Dave and Buster’s to bring a new game venue to town Monday

In what has become one of the most anticipated openings in recent history at Broadway at the Beach, Dave and Buster’s offered a sneak peek to local media members Thursday ahead of its opening to the public Monday.

There also was a soft opening to 1,500 people who RSVP’d to give some of the more than 300 employees a test run. The media and 1,500 lucky ones got to test 150 video games, watch sports on the nearly 60 televisions and try out some of the adult drinks, including the popular strawberry and watermelon margarita.

The game complex was built in the same place as the legendary Hard Rock Cafe pyramid. Hard Rock Cafe moved slightly further into Broadway at the Beach in a brand new location.

“We’ve put all the fun under one roof,” said Steve Carr, general manager of the Myrtle Beach Dave & Buster’s location. “Eat, drink, play and watch sports. “We’re an adult atmosphere with a family friendly vibe.”

Part of the more than 600-seat dining area is outside, facing the heart of what once was Celebrity Square. Broadway officials announced this week the change of Celebrity Square’s name to “The Avenue.”

Dave & Buster’s also includes a double party room, restaurant, bar, billiards and, of course, games. The company business model has customers use rechargeable power cards for tokens and tickets. The “Winner’s Circle” is where people can redeem tickets won from the games for things like Dave & Buster’s cups, shot glasses, candy and other prizes. They have a handful of draft beers, including popular domestics, and New South, Palmetto, Stella Artois, Dos Equis, Guinness and Angry Orchard.

But the complex wants to be most known for its signature cocktails, like the strawberry and watermelon margarita, which has frozen strawberry ice cubes in it, South of the Border Sangria and Backwoods Blueberry Lemonade. A base offering on the cocktail menu can be found at http://www.daveandbusters.com/eat-drink/drink.

Its summer hours are 10 a.m.-midnight Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and happy hour from 4-7 p.m. Monday through Friday with various specials.

Burroughs and Chapin owns the property where Dave & Buster’s is housed.

“They’ve done such an amazing job to build this unique spot,” Carr said.

“There’s a ton of excitement …,” Carr said. “We’re the perfect end cap to [The Avenue] and all the different entertainment venues that are nearby.”

This story was originally published June 1, 2017 at 2:28 PM with the headline "Dave and Buster’s to bring a new game venue to town Monday."