Dave & Buster's plans moving forward in Moosic

Robert Tomkavage, The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.
Updated ·2 min read

Jun. 7—A destination restaurant set to provide entertainment and games with its snacks and entrées leaps closer to reality on Montage Mountain.

After more than three years of discussion and speculation, crews for Dave & Buster's will begin construction on Monday at a location at the Shoppes at Montage.

It will be the restaurant, bar and arcade chain's first venue in Northeast Pennsylvania. Planners aim to complete construction by spring 2024, Moosic Borough Zoning Officer James Snyder said.

"They had some issues trying to get materials over the winter," Snyder said. "That was the hold up, but they're definitely coming."

Bob Durkin, president of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, feels the company's commitment to the region bodes well for its future outlook.

"National enterprises like Dave & Buster's work off analytics," he said. "When they come to an area, they've done their homework and looked at the demographics. Somebody in the decision-making process saw Lackawanna County and Northeastern Pennsylvania had the right pieces."

Durkin noted Dave & Buster's represents another sign of growth for the area and he thinks there is more to come.

"The depth and range of economic development on that mountain is fantastic," Durkin said. "We think this is one more really valuable piece to the puzzle, but the puzzle isn't finished yet."

Dave & Buster's of Pennsylvania Inc., a subsidiary of Coppell, Texas-based Dave & Buster's Entertainment Inc., paid USPG Portfolio Five LLC, an affiliate of the Shoppes at Montage owner, Ohio-based U.S. Properties Group, $1.9 million in April to buy 4.041 acres of land next to the Food & Fire BBQ Taphouse in the Shoppes.

The borough's Zoning Board of Adjustments granted Dave & Buster's setback variances in February 2020. The planning commission conditionally approved the publicly traded company's plans in December 2021 to build a 19,336-square-foot restaurant and arcade. In February 2022, the zoning board approved a variance allowing additional signs.

Attempts to reach representatives from Dave & Buster's for comment Wednesday were unsuccessful.

Ben Fileccia, senior vice president of strategy and engagement for the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association, believes the new restaurant will provide a significant boost to the county's economy.

"It's a really great spot for families and adult groups, as well," he said. "They are great employers, and they definitely bring a lot of jobs to the area. When you have a restaurant/entertainment venue like that, it becomes a destination because it's such a cool, unique experience."

Contact the writer: rtomkavage@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9131; @rtomkavage on Twitter.