WOODBRIDGE — Dave & Buster’s is coming to New Jersey. The only question left now is where the first Skee-Ball game will roll.
Woodbridge announced Thursday the township would be home to the state’s first venue, which blends an amusement, restaurant and bar environment.
However, last August Wayne officials made the same claim.
Construction is slated to start this month in the 34,000-square-feet space, replacing the upper-level of Sears in Woodbridge. The Wayne location, which is also the top floor of a Sears, is reportedly set to undergo renovations sometime in the first quarter.
Mayor John E. McCormac said the Woodbridge Center would open in November, while the Wayne spot could open during the last three months of the year.
Dave & Buster’s did not return calls for comment.
The opening of the Texas-based chain in New Jersey was made possible by legislation signed by Gov. Chris Christie two years ago lifting the 56-year ban on the pairing of alcohol sales and amusement games.
The ban didn’t apply to casino or video games but restricted the businesses that gave away tickets for prizes for games, such as Skee-Ball. Dave & Buster’s lobbied for years to get the law changed.
“The arrival of Dave & Buster’s solidifies Woodbridge Township as the innovative and dynamic destination to explore entertainment, dining and shopping well into the future,” McCormac said.
Wayne announced last summer the township had begun preliminary work to allow the business to open up at Willowbrook Mall. A few months later, building’s owner, Seritage Growth Properties, had its $21-million renovation project approved by the local planning board.
Dave & Buster’s currently has 93 locations across the country including three in the Philadelphia area and one in New York City.
Craig McCarthy may be reached at CMcCarthy@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @createcraig and on Facebook here. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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