Port of Oakland Welcomes Dave & Buster’s to Oakland’s Jack London Square

May 4, 2026

As the national brand arrives, Port celebrates 2025’s SB 304, which expanded opportunities for diverse and community-focused businesses

Oakland, Calif. – May 4, 2026: Today, the Port of Oakland celebrates the opening of Dave & Buster’s at 55 Harrison Street in Jack London Square. This is an important milestone in the district’s revitalization. Dave & Buster’s will attract a diverse range of visitors and serve as a catalyst for ongoing enjoyment at this iconic waterfront space through dining, entertainment, and sports viewing.

In 2025, the California Legislature passed SB 304 to jump-start the revitalization of Jack London Square. This bill lifted restrictive maritime and visitor-serving rules on waterfront, Port-owned properties.

Starting in 2026, the Port now has new flexibility to fill waterfront spaces with local-serving businesses such as grocery stores, salons, gyms, and makerspaces. These everyday community amenities will sustain steady, year-round foot traffic, support local entrepreneurs, and keep visitor excitement high.

Port of Oakland Executive Director Kristi McKenney said, “Today’s celebration is a milestone for building the future of Oakland’s waterfront. Dave & Busters will increase the opportunities to attract new investment and jobs, and help transform the properties back into a lively, inclusive area that reflects the energy and diversity of Oakland and the surrounding communities.”

Current anchor and popular tenants at Jack London Square include Plank, a large waterfront bar, restaurant, and bowling/arcade venue; Scott’s Seafood, a long-established bayfront seafood restaurant; Yoshi’s, the renowned jazz club and Japanese restaurant; Rosenblum Cellars, a waterfront tasting room and wine bar; and Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine, a cornerstone of the district’s vibrant and flavorful dining scene.

Jack London Square continues to serve as a vital community hub, including major regional traditions such as Oakland’s annual Christmas tree lighting and even hosting Mayor Barbara Lee’s inaugural celebration. The Square hosts these events through its seamless connectivity, with convenient ferry and transit access.

McKenney added, “Decades of investment and reimagining Jack London Square have paved the way for an exciting future at Jack London Square. Together with great tenants, we are reimagining the waterfront as a thriving, year-round district for the Oakland community and the entire Bay Area region.”

About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland generates vital economic activity, community benefits, and environmental innovation as it decarbonizes its operations for a cleaner and greener future. Along with its partners, the Port supports more than 98,000 regional jobs and $174 billion in annual economic activity. The Port oversees the Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK), the Oakland Seaport, and nearly 20 miles of waterfront, including Jack London Square, and a publicly owned utility. The Port of Oakland is Everyone’s Port! Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport through Facebook and Twitter or with the Port on LinkedIn, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.