Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 8-K Current Report was filed by Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. on September 21, 2026, covering events occurring on August 11, 2026, and August 24, 2026. The filing primarily addresses significant changes in corporate governance and management, specifically the appointment of new executive officers and the disclosure of their compensatory arrangements.
Key Financial Metrics
The filing does not provide financial performance data such as revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity metrics. The document focuses exclusively on executive compensation terms and employment agreements.
Material Changes
The primary material change reported is the restructuring of the executive leadership team:
- Appointment of Chief Operations Officer: Amanda Busby was appointed as Chief Operations Officer effective August 11, 2026.
- Appointment of Chief Accounting Officer: Derek Sample was appointed as Chief Accounting Officer effective August 11, 2026, and designated as the principal accounting officer on August 25, 2026.
- Additional Leadership Changes: On August 24, 2026, the Company announced further appointments including Jeremy Tucker (Chief Marketing Officer), Kevin Fish (Chief Technology and Digital Officer), Rachel Morgan (Chief Legal and Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary), and Aldo Rosales (Chief Strategy and Revenue Management Officer).
Guidance, Outlook, and Management Commentary
The filing contains no forward-looking financial guidance, outlook, or general management commentary regarding business strategy or market conditions. However, it details specific performance-based compensation targets tied to future operational metrics:
- Stock Options: Both Ms. Busby and Mr. Sample received stock options with an exercise price of $8.97 per share. These options become earned if the Company's stock price reaches specified multiples of the exercise price by August 31, 2029.
- Performance Stock Units (PSUs): Both executives received PSUs that vest based on the Company's achievement of certain same-store sales targets over the performance period.
Risks and Contingencies: The employment agreements include standard restrictive covenants, including non-competition clauses (up to one year) and non-solicitation clauses (up to two years) following termination. Severance provisions include 12 months of base salary and medical premiums upon qualifying termination.
Important Facts for Investor Verification
- Compensation Structure: Verify the total potential payout for new executives, including base salaries ($450,000 for Busby; $315,000 for Sample), target cash bonuses (70% and 50% respectively), and equity grants.
- Equity Grant Details: Note the specific vesting schedules: RSUs vest in three equal annual installments; stock options are contingent on stock price milestones by 2029; PSUs are contingent on same-store sales targets.
- Severance Obligations: Confirm the Company's potential liability for 12 months of salary and benefits for both executives in the event of termination without cause.
- Stock Price Context: The exercise price for new options is $8.97 per share; investors should compare this to the current market price to assess the difficulty of the performance hurdles.