Arcade open for business, excitement at Eastwood Mall

Dave & Buster’s holds grand opening at Eastwood Mall

By: Chris McBride

NILES — The lights were flashing, the games were humming and the smell of excitement filled the air as Dave & Buster’s officially opened its doors Monday inside the former Dillard’s department store at the Eastwood Mall.

A father-son duo, James Rounds and his son, James, who usually make the hour-long drive to Akron for their Dave & Buster’s fix, were thrilled to have a location closer to their Youngstown home.

“We only go on Wednesdays because that’s their half-off day,” Rounds said. “But now that it’s here, we’ll probably come once or twice a month. It’s a game-changer.”

The new venue, which opened its doors to a crowd of eager visitors, is part of Dave & Buster’s nationwide expansion. It features more than 100 arcade games, a chef-curated menu and private “Social Bays” equipped with digital darts, shuffleboard and giant TVs for sports fans.

For Rounds, the opening brought back memories of the mall from earlier days.

“I remember coming here when I was younger, back when it had Kahunaville,” he said. “This feels like bringing that energy back, but with a modern twist. It’s a place where my kid can have fun, and I can hang out with my buddies to watch a game or grab a drink.”

The younger James was all smiles as he talked about his favorite games.

“I like the ones where you collect cards and get bonuses,” he said. His dad chimed in, “I’m the one who got him hooked on those. We’ve already got about 7,000 points saved up from our trips to Akron.”

The Rounds family wasn’t alone in their excitement.

Shawna Fiona of Girard brought her son and boyfriend to experience the new spot.

“There’s not much to do around here, so this is perfect,” she said. “It’s fun for both kids and adults.”

Nick Hayes of Boardman and Nadia Fountain of Youngstown made the trip to check out the new location.

“We’ve driven an hour to another Dave & Buster’s before, so having one closer is awesome,” Hayes said.

The couple, who have been together for four years, said they’ll likely make the venue a regular stop for date nights.

When it comes to the games, the couple’s competitive side takes center stage.

Hayes enjoys air hockey and basketball, while Fountain likes the axe-throwing game.

Kristen Harrison, general manager, said the community’s enthusiasm has been overwhelming.

“People have been stopping us everywhere we go, asking when we’re opening,” she said. “We’ve got something for everyone — birthday parties, sports watch parties, even private events in our Social Bays.”

“We can customize the experience for anything, birthday parties, anniversaries, or even fantasy football drafts,” Harrison said. “We’ve got a special events manager who can create packages tailored to what people want.”

She also said the venue appeals to all ages.

“We’re not just for kids or just for adults. We’ve got something for everyone,” Harrison said. “Whether it’s a family outing, a date night, or a group of friends watching the big game, we want to be the place where people come to have fun.”

The venue’s impact on the mall is expected to be significant.

Johnny Chechitelli, director of marketing and communications for the Eastwood Mall, said nearby tenants are already anticipating a boost in foot traffic.

“We’ve had other stores asking for months when Dave & Buster’s would open,” he said. “It’s going to bring a lot of energy to this side of the mall.”

“In today’s world, where people are glued to streaming services, video games, and social media, it’s crucial to offer a space where the community can come together,” he said.

For James Rounds and his son, the new Dave & Buster’s is more than just an arcade — it’s a place to bond.

“It’s like the Chuck E. Cheese for adults and teens,” Rounds said, “We’ll definitely be coming back. It’s a win for everyone.”