The Louisville, Ky.-based restaurant and family entertainment center will fill a void left by the flooding of Dave & Buster's at Opry Mills, which is on hold pending reopening of the mall.
Incredible Dave's 64,500-square-foot venue in Madison is the first step in the company's regional expansion as it seeks consumers throwing birthday parties, sports fans and "staycationers" with money to spend.
"We've become a … destination for people staying home on their vacations, but (who) still are looking for ways to enjoy themselves," said CEO David Lawrence.
RelatedDark days drag on at Opry Mills mallOpry Mills flood damage tourOpry Mills stores that movedThe Incredible Dave's concept began when Lawrence, a single father of twins, noticed everyone not having fun at a child's birthday party.
"Kids can have fun in a box, but most parents don't enjoy children's party venues," he said.
Lawrence, a long-time restaurant owner, spent three years researching and visiting 200 entertainment spots across the nation before opening the first Incredible Dave's near his home in Louisville about two years ago.
Incredible Dave's aims to bridge a gap between Chuck E. Cheese and Dave & Buster's with entertainment geared for folks ages 9 to 35.
It will include 10 Cosmic bowling lanes, Euro bungee, bumper cars, billiards, a Wii lounge, sports bar, coffee shop, three-story obstacle course, inflatables and 120 video games where players can win tickets to exchange for prizes.
The Nashville location is 10,000 square feet bigger than its Louisville sibling, with the extra space aimed at adult guests by offering them live music, 85 television screens and two bars that serve alcohol. Children can see their parents through glass walls.
The new entertainment center in Nashville called for the relocation of 14 mall tenants, Lawrence said.
Game Galaxy co-owner James Wilson said his classic video game arcade had a temporary lease with CBL & Associates Properties Inc. that was terminated after four months as Incredible Dave's began construction in the spring.
"We were told another gaming place was coming into the mall, and they basically didn't want any other entertainment in the mall," he said. "We're not going to win against something like that."
Contact Juanita Cousins at 615-259-8287, jcousins@tennessean.com or Twitter.com/talljournalist.
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