Last Updated: April 13, 2026
To apply at Dave & Buster’s, visit daveandbusters.com/jobs, select your preferred location and role, and submit an online application. Most positions require applicants to be at least 16 years old; alcohol service roles require 18+. Background checks are required but drug tests are not.
How to Apply at Dave & Buster’s
Step 1: Visit Dave & Buster’s Careers Site
Go to daveandbusters.com/jobs to access their online application portal. The site displays all current openings across their locations nationwide.
Step 2: Select Your Location
Browse available positions by filtering for your preferred venue location. Dave & Buster’s has locations in most major metropolitan areas across the United States. Each location manages its own hiring for various positions.
Step 3: Choose Your Role
Select from available positions such as game technician, host/hostess, server, bartender, or kitchen staff. Read the full job description and requirements for your chosen role, paying attention to shift availability and any age or certification requirements.
Step 4: Complete Your Application
Fill out the online application form with your contact information, work history, and availability. Be honest about your schedule; Dave & Buster’s values employees who can commit to consistent shifts, especially evenings and weekends.
Step 5: Attend Your Interview
If selected, you’ll be contacted for an in-person interview at your preferred location. Interviews are typically casual and focus on personality, enthusiasm, and ability to work in a fast-paced, social environment.
Dave & Buster’s Job Positions & Pay Rates
| Position | Hourly Rate | Age Requirement & Key Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| Game Technician / Host / Hostess | $12–$16/hr | 16+, basic troubleshooting skills, friendly demeanor |
| Server | $14–$19/hr + tips | 18+, strong communication, food service knowledge |
| Bartender | $15–$22/hr + tips | 21+, mixology skills, state alcohol server certification |
| Kitchen / Line Cook | $15–$26/hr | 18+, food safety knowledge, ability to work under pressure |
Dave & Buster’s Application Requirements
Minimum age varies by position. Game technicians, hosts, and kitchen staff must be at least 16 years old. Servers must be 18+. Bartenders must be 21+ and possess a valid state Alcohol Server Certification, which Dave & Buster’s requires before hire.
All candidates must pass a background check that includes criminal history verification. The background process typically takes 5–7 business days. Dave & Buster’s does not require pre-employment drug testing for most positions.
You should demonstrate reliability, a positive attitude, and comfort working in a high-energy, social environment. Dave & Buster’s emphasizes customer service, teamwork, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Strong communication skills and availability for evening and weekend shifts are essential.
Dave & Buster’s Interview Process
Dave & Buster’s hiring process is relatively informal and focuses on personality and cultural fit.
Online Application: Submit your application through the careers portal. You’ll receive an email confirmation and may be contacted within 5–10 business days if your application is being considered.
Phone or In-Person Interview (15–30 minutes): A manager will contact you to schedule an interview. Interviews are casual and may occur in a group setting or one-on-one. Expect questions about your availability, previous customer service experience, and why you’re interested in working at Dave & Buster’s. Managers look for positive energy and team players.
Restaurant Walk-Through: You may be invited to visit the location to observe the environment and meet team members. This helps you understand the fast-paced, social atmosphere and determines if it’s a good fit.
Offer & Training: If selected, you’ll receive an offer contingent on background check clearance. New hires participate in orientation training on POS systems, food safety, alcohol service (for bartenders), and company policies. On-the-job training with experienced staff typically lasts 1–2 weeks.
Dave & Buster’s Employee Benefits
Dave & Buster’s offers benefits packages tailored specifically to hourly hospitality workers, with particular emphasis on immediate perks and flexible scheduling:
- Meal Discounts: Employees receive generous discounts on food and beverages at their location, typically 25–50% off, helping reduce personal food costs during your shift.
- Game Play Credit: A unique benefit: hourly employees receive approximately $5 in free game play credit per shift worked. Over a year of part-time work, this accumulates significantly and reflects Dave & Buster’s culture of employee fun and engagement.
- Flexible Scheduling: Managers actively work with employee availability to create schedules around school, other jobs, or personal commitments. No rigid scheduling locks; availability preferences are honored when possible.
- 401(k) Retirement Plan: Full-time employees are eligible for a 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions, allowing you to start saving for retirement early in your career.
- Health Insurance: Full-time employees working 35+ hours per week are eligible for comprehensive health insurance coverage including medical, dental, and vision.
- Strong Tipping Culture: Servers and bartenders benefit from Dave & Buster’s strong tipping environment. Average tips range from 15–20% of orders, and popular shifts can generate $50–$150+ in tips per shift. Busy evenings and weekend shifts offer the highest earning potential.
- Team Discounts & Perks: Employee discounts on merchandise, birthday bonuses, and occasional gift card bonuses for strong performance.
- Career Growth & Advancement: Employees can advance from host/server to shift leader (additional $1–$2/hr), assistant manager, and general manager roles with demonstrated performance and completion of training certifications. Promotions often come with significant raises and benefits improvements.
Dave & Buster’s Career Development
Dave & Buster’s promotes internal advancement and has a strong track record of hiring managers from entry-level positions. Hosts and servers can advance to shift leaders and assistant managers within 1–2 years with strong performance, positive customer feedback, and completion of training programs. Many general managers running Dave & Buster’s locations started as entry-level servers or hosts, demonstrating the company’s commitment to promoting from within.
The company offers structured management development programs for employees interested in supervisory or multi-unit leadership roles. These programs include training in restaurant operations, P&L management, team leadership, and customer experience optimization. Bartenders and servers with strong sales skills and customer relationship abilities can move into cocktail program trainer, beverage manager, or food and beverage director positions. Advancement to area management and district-level roles is possible for high-performing location managers.
Cross-training across different roles (game tech, server, bartender, kitchen) is actively encouraged and increases both your flexibility and advancement opportunities. Employees who demonstrate versatility across multiple positions are often prioritized for shift leader and management roles. Employees interested in restaurant and entertainment operations can pursue specialized positions in inventory management, scheduling coordination, event planning and promotion, or loss prevention. The company also hires headquarters positions in marketing, operations, and supply chain for ambitious employees interested in corporate career paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I get hired at Dave & Buster’s?
The hiring timeline is typically 1–3 weeks from application to offer. Phone screens usually happen within 5–10 business days; interviews follow shortly after. Background checks add another 5–7 business days. High-volume locations with urgent staffing needs may move faster.
Do I need restaurant experience to work at Dave & Buster’s?
No. Dave & Buster’s hires entry-level candidates for host, game technician, and kitchen positions. Previous customer service experience is helpful but not required. The company provides on-the-job training for all new hires.
Is a bartender certification required before applying?
A valid state Alcohol Server Certification is required before you can begin bartending, but you can apply for the position without it if you’re willing to obtain the certification before your start date. Dave & Buster’s sometimes provides or covers certification costs for new hires.
What are typical shifts at Dave & Buster’s?
Most shifts fall between 4 p.m. and midnight, with extended hours on weekends. Servers, bartenders, and hosts work evenings and weekends primarily. Some day shifts may be available for kitchen or game technician roles. Full availability for evenings and weekends is highly valued.
Can I work part-time at Dave & Buster’s?
Yes. Many employees work part-time, especially students. Part-time availability is flexible and can range from 15–35 hours per week depending on location demand. However, better shifts and benefits typically favor employees with full-time or consistent availability.