James “Buster” Coley, the co-founder of legendary adult arcade, Dave & Buster’s, has passed away. He was 72.
TMZ reports that law enforcement officials confirmed their response to a Dallas apartment on Monday, Jan. 2 — Coley’s birthday — where they found a man who appeared to be suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and a representative from the restaurant/arcade chain confirmed Coley’s death opposite the publication.
Dallas was the location of the very first Dave & Buster’s in 1982. Coley owned a popular restaurant while his future business partner David Corriveau, owned an entertainment venue large with adults, and the two noticed that their clientele frequently hopped between them. They teamed up and Corriveau won a coin toss to have his name in first place on the brand. Today they have over 140 locations.
The D&B representative said Coley will be remembered as “an innovative and creative force” and for his “pioneering spirit”. They added: “Buster’s passion for hospitality, his standards of excellence and the deep care he had for his team members were unparalleled. Our hearts go out to his family at this difficult time, and while we will miss his sage advice and lighthearted laugh, the legacy he and Dave have built lives on.”
Police are still investigating the incident and a formal manner of death has not been announced at this time.