Dave & Buster's opens new Oakland location in Jack London Square

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Dave & Buster's, a national chain of entertainment venues that combines a restaurant, sports-bar atmosphere and a large arcade under one roof -- has opened its latest location on Oakland's waterfront on Monday.

The grand opening kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and gifted the first 100 guests with free unlimited video game play for the day.

Gabriela Alonso, a San Francisco resident who made the trip across the Bay Bridge and was among the first in line among dozens who waited for their doors to open, said he thinks the new restaurant will bring more crowds and business to Oakland.

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The restaurant and arcade's general manager said the new location is also expected to boost local employment.

"We hired 155 of the most talented Oakland people to bring the fun to the city. This is going to bring good times, a place to distract and a safe place to have fun," said Gil Sumlin, general manager of Dave & Buster's at Jack London Square.

Leaders in the area say the business could help attract more visitors.

"We have an incredible waterfront in downtown Oakland. It is accessible by train, by BART and by foot and it is another amazing reason to come down here," said Savlan Hauser, executive director of the Jack London Improvement District.

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The opening comes as a new state law that took effect this year lifted long-standing use restrictions at Jack London Square.

City leaders say removing those barriers could allow more types of businesses to move into the area.

"It opens the door for several different opportunities," said Oakland City Council Member Carroll Fife, who represents District 3.

"Before, there were several restrictions on the types of businesses that could be in Jack London. Food was already here. We're looking for more opportunities for people to recreate."

This is the 6th Bay Area Dave & Buster's location, with the others being in Concord, Daly City, Fairfield, Milpitas and Santa Rosa.