah, Dave & Buster's isn't just for games anymore - this new menu is crazy."
Value Proposition Style:
"Honestly didn't expect it to be this good. Bold flavors, big portions, and the kind of menu that makes you want to order one of everything. And for under $20 you can get a full meal and gameplay - the value is truly unmatched. After dinner it turned into a full-on game night - drinks in one hand, competition in the other. Dave & Buster's really said dinner, drinks, and games all simplified. It's our new go-to spot."
Casual/Comedic Style:
"Hey guys, I'm hosting friendsgiving at my place this year and I'm dreading all the prep work... just kidding! I'm doing friendsgiving at Dave & Buster's this year."
DO:
DON'T:
| Category | Audio Type | Example | |----------|-----------|---------| | Food Reveals | Voiceover + trending sound | Creator tries new menu items | | Game Montages | Music-only, trending audio | Quick cuts of arcade gameplay | | Date Night/Friends | Light voiceover or music | Group enjoying D&B experience | | Transformation/Surprise | Voiceover buildup | "You wouldn't believe this is D&B" | | Meme Edits | Trending audio | Pop culture tie-ins | | Event Highlights | Music-only | Sports watch parties, special events |
Openers:
Value Emphasis:
Food Descriptions:
Closers:
"Lmk what your game day order is in the comments 🍽️🏈" "Tag a friend that you'd take to check out the Eat & Play Combo!" "What's your fight night strategy?" "Which items would you try first?"
| Day | Deal | Content Focus | |-----|------|---------------| | Sunday | 1/2 Price Games, 10 wings/$10, $5 drinks | Football watch parties | | Monday | 1/2 Price Games, All You Can Eat Wings, $5 drinks | Monday Night Football | | Tuesday | 1/2 Price Games | Midweek gaming | | Wednesday | 1/2 Price Games | "Side quest Wednesday" | | Thursday | 1/2 Price Games, 10 wings/$10, Date Night Duo, 20 wings/$20 | Thursday Night Football, Date Night | | Friday | Regular pricing | Weekend kickoff | | Saturday | Regular pricing, UFC Fight Nights | Sports events |
WINTER (December - February) | Campaign | Timing | Key Elements | |----------|--------|--------------| | Gift Card Bonus | December | $50 card = $10 bonus, "Give the gift of play" | | NYE Party | Dec 31 | $20 Power Card, unlimited games, ball drop | | Super Bowl | Early Feb | Watch parties, wing deals, Make-A-Wish partnership | | Date Night Duo | All February | $40 for 2 people, #daveandbustersduo, Valentine's angle |
Sample Winter Captions:
"📞Calling all last minute shoppers 📞 Purchase a $50 gift card, get a $10 bonus card offer." "Left the dating apps, hit the arcade, found the vibe. Thursday Date Nights at D&B" "Spread the love on Jan 1 by bringing your besties to watch bowl games & play half price games"
SPRING (March - May) | Campaign | Timing | Key Elements | |----------|--------|--------------| | March Madness | March | Basketball watch parties, bracket content | | Location Renovations | Ongoing | #DnBFutureOfPlay, #AllNewDnB, local influencer activations | | UFC Fight Nights | Monthly | Fight night specials, 1/2 off UFC Challenge game | | High-Tech Darts Launch | Spring | Social Bays, Game Suites, Arena experience |
Sample Spring Captions:
"The all-new @daveandbusters in [City] is here, and it's seriously next-level" "High Tech Darts, Social Shuffleboard, and an LED immersive arena… You have to check out the new @daveandbusters" "introducing the newly redesigned Dave & Buster's 📍[City] let's gooo"
SUMMER (June - August) | Campaign | Timing | Key Elements | |----------|--------|--------------| | Summer Season Pass | June-Aug | Unlimited Game Play, "Keep your summer stoke at all-time highs" | | Leaderboard Challenge | June-Aug | Racing games, NASCAR tie-in, car giveaway, @tonibreidinger | | #DBFlaggChallenge | June-July | Cooper Flagg NBA Draft, signed merch giveaway | | Backyard Sports Events | July | All-Star events, in-store activations | | DNBNL Tour | Summer | Drum & bass concert series at D&B locations |
Sample Summer Captions:
"Start your engines, the Leaderboard Challenge is on. Take the wheel for the chance to win epic prizes like custom racing gear, VIP NASCAR tickets, and a new car." "On the court or in the arcade, @cooper_flagg brings the heat. Wanna score signed merch?" "Keep the pedal to the metal. Grab a Summer Season Pass with Unlimited Game Play"
FALL (September - November) | Campaign | Timing | Key Elements | |----------|--------|--------------| | Fall Season Pass | Sept-Nov | Unlimited Game Play + football season tie-in | | National Video Game Day | Sept 12 | $24.99 for 1hr unlimited, 1000 ticket giveaway | | Football Watch Parties | Sept-Jan | #WatchAtDnB, 40ft screens, wing/drink deals | | New Menu Launch | Nov 2025 | #DnBNewMenu, 75+ new items, influencer blitz | | Thanksgiving/Friendsgiving | Nov | "Friendsgiving at D&B" angle |
Sample Fall Captions:
"It's the BIGGEST fight night of the year, and D&B has a seat for you" "My check list for game day: ✅ 10 Wings for $10 ✅ $5 drinks ✅ More games" "Friendsgiving on a Wednesday? Skipped the kitchen & scored 1/2 priced games. Now we're talking…" "This isn't just a menu update — it's a relaunch of the D&B dining experience!"
