New CEO Darin Harper has stopped pointing to the wider economy as the source of Dave & Buster’s problems. Instead, he deliberately omitted macro headwinds from his remarks at the start of a call with analysts this week. Harper said the chain simply needs to execute better, noting that same-store sales declined for the 14th straight quarter. His priorities include a streamlined marketing message, more appealing games and prizes, and more consistent operations.
Last month saw Harper promoted to CEO, and since then, the chain has brought in a fresh leadership team to support the change.
KFC’s Free Bucket Offer
KFC has launched a new wings promotion aimed directly at Wingstop. Starting Sept. 21, the fast-food chicken chain is giving away a free 10-piece bucket of its Double Crispy Hot Wings for a limited time, timed to the beginning of football season. To get the free bucket along with two sauces, customers need to place a digital order of at least $15.
The promotion has no limited spots, which is a deliberate choice meant to show that we’re not Wingstop’s recent Wing Pass promotion that featured just 100 passes and sold out within minutes. The message is simple: we’. Our deal is open to everyone, just as the company made clear.
Chicken Thrives While Chains Struggle
The wider outlook for the industry remains poor. Sales at the top 500 chain restaurants slowed once more in 2025, with customers reducing their dining out. However, certain sectors bucked the trend: coffee, beverages and snacks, and chicken all prospered. The gap between those performers and the chains suffering stands out sharply.
Toast’s point-of-sale data reveals that chicken wings lead all game day food orders in NFL cities during the season, with Sunday sales up by 25%.
Shark Club’s Second U.S. Location
The Shark Club opened its second U.S. outlet last month in Northlake, Texas. The venue is recognized for its many screens and an upgraded menu, and the chain sees room for a concept that blends a sports bar with a more refined casual-eating atmosphere.
Northland Properties, a Vancouver-based company that runs hotels and restaurants such as Moxies, owns Shark Club. Moxies is another Canadian brand that has made its way into the United States.
The Free Bucket vs. the Limited Pass
The crux of KFC’s promotion is the comparison it draws. Wingstop’s Wing Pass had just 100 passes and sold out within minutes. KFC’s free bucket has no limited spots.
That’s a direct shot at Wingstop’s model. KFC is saying its deal is fairer because it doesn’t ration access.
The NFL Season Timing
The offer lasts until Sept. 21, matching the football calendar. According to Toast’s numbers, fans in NFL markets order chicken wings more than any other game day dish during the season, with Sunday orders up by 25%.
Football fans are already stocking up on more wings. KFC is presenting itself as the convenient choice.
The Canadian Expansion Play
Northlake, Texas, is home to Shark Club’s second U.S. location, a modest expansion for the chain. The property owner, Northland Properties, also operates Moxies, a Canadian brand that is itself gaining ground in America.
The Economy Is Not the Enemy
Harper’s decision to leave macro headwinds out of his remarks signals a shift at Dave & Buster’s. Instead of blaming the broader economy, he pointed to execution.
A notable stance, indeed. Instead of acting like other CEOs when sales fall short, he is taking a different approach.
What We Watch Next
Whether these moves pay off remains to be seen. The new leadership team at Dave & Buster’s faces a long road ahead, following 14 consecutive quarters of declining same-store sales.
KFC’s free bucket promotion will test whether unlimited spots beat limited ones. Shark Club’s Northlake location will show whether the U.S. market wants its model.
While the industry faces difficulties across many areas, one sector is doing well: chicken.
The promotion from KFC takes aim at Wingstop, and it counts on a public that can tell a limited pass apart from an open offer. The NFL season serves as the setting for the campaign.
Brands are finding opportunities where other companies fall short. Here’s how each is positioning itself:
- KFC offers a free bucket of Double Crispy Hot Wings with no limited spots.
- Wingstop’s Wing Pass offered just 100 passes and sold out within minutes.
- Shark Club’s Northlake location blends a sports bar with a refined casual-eating atmosphere.
- Dave & Buster’s CEO Darin Harper is focusing on execution instead of blaming the economy.
The NFL season serves as the setting for the campaign.
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