When Atari’s cofounder Nolan Bushnell created Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza Time in 1977, he laid the groundwork for businesses like Dave & Buster’s Entertainment (Tii:PLAY), Pinstripes Holdings (Tii:PNST) and Bowlero Corp. (Tii:BOWL). Chuck E. Cheese was the first arcade, food and entertainment complex, and a dream destination where children were able to eat pizza and play arcade games, play in ball pits and tunnels, and watch an animatronic show that featured Chuck E. Cheese and his band.

Fast-forward to today. There are now more than 6,700 arcade, food and entertainment complexes nationwide, giving retail shareholders multiple investment options.

James "Buster" Corley owned a bar called "Buster's" in Little Rock, AR, next door to a saloon and game parlor called "Cash McCool's" owned by David "Dave" Corriveau. In 1982, Corley and Corriveau combined their businesses, creating Dave & Buster’s Entertainment and the first Dave & Buster’s location. Customers could enjoy the best of both experiences ― dining and entertainment ― under one roof in the original 40,000-square-foot warehouse. There are currently 145 Dave & Buster’s locations in North America where customers are invited to the venue to “Eat, Drink, Play and Watch.” The company is the largest business of its kind, in large part because of its comprehensive collection of food and fun that includes a full food menu, an impressive selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and a huge selection of entertainment options that focus on playing games and watching live sports and other televised events.

As a destination focused more on adults' interests, Dave & Buster's targeted demographic is patrons between 21 and 39. However, after the 2022 acquisition of Main Event Entertainment, a chain of 50 family entertainment centers that offer 10-pin bowling, laser tag, games, arcades, rock climbing, mini golf and ropes courses, the company’s customer base has expanded significantly.

Retail shareholders interested in investing and bowling might consider Bowlero, a company that creates experiences combining the traditions of bowling and elevated curated cocktails. In 1997, entrepreneur Tom Shannon purchased the original Bowlmor Lanes and began implementing his vision for an upscale bowling and events center. In 2013, the company purchased the struggling AMF Bowling Centers and, in 2014, acquired Brunswick, uniting the two rival companies under one umbrella.

The company cultivates experiential dining and entertainment with a special focus on social gatherings with shareable oversized drinks (100+ ounces) like the “mega-sized Moscow Mule” and a signature fishbowl cocktail aptly named “The Dunk Tank,” which is billed as a holiday party must-have. The company's reputation for mixing nightlife and bowling is part of its appeal.

Now operating as the largest 10-pin bowling center chain in the world and the parent company of the PBA (Professional Bowlers’ Association), Bowlero continues to grow. In 2023, it added Lucky Strike to its family of notable bowling brands. And with a contract with Fox signed in August 2023, Bowlero’s PBA will gain valuable exposure.

Pinstripes, a brand born in the Midwest, is a venue that also features dining and bowling. Established by CEO Dale Schwartz in 2007 in Northbrook, IL, Pinstripes cultivates the feel of an Italian-American gathering space through its cuisine and bocce courts. It offers customers a venue where parties, special events and even weddings can be held. The company went public in December 2023. Pinstripes has 13 locations in nine states but plans to have 23 by the end of the year.