Standard Package:
Sample Fight Night Captions:
"By unanimous decision, Dave & Buster's is your ultimate destination to watch UFC 314" "Win Fight Night before the first bell. Come watch UFC™ 316 with us" "What's your fight night strategy? (hint: you're winning either way)"
When opening/renovating a location:
✅ Make pop culture references while they're hot ✅ Use internet slang naturally (not forced) ✅ Lean into competitive gaming culture ✅ Feature real people having real fun ✅ Acknowledge deals directly and confidently ✅ Credit creators and tag them ✅ Use emojis sparingly but effectively (🎮⚾️🔥👀)
❌ Sound like a corporate announcement ❌ Overexplain or use marketing jargon ❌ Be too promotional without entertainment value ❌ Use hashtags excessively ❌ Ignore trending moments ❌ Post food without context/story ❌ Be stiff or formal in responses
1/2 price games have done wonders for my mental health.
Traveling is overrated.
respectfully, fair
no further questions
stop kidding yourselves!
*slams Power Card*
It autocorrected to PLAYOFFS @ D&B. It must know something I don't.
Fitness influencers: "Do 20 squats." Me: No, it's all about the mind games.
Game so good almost forgot to blink.
the universe is sending you signs
still working on that hyper pitch PR but 2025 is gonna be my year
The Eat & Play Combo starts at $19.99 — full entrée + $10 Power Card.
Food's fire, games are live, and the value's unbeatable. 🎮🔥
All this without breaking a sweat. The Eat & Play Combo starts at $19.99.
10 wings for $10 and $5 drinks every Sunday, Monday and Thursday? This roster is stacked.
PSA: Strong winds have officially brought 1/2 price games to every D&B Sun-Thurs 💨
1/2 priced games all day! Ball drops at midnight! ⚡ Let's get it. 🎮
20 wings for $20? We're going to need more napkins.
This is what a night out should feel like with your friends! 💥
@[creator] tried the Eat & Play Combo #DaveAndBustersPartner #EPCAtDnB #ad
You wouldn't believe this is Dave & Busters!!! 🔥 this new menu goes so hard
#DaveAndBustersPartner #DnBNewMenu #ad
When winter is coming but so are 1/2 price games ⚔️
Fire & Buster's? Dave & Ash? 💙🧡🔥
Forget brooms… real witches ride the human crane.
Running Point is the #1 show rn on @netflix, you say? more like #1 in our hearts 🫶
We wanted to use THAT sound, but you know… brand rules. @nickiminaj how'd we do anyway?
New Year's Resolutions:
☑️ Try the human crane
☑️ Eat more steak
☑️ Play more 1/2 price games
We're officially open on SportsMas… I mean Christmas
Friendsgiving on a Wednesday? Skipped the kitchen & scored 1/2 priced games. Now we're talking… 🦃🎮
It's game day, I'm busy. Get 10 wings for $10 and $5 drafts and $5 margs every Sunday, Monday, and Thursday.
Perfect spiral, every time. Ace your next game day watch party with our 40-ft. screen, 30+ TVs, and tons of sports games.
By unanimous decision, Dave & Buster's is your ultimate destination to watch UFC 314.
Lock in. Strap in. The Human Crane is now nationwide.
Alright, here fine. We're rolling out the Human Crane Nationwide. You're welcome.
Our new menu just dropped… and it's made to be tasted and posted.
More screens. Better food. Bigger wins. What more could you ask for?
On the court or in the arcade, @cooper_flagg brings the heat. Wanna score signed merch? Here's how:
How do you celebrate when you're the #1 draft pick? Go to @daveandbusters Times Square, of course.
I know a claw machine hate to see @tonibreidinger coming 🧸
Whoever you send this to owes you a date night here 👀🎯🕹️🍻
Tag who you're bringing with you! 🥳🔥
Lmk what your game day order with the Eat and Play combo is in the comments 🍽️🏈
flattered to be America's sweetheart 💅
that one friend that makes literally evveryythinnggg about their horoscope… we are that friend.
If it were up to us you'd ALL be invited… thanks for the shoutout @nbcsnl @pleasedontdestroy
If Dave & Buster's were a person, they would:
Vibe in three words: Fun. Competitive. Unapologetic.
| Metric | Value | |--------|-------| | Eat & Play Combo starting price | $19.99 | | Power Card included | $10 | | Unlimited play upgrade | 90 minutes | | Date Night Duo Deal | $40 for 2 | | Wing deals | 10 for $10, 20 for $20 | | Happy Hour drinks | Starting at $5 | | Main screen size | 40 feet | | Number of TVs | 30+ | | New menu items (2025 launch) | 75+ | | Half-price games | Sun-Thurs |
Document generated from comprehensive analysis of 349 posts, 67 reels, and full video transcriptions from @daveandbusters Instagram content (December 2024 - January 2026)